die  Laube

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈlaʊbə/

🌳 What exactly is a 'Laube'?

Die Laube (noun, feminine) generally refers to a small, often open or partially open structure in a garden or park, inviting people to linger. It can take various forms:

• A Gartenhaus (garden shed) or Gartenhütte (garden hut), often simply built, used for storing tools or as a small retreat (common in Schrebergärten - allotment gardens).
• A Laubengang (bower) or Pergola, meaning a walkway or space covered by climbing plants (like grapevines or roses) providing shade.

The term derives from Laub (foliage), indicating the original covering or surrounding with leaves. ⚠️ Attention: A Laube is usually smaller and simpler than a Pavillon (pavilion).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar of 'die Laube' in Detail

The noun 'Laube' is feminine. The article is die. Here is the declension:

Example Sentences 💡

1. Im Sommer sitzen wir gerne in unserer Laube im Garten. (In summer, we like to sit in our bower/garden shed in the garden.)
2. Die alte Laube braucht dringend einen neuen Anstrich. (The old bower/shed urgently needs a new coat of paint.)
3. Im Schrebergartenverein hat fast jeder eine kleine Laube. (In the allotment garden association, almost everyone has a small shed/bower.)
4. Der Wein rankt sich malerisch um die Laube. (The vine climbs picturesquely around the bower.)

Everyday Usage: When to say 'Laube'? 🤔

The term die Laube is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Schrebergärten/Kleingärten (Allotment gardens): Here, 'Laube' is often the standard word for the small house on the plot.
• Private Gardens: For simple garden sheds or covered seating areas, especially if they are somewhat older or rustic.
• Parks and historic sites: For vine-covered bowers or romantic, small garden structures.

Difference to similar words:

• Gartenhaus (Garden house/shed): Can be larger and more solid than a typical Laube, often also used for overnight stays. 'Laube' often sounds cozier or simpler.
• Pavillon (Pavilion): Is usually freestanding, often more representative and architecturally elaborate than a Laube.
• Pergola: Primarily refers to the open structure (often columns with crossbeams) for climbing plants, but can also form a bower-like seating area.

Usage might vary slightly depending on the region.

Memory Aids for 'Laube' 🧠

Mnemonic for the article 'die': Many feminine German nouns end in '-e', like 'die Laube'. Think of a she-shed - it's 'die' Laube!

Mnemonic for the meaning: Imagine laub (foliage) 🌿 covering the roof or climbing the walls – that's the Laube, a place to lounge (sounds a bit like Laube?) among the leaves.

Word Family: Similar & Opposite Terms 🔄

Watch out for similar-sounding words

• Leib (der): Body. Sounds vaguely similar but unrelated.
• Lauge (die): Lye/alkaline solution.

A Little 'Laube' Joke 😄

Warum nehmen Gärtner immer einen Stift mit in die Laube?
Damit sie ihre Gedanken aufschreiben können, wenn sie mal wieder im Grünen sind!

Translation:
Why do gardeners always take a pen into the garden shed (Laube)?
So they can write down their thoughts when they are 'in the green' (idiom for being outdoors/in nature) again!

Poem about the 'Laube' 📜

Im Garten, klein und fein,
steht die Laube, sonnenschein.
Von Efeu sanft umrankt,
ein Plätzchen, das uns dankt.

Hier ruh'n wir aus vom Tag,
vergessen Müh' und Plag'.
Die Laube, alt und traut,
hat uns schon oft erbaut.

Translation:
In the garden, small and fine,
stands the bower, sunshine.
By ivy gently entwined,
a little spot that thanks us (or: for which we are thankful).

Here we rest from the day,
forgetting toil and fray.
The bower, old and dear,
has often built us up here (or: pleased us).

'Laube' Riddle 🤔

Ich steh' im Garten, oft aus Holz gemacht,
hab' manchmal Fenster, bin für Ruh' erdacht.
Mal bin ich Hütte, mal von Grün umrankt,
ein Ort zum Sitzen, allen wohlbekannt.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I stand in the garden, often made of wood,
Sometimes have windows, conceived for quietude.
Sometimes I'm a hut, sometimes by green entwined,
A place for sitting, well-known to all mankind.

What am I?

Solution: Die Laube (The bower/garden shed)

Other Interesting Facts 🤓

Etymology: The word 'Laube' comes from the Middle High German word 'loube', which originally referred to an open passageway or porch covered with foliage. It is directly related to the word 'Laub' (foliage).

Cultural Significance: Especially in Germany, the Laube in a Schrebergarten (allotment garden) has a long tradition and symbolizes relaxation, connection with nature, and a piece of private greenery within the city.