die  Raumtemperatur

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁaʊ̯m.tɛmpəʁaˌtuːɐ̯/

🌡️ What does 'die Raumtemperatur' mean?

Die Raumtemperatur means room temperature. It refers to the temperature prevailing inside an enclosed space or room. It's often considered a comfortable temperature for humans, typically between 20°C and 22°C (68°F and 72°F). The term is frequently used in everyday life, in technical descriptions (e.g., for appliances or food), and in scientific contexts.

It is a compound noun formed from der Raum (room, space) and die Temperatur (temperature). Since the base word 'Temperatur' is feminine (die Temperatur), the compound word 'Raumtemperatur' is also feminine (die Raumtemperatur).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'die Raumtemperatur' in Detail

The noun 'die Raumtemperatur' is feminine. It is declined as follows:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die ideale Raumtemperatur im Wohnzimmer liegt bei etwa 21 Grad Celsius.
   (The ideal room temperature in the living room is about 21 degrees Celsius.)
2. Manche Medikamente müssen bei Raumtemperatur gelagert werden.
   (Some medications must be stored at room temperature.)
3. Wegen der hohen Außentemperaturen stieg auch die Raumtemperatur unangenehm an.
   (Due to the high outside temperatures, the room temperature also rose uncomfortably.)
4. Der Wein sollte Raumtemperatur haben, bevor er serviert wird.
   (The wine should be at room temperature before serving. (Although this often means approx. 18°C / 64°F!))

💡 How to Use 'Raumtemperatur'

The term 'Raumtemperatur' is used in various contexts:

• Living Comfort: Describing the temperature in living or working spaces. (Example: "Bitte heizen Sie den Raum auf eine angenehme Raumtemperatur." - "Please heat the room to a comfortable room temperature.")
• Cooking & Food: Information on storing or preparing food and drinks. (Example: "Lassen Sie die Butter auf Raumtemperatur kommen." - "Let the butter come to room temperature.") ⚠️ Note: For wine, 'Raumtemperatur' historically often means around 16-18°C (61-64°F), not the modern 20-22°C (68-72°F).
• Science & Technology: Standard condition for experiments or technical data. (Example: "Die Messung erfolgte bei Raumtemperatur und Normaldruck." - "The measurement was carried out at room temperature and standard pressure.")
• Health: Storage of medicines or description of body conditions. (Example: "Lagern Sie das Medikament bei Raumtemperatur." - "Store the medicine at room temperature.")

It's a very specific term, clearly distinct from Außentemperatur (outside temperature), Körpertemperatur (body temperature), or Kühlschranktemperatur (refrigerator temperature).

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Raumtemperatur'

For the article 'die': Think of die Temperatur (the temperature). Since 'Temperatur' is the last word in 'Raumtemperatur' and is feminine, 'Raumtemperatur' is also feminine: die Temperatur in the Raum = die Raumtemperatur.

For the meaning: Imagine a cozy Raum (room) with a Thermometer hanging inside, measuring the current warmth – the temperature in the room (Raumtemperatur).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar, but Different Terms

• Lufttemperatur: (Air temperature) Can refer to inside or outside air.
• Betriebstemperatur: (Operating temperature) The temperature range within which a device functions safely.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der eine Eiswürfel den anderen: "Warum schmilzt du denn so langsam?"
Sagt der andere: "Keine Ahnung, hier drinnen herrscht wohl nur Raumtemperatur!"

(One ice cube asks the other: "Why are you melting so slowly?"
The other says: "I don't know, I guess it's just room temperature in here!")

📜 Poem about Room Temperature

Nicht zu heiß und nicht zu kalt,
im Zimmer hat sie ihren Halt.
Die Heizung sorgt, das Fenster wacht,
dass sie uns Wohlbehagen macht.
Für Mensch und Pflanze ist sie gut,
die Raumtemperatur gibt neuen Mut.

(Not too hot and not too cold,
in the room, its place unfolds.
The heating works, the window keeps watch,
ensuring comfort, oh so much.
For people, plants, it brings delight,
the room temperature makes spirits bright.)

❓ Riddle

Ich bin nicht draußen, ich bin drin,
bin weder Anfang noch Beginn.
Mal bin ich warm, mal etwas kühl,
geb' dir im Zimmer ein Gefühl.
Man misst mich oft in Grad Celsius fein,
was mag ich wohl nur sein?

(I'm not outside, I am within,
I'm neither start nor origin.
Sometimes I'm warm, sometimes slightly cool,
I give a feeling inside your room's rule.
Measured often in Celsius fine,
What could I possibly be, this sign?)

Solution: die Raumtemperatur (room temperature)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition

The word 'Raumtemperatur' is a compound noun (Kompositum) consisting of:

• der Raum: Here meaning an enclosed area, usually a room.
• die Temperatur: Temperature, a measure of warmth or coldness.

The gender of the compound noun is determined by the last element (Grundwortregel - base word rule), which is 'die Temperatur' (feminine), thus 'die Raumtemperatur' is feminine.

Trivia

• The "standard room temperature" in science (STP - Standard Temperature and Pressure) is often defined as 20°C (293.15 K) or sometimes 25°C (298.15 K).
• The recommended Raumtemperatur for bedrooms is often lower, around 16-18°C (61-64°F).