die
Reservierung
❓ What exactly is a 'Reservierung'?
Die Reservierung (noun, feminine) refers to the act of setting aside or booking something for a specific person or purpose at a specific time. It's essentially a binding promise that, for example, a seat, a room, a table, or a service will be kept available for someone.
Think of it as a way to secure what you want, whether it's a seat on a plane ✈️, a hotel room 🏨, or a table at your favorite restaurant 🍽️.
Since 'Reservierung' ends in -ung, the article is always die. This is a very helpful rule in German! 👍 Remember: nouns ending in -ung are feminine.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-ung → always feminine.
There are many -ung words, we won't list them all. There are only a few exceptions.
🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Reservierung
The word "Reservierung" is a feminine noun. Here are the declension tables:
Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die Reservierung | eine Reservierung (a reservation) |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der Reservierung | einer Reservierung (of a reservation) |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der Reservierung | einer Reservierung (to/for a reservation) |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die Reservierung | eine Reservierung (a reservation) |
Plural
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Reservierungen | Reservierungen / keine Reservierungen (reservations / no reservations) |
| Genitive | der Reservierungen | Reservierungen / keiner Reservierungen (of reservations / of no reservations) |
| Dative | den Reservierungen | Reservierungen / keinen Reservierungen (to/for reservations / to/for no reservations) |
| Accusative | die Reservierungen | Reservierungen / keine Reservierungen (reservations / no reservations) |
💡 Example Sentences
- Ich möchte bitte eine Reservierung für zwei Personen heute Abend machen.
(I would like to make a reservation for two people tonight, please.) - Haben Sie eine Bestätigung Ihrer Reservierung erhalten?
(Did you receive a confirmation of your reservation?) - Die Stornierung der Reservierung ist bis 24 Stunden vorher kostenlos.
(The cancellation of the reservation is free of charge up to 24 hours beforehand.) - Wir haben mehrere Reservierungen für das Wochenende.
(We have several reservations for the weekend.)
🎯 Usage in Context: When do you need a 'Reservierung'?
The term die Reservierung is commonly used in the following situations:
- Gastronomy: Tischreservierung (table reservation) in a restaurant.
- Hospitality: Zimmerreservierung (room reservation) in a hotel or guesthouse.
- Travel: Sitzplatzreservierung (seat reservation) on a train or plane, booking rental cars.
- Events: Kartenreservierung (ticket reservation) for concerts, theatre, or cinema.
- Services: Sometimes for appointments (Terminreservierung), like at the doctor's or hairdresser's, although 'Termin' (appointment) is often preferred here.
Difference from "Buchung" (Booking): Often, "Reservierung" and "Buchung" are used synonymously. However, a "Buchung" is generally more binding and often involves a direct (down) payment (e.g., Flugbuchung - flight booking), while a "Reservierung" can sometimes be just a preliminary hold (e.g., Tischreservierung, which can often be cancelled on short notice).
Important: Having a Reservierung doesn't always guarantee 100% availability. Overbooking can occur, especially with flights and hotels ⚠️.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Remembering the Article 'die':
Words ending in -ung in German are almost always feminine. Think of other examples like die Zeitung (newspaper), die Wohnung (apartment), die Rechnung (bill)... and of course, die Reservierung! Just remember the "-ung = feminine" rule.
Remembering the Meaning:
The word contains "reservier-", which sounds very similar to the English "reserve". You are reserving something. Imagine you are serving yourself (Re-servier-ung) a spot by securing it in advance. 🍽️➡️📌
↔️ Synonyms, Antonyms & Similar Words
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Die Buchung: (Booking) Often synonymous, sometimes more binding (see Usage).
- Die Vormerkung: (Hold, preliminary booking) More like a non-binding note, less formal than a Reservierung.
- Die Platzreservierung/Tischreservierung/Zimmerreservierung: (Seat/table/room reservation) More specific types.
- Die Belegung: (Occupancy) Refers more to the state of being reserved/occupied.
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
- Die Stornierung / Der Storno: (Cancellation) The act of cancelling a reservation.
- Die Absage: (Refusal, cancellation) Informing that you won't use the reservation.
⚠️ Watch Out for Similar Words:
😂 A Little Fun
DE: Fragt der Ober den Gast: "Hatten Sie eine Reservierung?" Antwortet der Gast: "Nein, hatten Sie eine Ahnung, dass ich komme?"
EN: The waiter asks the guest: "Did you have a reservation?" The guest replies: "No, did you have a clue I was coming?"
✍️ Little Poem about 'Reservierung'
DE:
Ein Anruf schnell, ganz ohne Zierung,
Ich brauch' für Freitag die Reservierung.
Ein Tisch für zwei, bei Kerzenschein,
So soll der Abend gemütlich sein.
Der Platz ist sicher, welch ein Glück,
Ich freu' mich auf das beste Stück!
EN:
A quick call, without adornment true,
I need for Friday the Reservierung (reservation) new.
A table for two, by candlelight's gleam,
So the evening shall be a cozy dream.
The spot is secured, what fortunate bliss,
I look forward to the best piece, like a kiss!
🧩 Who or What am I?
DE:
Ich halte dir den Platz gern frei,
im Restaurant, im Zug, im Ei... nein, das war Spaß!
Du rufst mich an, schreibst eine Mail,
damit dein Wunsch wird nicht zum Fail.
Bist du dann da, ist alles klar,
ich war schon vor dir für dich da.
(Lösung: die Reservierung)
EN:
I gladly keep the place for you,
In restaurants, on trains, it's true... (not in an egg, that was a joke!)
You call me up, or write an email,
So that your wish does not fail.
When you arrive, it's clear and bright,
I was there for you, before your sight.
(Answer: die Reservierung / the reservation)
✨ More Interesting Facts
Word Formation:
The word "Reservierung" is derived from the verb reservieren (to reserve). This verb originates from the Latin word reservare, which means “to keep back”, “to retain”, or “to set aside”.
Internationality:
The concept, and often a similar word (Reservation, réservation, prenotazione, etc.), exists in many languages, making international understanding easier.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Reservierung?
The German word "Reservierung" is always feminine. Therefore, the correct article is die Reservierung. It means 'reservation' or 'booking' – the act of securing a place, room, or service in advance.
