die  Terrasse

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/tɛˈʁasə/

🌳 What Exactly is a Terrasse?

The German word die Terrasse (noun, feminine) primarily refers to a level, often paved or decked area outdoors, directly adjoining a building (usually a house or restaurant) and used for recreation. It is typically not roofed or only partially covered (e.g., by an awning).

Sometimes the term is also used in landscaping for step-like areas built on a slope (e.g., Weinterrassen - wine terraces).

• Main meaning: A level outdoor area next to a house, often for sitting and relaxing (terrace, patio).
• Secondary meaning: A stepped cultivation area on slopes.

🚨 Attention: Do not confuse it with a Balkon (which is usually on an upper floor and 'floats' above the ground) or a Veranda (which is often roofed and part of the building structure).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Die Terrasse

The word "Terrasse" is a feminine noun. Therefore, the article is always die.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Im Sommer frühstücken wir gerne auf der Terrasse. (In summer, we like to have breakfast on the terrace.)
2. Die neue Wohnung hat eine große Dachterrasse mit tollem Ausblick. (The new apartment has a large roof terrace with a great view.)
3. Das Café hat eine gemütliche Terrasse zur Straße hin. (The café has a cozy terrace facing the street.)
4. An den steilen Hängen des Rheins sieht man viele Weinterrassen. (On the steep slopes of the Rhine, you can see many wine terraces.)

💡 Everyday Use: When to use 'Terrasse'?

The term "Terrasse" is frequently used in contexts related to housing, gastronomy, and leisure.

• At Home: People talk about their own Terrasse in the garden or the Dachterrasse (roof terrace). "Wir grillen heute Abend auf der Terrasse." (We're having a barbecue on the terrace tonight.)
• Gastronomy: Cafés and restaurants often advertise their (Sonnen-)Terrasse ((sun) terrace). "Suchen wir uns ein Café mit Terrasse?" (Should we look for a café with a terrace?)
• Landscaping: In connection with agriculture or garden design on slopes. "Die Terrassen ermöglichen den Anbau von Wein in Steillagen." (The terraces allow wine cultivation on steep slopes.)

Distinction from similar terms:

• Balkon: Elevated, protrudes from the building.
• Veranda: Often roofed, sometimes glazed, more integrated into the house structure.
• Patio: Often an inner courtyard, but can also be used synonymously with Terrasse (especially inspired by Spanish usage).

🧠 Mnemonics for Terrasse

Article Mnemonic (die): Many feminine German nouns end in -e, like die Terrasse. Imagine an elegant lady having tea (sounds like 'die') on the Terrasse.

Meaning Mnemonic: Think of "Terra" (Latin for Earth). A Terrasse is often level with the earth or ground floor, a place close to the earth.

🔄 Similar & Different: Synonyms and Antonyms

😄 A Little Terrace Joke

Warum nehmen Skelette keine Sonnenbäder auf der Terrasse?

Weil sie keine Haut haben, die sie riskieren könnten! 😉

(Why don't skeletons sunbathe on the terrace? Because they have no skin in the game!)

📜 A Poem about the Terrasse

Die Terrasse, sonnenwarm und breit,
Ein Platz für Ruhe, weit und breit.
Mit Tisch und Stuhl, ein Kaffeeduft,
Man atmet tief die Sommerluft.
Hier lacht man, plaudert, träumt so gern,
Dem Alltag für Momente fern.

(The terrace, sun-warm and wide,
A place for peace, far and wide.
With table, chair, a coffee scent,
One breathes the summer air, heaven-sent.
Here one laughs, chats, dreams with delight,
Far from everyday life, just for a moment's flight.)

❓ Terrace Riddle

Ich lieg am Haus, doch bin kein Raum,
Bin oft gepflastert, wie ein Traum.
Im Sommer sitzest du gern hier,
Mit kühlem Drink und gutem Bier.

Was bin ich?

(I'm attached to the house, but not a room,
Often paved, chasing away the gloom.
In summer, you like to sit here,
With a cool drink and a good beer.

What am I?)

Solution: Die Terrasse (The terrace/patio)

🧐 More Tidbits

Word Origin: The word "Terrasse" comes from French (terrasse), which in turn derives from Vulgar Latin *terracea* (earthy, consisting of earth), derived from Latin terra (earth).

Compounds: There are many compound words (Komposita) with "Terrasse", for example:

• Dachterrasse (roof terrace)
• Sonnenterrasse (sun terrace)
• Terrassenmöbel (terrace furniture)
• Terrassenwohnung (apartment with a terrace)
• Terrassentür (terrace door / patio door)
• Weinterrasse (wine terrace)