Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Gebäude | /ɡəˈbɔɪ̯də/ | neuter |
| Bau | /baʊ̯/ | masculine |
The term refers to a closed structure with walls and a roof. While Gebäude is the general term for a physical structure, other words may be more specific: Bauwerk is used for architectural structures like monuments or bridges, Immobilie refers to a building in the context of real estate or rental agreements and Gebäudekomplex describes a building complex.
What does it mean word for word?
The neuter noun Gebäude is derived from the verb bauen, which means to build.
Which one should you use?
Use Gebäude to refer to the physical structure itself. In contrast, Bau often refers to the construction process or a specific type of structure, such as a construction site or a temporary building.
How does it change in a sentence?
The neuter noun Gebäude has a plural form that is identical to its singular form. The masculine noun Bau has the plural form Bauten.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈbɔɪ̯də/
Did you know?
- The word Bau is used in German to describe a burrow or den, such as a fox's hole in the ground.
- The plural form Bauten actually comes from a related Low German word Bude, rather than being a direct plural of Bau.
Examples in context
- Tom ist im Gebäude.Tom is in the building.This sentence shows how to use the form Gebäude to indicate someone is inside a structure.Tatoeba #2768686 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2645866 by CK
- Ich baue eine Mauer.I am building a wall.This sentence uses the form Bau to describe the act of constructing a wall.Tatoeba #1714355 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1664441 by Amastan
- Wir bauen eine Brücke.We are building a bridge.This sentence uses the form Bau to describe the act of constructing a bridge.Tatoeba #1709467 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1700573 by Amastan
- Das Gebäude ist sehr modernThe building is very modern
- Dieses Bauwerk ist ein beeindruckendes KunstwerkThis building is an impressive piece of art
- Lass uns ins Gebäude gehenLet's go into the building
- Wir treffen uns vor dem gelben HausWe're meeting in front of the yellow building
- Da wird ein neuer Bau errichtetA new building is being constructed over there
- Ein schönes GebäudeA beautiful building, singular
- Zwei alte GebäudeTwo old buildings, plural
- 471 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are standing on a street looking at a construction site.
- LukasDieses Gebäude sieht modern aus.This building looks modern.
- HannahJa, Lukas, es gefällt mir.Yes, Lukas, I like it.
- LukasWann ist das Gebäude fertig?When will the building be finished?
- HannahIch weiß es nicht genau.I don't know exactly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “building” translations and entries Gebäude, Bau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bau, Gebäude, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
