Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schrank | /ʃʁaŋk/ | masculine |
| Wandschrank | /ˈvantˌʃʁaŋk/ | masculine |
| Kasten | /ˈkastn̩/ | masculine |
| Schrein | /ʃʁaɪ̯n/ | masculine |
| Aktenschrank | /ˈaktn̩ˌʃʁaŋk/ | masculine |
| Gehäuse | /ɡəˈhɔʏ̯zə/ | neuter |
| Schubladenschrank | masculine | |
| Vitrine | /vɪˈtʁiːnə/ /vi-/ |
feminine |
| Glasschrank | masculine | |
| Kasterl | /ˈkastɐl/ | neuter |
Schrank serves as a general term for storage furniture. Depending on the specific type of cabinet, other words are more precise: Aktenschrank for a file cabinet, Weinschrank for a wine cabinet and Aufbewahrungsschrank for a storage cabinet. If you are referring to the technical 'cabinet' or 'housing' of a machine or an electronic device, use the neuter form Gehäuse.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Wandschrank is a compound made of Wand (wall) and Schrank (cabinet). The word Aktenschrank is a compound of Akten (files/records) and Schrank (cabinet).
Which one should you use?
While Schrank is a general term for any storage cabinet, Vitrine specifically refers to a display cabinet with glass doors. For a more specialized term, you might use Einbauschrank for a built-in wardrobe or Schubladenschrank for a cabinet with drawers.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern German dialects and Austria, you may hear the word Kasterl, which is a diminutive form of Kasten used to mean a little cabinet or cupboard.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Schrank is Schränke.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃʁaŋk/
Did you know?
- The German word Schrank originally meant a barrier or a grid rather than a piece of furniture. It evolved from the idea of something that blocks or confines a space.
- While Vitrine means a display cabinet, it is a loanword from French, reflecting the historical influence of French luxury on German furniture terms.
- While the English word 'cabinet' can refer to a group of political advisors, the German word Schrank is strictly used for physical storage objects. You would not use it to discuss a government cabinet.
Examples in context
- Tom ging zum Aktenschrank.Tom walked over to the filing cabinet.This sentence shows the use of Aktenschrank.Tatoeba #1872922 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1872437 by CK
- Die Tischdecke ist im Schrank.The tablecloth is in the cabinet.This sentence shows the use of Schrank.Tatoeba #602843 by Dejo, translation #39640 by CK
- Die Aktenschrankschubladen sind offen.The file cabinet drawers are open.Tatoeba #1599409 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #34420 by CK
- KüchenschrankKitchen cabinet
- BadschrankBathroom cabinet
- KleiderschrankWardrobe
- Kannst du bitte das Handtuch in den Badschrank legen?Can you please put the towel in the bathroom cabinet?
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Julian are organizing their living room.
- SarahWo ist die neue Vase?Where is the new vase?
- JulianSie steht im Schrank dort drüben.It is in the cabinet over there.
- SarahIch kann sie dort nicht finden.I cannot find it there.
- JulianSchau mal hinter die anderen Sachen im Schrank.Look behind the other things in the cabinet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cabinet” translations and entries Schrank, Wandschrank, Kasten, Schrein, Aktenschrank, Gehäuse, Vitrine, Kasterl, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kasten, Schrank, Schrein, Wandschrank, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
