Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Schornstein | /ˈʃɔʁnˌʃtaɪ̯n/ | masculine |
| Kamin | /kaˈmiːn/ | masculine |
| Esse | /ˈɛsə/ | feminine |
| Schlot | /ʃloːt/ | masculine |
| Rauchfang | masculine |
German has several words for a chimney or vertical tube, depending on whether you are talking about the structural flue, the fireplace in a room or a specific component.
Which one should you use?
Schornstein is the standard, most common term for the structural chimney of a building. In contrast, Kamin is often used to refer to the fireplace itself within a room. For a more formal way to describe a chimney specifically as a flue, you can use Der Kaminzug.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Rauchfang is an older, more archaic term for a chimney and is considered dated. Schornstein serves as the standard technical and common term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Schlot is used synonymously with Schornstein in specific regions of Germany, such as Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia.
How does it change in a sentence?
Kamin, Schlot, Schornstein and Rauchfang are all masculine nouns. Esse is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃɔʁnˌʃtaɪ̯n/
Did you know?
- The word Rauchfang literally means 'smoke catcher'.
- The word Schlot may have originated from an ancient word for a 'reed' or 'cane', suggesting a linguistic link between narrow tubes and plants.
Examples in context
- Tom raucht wie ein Schlot.Tom smokes like a chimney.This sentence illustrates the German idiom for smoking heavily using Schlot.Tatoeba #1409624 by Zaghawa, translation #1409628 by CK
- Aus dem Schornstein kam Rauch.Smoke came from the chimney.Tatoeba #12319813 by mhr, translation #12506755 by sundown
- Aus dem Schornstein kommt Rauch.Smoke is rising from the chimney.Tatoeba #797783 by Manfredo, translation #25880 by CK
- Die Rauchgase werden durch den Schornstein abgeleitetThe smoke gases are vented through the chimney.
- Der Kaminzug sorgt für eine einwandfreie Luftzirkulation im HausThe chimney flue ensures proper air circulation in the house.
- Ich habe den Rauchfang gereinigtI cleaned the chimney.
- Der hohe Fabrikschlot ragt über die StadtThe tall factory chimney towers over the city.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are standing in front of their old house.
- MaximilianDer Schornstein sieht sehr alt aus.The chimney looks very old.
- HannahJa, wir müssen den Schornstein reparieren.Yes, we must repair the chimney.
- MaximilianIst der Schornstein kaputt?Is the chimney broken?
- HannahIch glaube, er ist ein bisschen schief.I think it is a little bit crooked.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chimney” translations and entries Schornstein, Kamin, Esse, Schlot, Rauchfang, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Esse, Kamin, Schlot, Schornstein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
