Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| bequem | /bəˈkveːm/ |
| komfortabel | /kɔm.fɔʁˈtaːbəl/ /-fɐ-/ |
| behaglich | /bəˈhaːklɪç/ (Germany) /b̥eˈhaːklɪç/ |
| kommod | /kɔˈmoːt/ |
In German, the choice of word for comfortable depends on whether you are describing physical ease, luxury or a sense of coziness. bequem is the standard term for physical comfort and can also mean that something is convenient.
Which one should you use?
While all these forms relate to comfort, they are used in different contexts. bequem is the most common word for physical comfort, such as a chair or clothing and also carries the meaning of being convenient. komfortabel implies a higher level of luxury or modern amenities, such as a high-end hotel or a high-tech car. behaglich is used to describe a sense of coziness or a warm, snug atmosphere rather than just physical softness.
How do you pronounce it?
/bəˈkveːm/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use komfortabel to describe feeling comfortable in a social or emotional sense. To express that you are feeling comfortable emotionally or socially, use bequem or the phrase wohl fühlen.
When do people say it?
German speakers often use the word gemütlich as a common translation for the English concept of comfortable. To express the specific idea of being comfortable like home, you can use the phrase gemütlich wie zu Hause.
Did you know?
- If you describe a person as bequem, you might actually be insulting them. While it means 'comfortable' for objects, when applied to people it often means they are 'lazy' or 'easy-going' to a fault.
- The German word bequem is an unexpected relative of the English word 'become'. Both stem from an ancient root meaning 'to get' or 'to obtain' something that is suitable for you.
- The concept of gemütlich is so culturally central to German-speaking countries that it is often considered untranslatable into a single English word.
Examples in context
- Hast du es bequem?Are you comfortable?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is comfortable using bequem.Tatoeba #7451519 by Yorwba, translation #2244936 by CK
- Es ist sehr bequem.It's very comfortable.This sentence is useful for stating that something is very comfortable using bequem.Tatoeba #8887456 by wolfgangth, translation #4494619 by CK
- Mache es dir bequem!Make yourself comfortable.This sentence is useful for telling someone to make themselves comfortable using bequem.Tatoeba #1735313 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #38562 by CK
- Das Hotelzimmer ist sehr gemütlich.The hotel room is very comfortable.
- Diese Kaminnische ist so muckelig.This fireplace nook is so comfortable.
- 107 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are looking at a new sofa in a furniture store.
- LukasIst dieser Sessel bequem?Is this armchair comfortable?
- SarahJa, er ist sehr bequem.Yes, it is very comfortable.
- LukasSoll ich ihn ausprobieren?Should I try it out?
- SarahJa, setz dich einfach mal hin.Yes, just sit down for a moment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “comfortable” translations and entries bequem, komfortabel, behaglich, kommod, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries behaglich, bequem, komfortabel, kommod, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
