gemütlich
/ɡəˈmyːtlɪç/
The German word for comfy is gemütlich.
gemütlich is used to describe a sense of coziness, warmth and social well-being. It is often used to describe an atmosphere, such as a room, a cafe or a social gathering, rather than just a single object.
Meaning: comfortable (adj)
Which one should you use?
While gemütlich refers to a sense of coziness and atmosphere, you should use bequem when referring specifically to the physical comfort of an object, such as a chair or a pair of shoes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈmyːtlɪç/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Use bequem instead of gemütlich when referring specifically to the physical comfort of an object, like a chair or a pair of shoes.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, gemütlich can be used ironically to describe someone who is being too slow or lazy. It suggests they are 'too comfortable' to get the job done.
- The word gemütlich is built from the noun Gemüt, which refers not to physical comfort, but to a person's 'soul' or 'inner spirit'.
- The word is often associated with the Stammtisch, a reserved table at a local pub for regulars. This tradition embodies the gemütlich ideal of community and predictable social comfort.
Examples in context
- Dieses Sofa ist sehr bequem.This sofa is very comfy.
- Das Hotelzimmer war sehr gemütlich.The hotel room was very comfy.
- Das Bett in diesem Hotel ist äußerst komfortabel.The bed in this hotel is extremely comfy.
- Wir haben ein kuscheliges Sofa gekauft.We bought a comfy sofa.
- Der Raum war äußerst behaglich eingerichtet.The room was extremely comfy/furnished in a cozy way.
- Das Wohnzimmer ist sehr gemütlich.The living room is very comfy.
- Wir machen es uns gemütlich.We are making ourselves comfortable.
- Dein neues Café sieht gemütlich aus.Your new cafe looks cozy/comfy.
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are sitting in a small cafe.
- LauraIst es hier gemütlich?Is it comfy here?
- LukasJa, der Sessel ist sehr gemütlich.Yes, the armchair is very comfy.
- LauraDann bleibe ich noch eine Weile.Then I will stay a little longer.
- LukasDas ist eine gute Idee, Laura.That is a good idea, Laura.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gemütlich, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gemütlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
