Erdgeschoss
/ˈeːɐ̯tɡəˌʃɔs/neuter
The German phrase for ground floor is Erdgeschoss.
The term Erdgeschoss refers to the floor of a building that is at or closest to ground level.
Meaning: floor of a building closest to ground level (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound formed from Erde, meaning earth or ground and Geschoss, meaning floor or storey.
Which one should you use?
In Germany, the Erdgeschoss is the level below the 1. Stock (1st floor). This differs from some English-speaking regions where the ground floor might be referred to as the first floor.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing that something is located 'on' the ground floor, use the contraction im (a combination of in and dem).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈeːɐ̯tɡəˌʃɔs/
Did you know?
- The word Geschoss in Erdgeschoss shares a root with the German word for a 'projectile' or 'missile', such as an arrow or a shell. While it means 'storey' in the context of a building, its older linguistic connection implies something that has been 'thrown' or 'launched'.
- While Erdgeschoss is standard, some regions use the word Parterre, which is borrowed from the French term for 'on the ground'.
- In some older German buildings, you might find a Souterrain, which is a floor partially below the Erdgeschoss but still having windows.
Examples in context
- Der Brand war im Erdgeschoss.The fire was on the ground floor.This sentence is useful for describing where a fire was located using Erdgeschoss.Tatoeba #2164381 by Esperantostern, translation #11839181 by sundown
- Meine Wohnung ist im Erdgeschoss.My flat is on the ground floor.This sentence is useful for describing where a flat is located using Erdgeschoss.Tatoeba #11995515 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11996665 by sundown
- Das Restaurant ist im Erdgeschoss.The restaurant is on the ground floor.This sentence is useful for describing where a restaurant is located using Erdgeschoss.Tatoeba #940208 by Sudajaengi, translation #462900 by lukaszpp
- Entschuldigen Sie, wo befindet sich das Erdgeschoss?Excuse me, where is the ground floor located?
- Das Hotelzimmer befindet sich im Parterre.The hotel room is located on the ground floor.
- Wo ist das Erdgeschoss? Ich finde den Aufzug nicht.Where is the ground floor? I can't find the elevator.
- Die Party ist im Erdgeschoß.The party is on the ground floor.
- Entschuldigung, wo ist der Aufzug zum Erdgeschoss?Excuse me, where is the elevator to the ground floor?
- Das Café befindet sich im Erdgeschoss.The café is located on the ground floor.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are meeting at a hotel.
- LauraWo bist du, Maximilian?Where are you, Maximilian?
- MaximilianIch stehe im Erdgeschoss.I am standing on the ground floor.
- LauraIch komme sofort zu dir.I'll come to you right away.
- MaximilianAlles klar, ich warte hier.Alright, I'll wait here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ground floor” translations and entries Erdgeschoss, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Erdgeschoss, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
