Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Wohnzimmer | /ˈvoːnˌt͡sɪmɐ/ | neuter |
| Salon | [zaˈlõː] (narrow) [zaˈlɔŋ] (narrow) |
Austrian, masculine |
The term refers to a room in a private house. While Wohnzimmer is the standard term, you may encounter Aufenthaltsraum in professional or official contexts, such as describing a waiting area.
What does it mean word for word?
Wohnzimmer is a compound word consisting of wohnen, meaning to live or dwell and Zimmer, meaning room.
Which one should you use?
Wohnzimmer is the standard, everyday term for a living room. In contrast, Salon implies a more formal or upscale setting.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, the masculine noun Salon is used to refer to a living room, often carrying a more formal connotation. Additionally, the masculine noun Stube is a regional expression used in southern Germany, Austria and parts of Switzerland.
How does it change in a sentence?
Wohnzimmer is a neuter noun. Other related nouns include the masculine Salon, the masculine Aufenthaltsraum, the masculine Zimmer and the masculine Stube.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvoːnˌtsɪmɐ/
Did you know?
- The word Zimmer comes from an old word for 'timber', because rooms were originally defined by the wooden beams used to build them.
- In some traditional German households, the Wohnzimmer was historically treated as a 'best room' and kept pristine, only used for guests or special occasions.
- The term Salon is a direct linguistic import from French, following the European tradition of high-society gatherings.
Examples in context
- Tom ist im Wohnzimmer.Tom is in the living room.This sentence is useful for stating someone's location in the Wohnzimmer.Tatoeba #7591983 by wolfgangth, translation #3410703 by CK
- Isst du im Wohnzimmer?Do you eat in the living room?This sentence is useful for asking about eating in the Wohnzimmer.Tatoeba #9038624 by Yorwba, translation #9093329 by sundown
- Was ist im Wohnzimmer?What is in the living room?This sentence is useful for asking about the contents of the Wohnzimmer.Tatoeba #10322193 by Yorwba, translation #7808572 by sharris123
- Ich treffe dich im WohnzimmerI'll meet you in the living room.
- Der Aufenthaltsraum ist groß und einladendThe living room is spacious and inviting.
- Die Stube ist gemütlich eingerichtetThe living room is cozily furnished.
- Ich dekoriere das Wohnzimmer für die Feier.I'm decorating the living room for the party.
- Treffen wir uns in der Stube nach dem Abendessen?Shall we meet in the living room after dinner?
- 158 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are looking at a new apartment.
- LauraWie findest du das Wohnzimmer?How do you like the living room?
- JulianDas Wohnzimmer gefällt mir sehr gut.I like the living room very much.
- LauraEs ist perfekt für uns beide.It is perfect for both of us.
- JulianJa, es ist wirklich schön.Yes, it is really beautiful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “living room” translations and entries Wohnzimmer, Salon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Salon, Wohnzimmer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
