Kissen
/ˈkɪsən/neuter
The German word for pillow is Kissen. Wiktionary also lists Kopfkissen and Ruhekissen.
Meaning: soft cushion used to support the head in bed (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kissen | /ˈkɪsən/ | neuter |
| Kopfkissen | /ˈkɔpfˌkɪsn̩/ | neuter |
| Ruhekissen | Austria, neuter | |
| Kopfpolster | /ˈkɔpfˌpɔlstɐ/ | Austria, masculine, neuter |
| Polster | /ˈpɔlstɐ/ | Austria, masculine, neuter |
Kissen is used for a soft cushion used to support the head in bed, but it is also the general term for a decorative cushion used on a sofa. If you want to be specific about a pillow used in a bed, you can use Bettkissen or Kopfkissen.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Kopfkissen is a compound of Kopf (head) and Kissen (pillow), meaning head pillow.
Which one should you use?
Kissen can refer to both a sleeping pillow and a decorative sofa cushion. Kopfkissen specifically refers to a head pillow.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, Polster or Kopfpolster are commonly used for a pillow or cushion, whereas in Germany, Kissen is more standard. The Austrian term Ruhekissen is also used.
How does it change in a sentence?
Kissen is a neuter noun. The plural form is identical to the singular form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkɪsən/
Did you know?
- The word Kissen was actually changed in its pronunciation over time to avoid being confused with the verb küssen, which means 'to kiss'.
- German distinguishes between a Schlafkissen for sleeping and a Zierkissen for decoration, often treating them as fundamentally different objects.
- The term Nackenstützkissen is commonly used for orthopedic neck pillows, demonstrating how German expands the word Kissen to describe medical functions.
Examples in context
- Das ist ein Kissen.This is a pillow.This sentence is useful for identifying a pillow.Tatoeba #12833012 by Waldelfe, translation #12833007 by sundown
- Tom schlief ohne Kissen.Tom slept without a pillow.This sentence describes sleeping without a pillow.Tatoeba #5383785 by Myria, translation #5383204 by CK
- Ihr Kissen war tränenfeucht.Her pillow was wet with tears.This sentence describes a pillow that was wet with tears.Tatoeba #3868838 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3868792 by Hybrid
- Entschuldigen Sie, könnten Sie mir bitte ein Kissen bringen?Excuse me, could you please bring a pillow?
- Kannst du mir bitte mein Kopfkissen geben?Could you please give me my pillow?
- 70 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are preparing the guest room.
- HannahFelix, hast du ein Kissen gefunden?Felix, did you find a pillow?
- FelixJa, das Kissen liegt hier im Schrank.Yes, the pillow is lying here in the cupboard.
- HannahIst es ein weiches Kissen?Is it a soft pillow?
- FelixJa, es ist sehr bequem.Yes, it is very comfortable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pillow” translations and entries Kissen, Kopfkissen, Kopfpolster, Polster, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kissen, Kopfkissen, Kopfpolster, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
