Kühlschrank
/ˈkyːlˌʃʁaŋk/masculine
The German word for refrigerator is Kühlschrank. Wiktionary also lists Kühlraum and Eiskasten.
Meaning: appliance (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kühlschrank | /ˈkyːlˌʃʁaŋk/ | masculine |
| Kühlraum | masculine | |
| Eiskasten | /ˈʔaɪ̯sˌkastn̩/ | Austria, masculine |
| Frigidaire | Austria, masculine, obsolete |
What does it mean word for word?
The word Kühlschrank is a compound of kühlen (to cool) and Schrank (cupboard or cabinet), literally meaning "cooling cupboard/cabinet".
Which one should you use?
While Kühlschrank refers to a standard household appliance, Kühlraum refers to a large-scale refrigerated room or cold storage area.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, the term Eiskasten is commonly used for a refrigerator instead of the standard German Kühlschrank. The word Frigidaire is an obsolete term used in Austria.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Kühlschrank is a masculine noun, it changes to den Kühlschrank when it is the direct object of a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkyːlˌʃʁaŋk/
Did you know?
- In Austria, the term Frigidaire was once common, borrowing the name of a famous American brand to describe the appliance itself.
- The word Kühlschrank shares its root kühl with the English word 'cool', reflecting their common Germanic origin.
- The word Schrank in Kühlschrank is used for any kind of cabinet, from a wardrobe to a filing cabinet.
Examples in context
- Der Kühlschrank ist zu.The refrigerator is closed.This sentence is useful for describing the state of the refrigerator using Kühlschrank.Tatoeba #8096503 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5152850 by CarpeLanam
- Mach den Kühlschrank zu.Close the refrigerator.This sentence is useful for giving a command involving the refrigerator using Kühlschrank.Tatoeba #8227552 by MisterTrouser, translation #5162321 by CarpeLanam
- Ist Bier im Kühlschrank?Is there any beer in the refrigerator?This sentence is useful for asking about the contents of the refrigerator using Kühlschrank.Tatoeba #10061320 by wolfgangth, translation #6865008 by CK
- Ich habe meine Lebensmittel im Kühlschrank aufbewahrt.I kept my groceries in the refrigerator.
- 128 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are in the kitchen.
- HannahLukas, ist die Milch noch im Kühlschrank?Lukas, is the milk still in the refrigerator?
- LukasJa, sie steht ganz hinten.Yes, it is at the very back.
- HannahDanke, ich nehme sie kurz raus.Thanks, I'll take it out for a moment.
- LukasVergiss nicht, den Kühlschrank wieder zu schließen.Don't forget to close the refrigerator again.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “refrigerator” translations and entries Kühlschrank, Eiskasten, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
