Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zimmer | /ˈt͡sɪmɐ/ | neuter |
| Kammer | /ˈkamɐ/ | |
| Raum | /ʁaʊ̯m/ | masculine |
The word for a division in a building varies significantly based on what kind of room you mean. Zimmer is the general word for a living space, such as a bedroom or a room in a hotel. Raum refers to a physical space, a volume or a formal room like a lecture hall. If you are talking about capacity or physical space, for example, saying 'there is no room left', it is common to use Platz instead of the other terms.
Which one should you use?
Zimmer is the standard, common word for a room in a house or hotel. Raum is used for more abstract or physical space, and it is also used for formal, numbered rooms in a facility. Kammer is more specific, referring to a small, often enclosed or specialized chamber like a pantry. For a larger room or hall, often in a formal setting, you would use Saal. For an affectionate way to say 'little room', you can use the diminutive Zimmerchen. In slang, particularly regarding small apartments or student dormitories, the word Bude is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In southern Germany, Austria and parts of Switzerland, Kammer is used to refer to a private room or chamber.
How does it change in a sentence?
Zimmer is a neuter noun. Its plural form remains Zimmer. Raum is a masculine noun. Its plural form is Räume.
How do you pronounce it?
Zimmer is pronounced /ˈtsɪmɐ/.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Das ist Raum 839.This is Room 839.This sentence shows how to use Raum when referring to a specific numbered room.Tatoeba #1515006 by al_ex_an_der, translation #72335 by CK
- Wo ist Ihr Zimmer?Where is your room?This sentence uses Zimmer to ask about someone's room.Tatoeba #1315443 by al_ex_an_der, translation #70408 by CK
- Tom ist im Zimmer.Tom is in the room.This sentence uses Zimmer to describe someone's location within a room.Tatoeba #3752158 by Jens_Odo, translation #2548580 by CK
- Ich gehe in mein Zimmer, um zu lesen.I'm going to my room to read.
- Der Vortrag findet im Saal statt.The lecture takes place in the hall.
- Komm doch in meine Stube, es ist gemütlich.Come into my living room, it's cozy.
- Hast du deinen Mitbewohner in der Bude getroffen?Did you meet your roommate in the apartment?
- 2626 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are at a hotel checking in.
- HannahWelches Zimmer haben wir bekommen?Which room did we get?
- FelixWir haben ein großes Zimmer mit Blick auf den Park.We have a large room with a view of the park.
- HannahIst das Zimmer im ersten Stock?Is the room on the first floor?
- FelixJa, unser Zimmer ist direkt neben dem Fahrstuhl.Yes, our room is right next to the elevator.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “room” translations and entries Zimmer, Kammer, Raum, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kammer, Raum, Zimmer, raum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
