German Word of the Week
gemütlichSome words just don’t translate — and gemütlich is the classic. It’s the warm, unhurried feeling of a candlelit café, a sofa on a rainy day, or an evening with friends where nobody’s in a hurry. It’s the adjective behind Gemütlichkeit, one of the most German ideas there is.
What it means
1. Cosy, snug — a warm, inviting atmosphere. A place can be gemütlich: soft light, comfort, nothing sterile. „Das Café ist so gemütlich.“
2. Relaxed, unhurried — a laid-back mood or pace. An evening or a get-together can be gemütlich: easy and cosy, no pressure. „Ein gemütlicher Abend.“
In real sentences
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Das Café ist sehr gemütlich.
The café is really cosy.
Wir machen es uns gemütlich.
We’re making ourselves comfortable / settling in cosily.
Ein gemütlicher Abend zu Hause.
A relaxed, cosy evening at home.
Mach es dir gemütlich!
Make yourself comfortable!
Word family
| German | English |
|---|---|
| die Gemütlichkeit | cosiness; warm contentment (the noun) |
| es sich gemütlich machen | to get comfortable / settle in |
| ungemütlich | uncomfortable; unpleasant (the opposite) |
| gemütlich beisammen | cosily together |
Gemütlichkeit: the feeling with no English word
Gemütlichkeit is the noun form, and it’s so German it barely translates — a blend of cosiness, warmth, belonging and calm. Light a candle, pour a tea, slow right down: that’s gemütlich.
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