gemütlich
cozy, comfortable (place or atmosphere) · relaxed, leisurely, unhurried (situation or pace) · pleasant, sociable, easygoing (person or social event)
Gemütlich describes a feeling of coziness, comfort, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It is a key word in German culture, often used for places, situations, or people that make you feel at ease and unhurried.
What gemütlich means
- cozy, comfortable (place or atmosphere) — describing rooms, homes, cafés, or settings that feel warm and inviting
- relaxed, leisurely, unhurried (situation or pace) — describing an activity or gathering without stress or rush
- pleasant, sociable, easygoing (person or social event) — describing someone who is friendly and creates a comfortable mood
Example sentences
- Das Wohnzimmer ist sehr gemütlich.The living room is very cozy.
- Wir haben einen gemütlichen Abend zu Hause verbracht.We spent a relaxed evening at home.
- Der kleine Ort ist ruhig und gemütlich.The little town is quiet and pleasant.
- Mach es dir gemütlich!Make yourself comfortable!
Grammar
| Comparative | gemütlicher |
|---|---|
| Superlative | am gemütlichsten |
As an adjective, it takes normal endings: ein gemütliches Zimmer, der gemütliche Abend.
Common phrases
- es sich gemütlich machento make oneself comfortable
- ein gemütlicher Abenda cozy/relaxed evening
- gemütlich beisammensitzento sit together in a cozy, relaxed way
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often translate it only as 'cozy' and miss the social, unhurried nuance. Use it also for a relaxed pace or friendly atmosphere, not just physical comfort.
Don’t confuse it with
- bequem — Bequem means physically comfortable (e.g., a chair), while gemütlich is about the overall cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
- gemütvoll — Gemütvoll means sentimental or full of feeling, not cozy.
Questions learners ask
What does 'gemütlich' mean in English?
It means cozy, comfortable, and relaxed, often describing a warm, friendly atmosphere.
How do you use 'gemütlich' in a sentence?
You can say 'Das Zimmer ist gemütlich' (The room is cozy) or 'Wir hatten einen gemütlichen Abend' (We had a relaxed evening).
What is the noun form of 'gemütlich'?
The noun is 'die Gemütlichkeit', which refers to the feeling of coziness and relaxed comfort.