50 German Hotel Vocabulary Words for Every Traveler

50 German Hotel Vocabulary Words for Every Traveler

Hotel German is its own little dialect — half everyday words, half hospitality terms you will never meet anywhere else. These 50 German hotel vocabulary words cover the whole stay: the reception desk, room types, everything inside your room, the bathroom, amenities, and the services that make a stay comfortable. Each word includes its article (der/die/das — learn them together, it matters), pronunciation, and English meaning.

For the phrases that string these words into real conversations — check-in dialogues, reporting problems, checkout — see our hotel check-in phrases guide.

Why the Article Matters

German nouns come with grammatical gender, and the article changes every sentence around the word. Der Schlüssel (the key, masculine), die Schlüsselkarte (the key card, feminine), das Zimmer (the room, neuter). You do not need perfect grammar as a traveler, but learning each word with its article makes your phrases sound right and helps staff understand you faster. The list below always leads with the article — memorize them as units.

Reception and Booking: 50 German Hotel Vocabulary Words Start Here

White towel draped on a chrome rack in a luxury bathroom
  1. die Rezeption (dee reh-tsep-TSYOHN) — the reception (front desk area)
  2. der Empfang (dair emp-FAHNG) — the reception desk (literally “the welcome”)
  3. einchecken (INE-chek-en) — to check in (verb)
  4. auschecken (OWS-chek-en) — to check out (verb)
  5. die Reservierung (dee reh-zer-VEE-rung) — the reservation
  6. die Bestätigung (dee beh-SHTAY-ti-gung) — the confirmation
  7. die Buchungsnummer (dee BOO-khungs-num-er) — the booking number
  8. das Anmeldeformular (dahs AHN-mel-deh-for-moo-lar) — the registration form (legally required in Germany — the Meldepflicht)
  9. der Reisepass (dair RY-zeh-pahs) — the passport
  10. der Personalausweis (dair pair-zoh-NAHL-ows-vice) — the ID card

Room Types and Rates

  1. das Einzelzimmer (dahs INE-tsel-tsim-er) — the single room
  2. das Doppelzimmer (dahs DOP-el-tsim-er) — the double room (one bed for two people)
  3. das Zweibettzimmer (dahs TSVY-bet-tsim-er) — the twin room (two separate beds — specify if it matters)
  4. das Familienzimmer (dahs fah-MEE-lee-en-tsim-er) — the family room
  5. die Suite (dee soo-EE-teh) — the suite
  6. die Halbpension (dee HAHLP-pahn-zee-ohn) — half board (breakfast + dinner included)
  7. die Vollpension (dee FOL-pahn-zee-ohn) — full board (all meals included)
  8. Übernachtung mit Frühstück (oo-ber-NAHKH-tung mit FROO-shtook) — bed and breakfast rate
  9. die Kurtaxe (dee KOOR-tahk-seh) — the visitor’s tax (a few euros per person/night in tourist towns, paid at checkout)
  10. die Stornierung (dee shtor-NEE-rung) — the cancellation

In the Room

Buffet display with breads, cheeses, grapes, and nuts
  1. der Schlüssel (dair SHLOO-sel) — the key
  2. die Schlüsselkarte (dee SHLOO-sel-kar-teh) — the key card
  3. das Bett (dahs bet) — the bed
  4. die Bettwäsche (dee BET-veh-sheh) — the bed linen
  5. das Kopfkissen (dahs KOPF-kis-en) — the pillow
  6. die Decke (dee DEK-eh) — the blanket / duvet (note: one per person is the German standard, even in double beds)
  7. die Klimaanlage (dee KLEE-mah-ahn-lah-geh) — the air conditioning (not standard — never assume)
  8. die Heizung (dee HY-tsung) — the heating
  9. der Fernseher (dair FAIRN-zay-er) — the TV
  10. die Fernbedienung (dee FAIRN-beh-dee-nung) — the remote control
  11. die Steckdose (dee SHTEK-doh-zeh) — the power outlet (bring a European adapter)
  12. der Safe (dair zayf) — the safe
  13. die Minibar (dee MEE-nee-bahr) — the minibar (check prices before grazing)
  14. der Balkon (dair bahl-KOHN) — the balcony
  15. die Aussicht (dee OWS-zikht) — the view
  16. ruhig (ROO-ikh) — quiet (adjective — the word to use when requesting: ein ruhiges Zimmer, bitte)
  17. der Aufzug (dair OWF-tsook) — the elevator
  18. die Treppe (dee TREP-eh) — the stairs (many historic hotels have no elevator — ask)
  19. der Parkplatz (dair PARk-plahts) — the parking lot
  20. die Tiefgarage (dee TEEF-gah-rah-zheh) — the underground garage

Bathroom

  1. das Badezimmer (dahs BAH-deh-tsim-er) — the bathroom
  2. die Dusche (dee DOO-sheh) — the shower
  3. die Badewanne (dee BAH-deh-vah-neh) — the bathtub
  4. das Handtuch (dahs HAHNT-tookh) — the towel
  5. das Badetuch (dahs BAH-deh-tookh) — the bath towel (larger)
  6. der Föhn (dair furn) — the hairdryer
  7. der Spiegel (dair SHPEE-gel) — the mirror
  8. die Seife (dee ZY-feh) — the soap
  9. das Shampoo (dahs shahm-POO) — the shampoo

Services and Amenities

Elegant hotel room with large bed and modern decor
  1. das WLAN-Passwort (dahs veh-LAHN-pahs-vort) — the Wi-Fi password (say “vay-lahn” — Germans say WLAN, not “wifi”)
  2. der Zimmerservice (dair TSIM-er-sair-vis) — room service
  3. die Minibar (dee MEE-nee-bahr) — the minibar (worth listing twice — it generates the most checkout disputes)
  4. das Frühstücksbuffet (dahs FROO-shtooks-boo-fay) — the breakfast buffet
  5. der Wäscheservice (dair VEH-sheh-sair-vis) — the laundry service
  6. das Fitnessstudio (dahs fit-NES-shtoo-dee-oh) — the gym
  7. der Wellnessbereich (dair vel-NES-beh-rykh) — the spa/wellness area (saunas are common — note many are textilfrei, i.e., nude)
  8. die Gepäckaufbewahrung (dee geh-PEK-owf-beh-vah-rung) — luggage storage
  9. der Hausmeister (dair HOWS-my-ster) — the maintenance man (the person reception sends when something breaks)

That is 50 plus a few bonus terms — hotel German rewards over-preparation. Two usage notes: ruhig is an adjective, so ein ruhiges Zimmer (a quiet room) changes its ending — staff will understand ruhig, bitte with a smile anyway. And die Rechnung at checkout means the bill — always scan it for minibar items you did not touch before paying.

Putting the Words to Work

Vocabulary without phrases is a toolbox without hands. The highest-value combinations:

  • Ich habe eine Reservierung auf den Namen… — I have a reservation under the name…
  • Könnte ich bitte das WLAN-Passwort haben? — Could I have the Wi-Fi password, please?
  • Die Klimaanlage funktioniert nicht. — The air conditioning isn’t working.
  • Könnte ich ein ruhigeres Zimmer bekommen? — Could I get a quieter room?
  • Kann ich mein Gepäck hier lassen? — Can I leave my luggage here?

Each uses words from the list above in the sentence patterns from our hotel check-in guide.

Breakfast Foods Vocabulary

Towel hanging on a rail in black and white

German hotel breakfasts are legendary spreads — know the words and you will eat like royalty:

  • das Brötchen (dahs BRURT-khen) — the bread roll
  • das Vollkornbrot (dahs FOL-korn-broht) — whole-grain bread
  • der Aufschnitt (dair OWF-shnit) — cold cuts / sliced meats and cheeses
  • der Käse (dair KAY-zeh) — cheese; die Käsesorten — cheese varieties
  • die Wurst (dee voorst) — sausage (at breakfast: sliced cold cuts)
  • das Rührei (dahs ROO-er-eye) — scrambled eggs
  • das Spiegelei (dahs SHPEE-gel-eye) — fried egg
  • das gekochte Ei (dahs geh-KOKH-teh eye) — boiled egg (weich = soft, hart = hard)
  • das Müsli (dahs MOOS-lee) — muesli/granola
  • der Joghurt (dair YOH-goort) — yogurt
  • die Marmelade (dee mahr-meh-LAH-deh) — jam
  • der Honig (dair HOH-nikh) — honey
  • das Obst (dahs ohpst) — fruit; der Obstsalat — fruit salad
  • der Orangensaft (dair oh-RAHN-zhen-zahft) — orange juice
  • der Kaffee / der Tee — coffee / tea

Breakfast phrases: Ist das Frühstück im Preis inbegriffen? (Is breakfast included?) — Bis wann gibt es Frühstück? (Until when is breakfast served?) — Kann ich das Ei weich haben? (Can I have the egg soft?)

Describing Your Room: Useful Adjectives

  • gemütlich (geh-MOOT-likh) — cozy (the highest German compliment for a room)
  • geräumig (geh-ROY-mikh) — spacious
  • hell / dunkel — bright / dark
  • sauber (ZOW-ber) — clean
  • ruhig / laut — quiet / loud
  • modern / altmodisch — modern / old-fashioned
  • der Meerblick (dair MAIR-blik) — sea view; der Bergblick — mountain view; der Stadtblick — city view
  • im Erdgeschoss (im AIRD-geh-shos) — on the ground floor; im ersten Stock — on the first floor (note: German erster Stock = one floor up, i.e., US second floor)

Request phrases: Hätten Sie ein ruhigeres Zimmer? (Do you have a quieter room?) — Ist ein Zimmer mit Balkon frei? (Is a room with a balcony free?) — Ich hätte gern ein Zimmer nach hinten raus. (I’d like a room facing the back/courtyard.)

Bathroom and Toiletry Extras

Hotel breakfast buffet with croissants, bread, and juices
  • das Waschbecken (dahs VAHSH-bek-en) — the sink
  • der Wasserhahn (dair VAH-ser-hahn) — the faucet
  • der Abfluss (dair AHP-floos) — the drain (Der Abfluss ist verstopft = the drain is clogged)
  • das Toilettenpapier (dahs toh-ah-LET-en-pah-peer) — toilet paper
  • das Duschgel (dahs DOOSH-gel) — shower gel
  • der Bademantel (dair BAH-deh-mahn-tel) — bathrobe
  • die Pantoffeln (dee pahn-TOF-eln) — slippers
  • der Kosmetikspiegel (dair kos-MAY-tik-shpee-gel) — makeup mirror

Asking for extras: Könnte ich bitte einen Bademantel haben? — Gibt es einen Föhn auf dem Zimmer? (Is there a hairdryer in the room?) — Die Seife ist alle. (The soap is used up.)

Common Hotel Signs, Translated

  • Bitte nicht stören — Please do not disturb
  • Bitte Zimmer reinigen — Please clean the room (the flip side of the door hanger)
  • Frühstückszeiten: 6:30–10:00 Uhr — Breakfast hours
  • Rezeption — Reception (follow the arrows)
  • Notausgang — Emergency exit
  • Feuerlöscher — Fire extinguisher
  • Aufzug — Elevator
  • Bitte Ruhe nach 22 Uhr — Please be quiet after 10 p.m. (the Ruhezeit — take it seriously)
  • Rauchen verboten — No smoking (nearly universal indoors; fines apply)

Front Desk Small Talk and Extended Stays

Elegant hotel bedroom with neatly made double bed

Friendly phrases that get you remembered:

  • Wir hatten eine gute Anreise. (veer HAH-ten INE-eh GOO-teh AHN-ry-zeh) — We had a good journey here.
  • Das Hotel wurde uns empfohlen. (dahs hoh-TEL VOOR-deh oons emp-FOH-len) — The hotel was recommended to us.
  • Wir sind zum ersten Mal in dieser Stadt. (veer zint tsoom AIR-sten mahl in DEE-zer shtaht) — It’s our first time in this city.
  • Könnten Sie uns etwas empfehlen? (KURN-ten zee oons ET-vahs emp-FAY-len) — Could you recommend something to us?

For longer stays:

  • der Langzeitaufenthalt (dair LAHNG-tsite-owf-ent-hahlt) — long-term stay
  • Gibt es einen Rabatt bei längerem Aufenthalt? (gipt es INE-en rah-BAHT by LAYNG-eh-rem OWF-ent-hahlt) — Is there a discount for a longer stay?
  • Wird das Zimmer täglich gereinigt? (veert dahs TSIM-er TAYK-likh geh-RY-nikht) — Is the room cleaned daily?
  • Kann ich die Bettwäsche seltener wechseln lassen? (kahn ikh dee BET-veh-sheh ZEL-teh-ner VEKH-zeln LAH-sen) — Can I have the bed linen changed less often? (Common eco-option — ask at check-in.)
  • Gibt es eine Waschmaschine für Gäste? (gipt es INE-eh VAHSH-mah-shee-neh foor GES-teh) — Is there a washing machine for guests? (Apartments and hostels often; hotels rarely.)

Combine these words with the sentence patterns in our hotel check-in phrases guide — vocabulary plus phrases is what makes you functional, not just knowledgeable.

Hotel Bar, Minibar, and Late-Night Words

  • die Hotelbar (dee hoh-TEL-bahr) — the hotel bar
  • der Barkeeper (dair BAHR-kee-per) — the bartender
  • der Absacker (dair AHP-zah-ker) — the nightcap (literally “the downer” — the last drink of the evening)
  • die Minibarpreise (dee MEE-nee-bahr-pry-zeh) — minibar prices (Die Minibarpreise sind gesalzen = the minibar prices are steep — literally “salted”)
  • der Eiskübel (dair ICE-koo-bel) — the ice bucket
  • der Flaschenöffner (dair FLAH-shen-urf-ner) — the bottle opener
  • der Korkenzieher (dair kor-ken-TSEE-er) — the corkscrew

Minibar phrases: Was kostet das Wasser aus der Minibar? (What does the water from the minibar cost?) — Ich habe nichts aus der Minibar genommen. (I didn’t take anything from the minibar.) — Gibt es eine Bar in der Nähe? (Is there a bar nearby?)

Key Takeaways

White towels arranged in a modern hotel bathroom

These 50 German hotel vocabulary words give you the complete hotel lexicon: reception and booking terms, room types from Einzelzimmer to Suite, everything inside the room and bathroom, and the services — Zimmerservice, WLAN-Passwort, Frühstücksbuffet — that shape your stay. Learn each noun with its article, combine them with the phrases in our hotel check-in guide, and keep the 100 essential travel phrases handy for everything beyond the hotel doors.