What does Gemütlich mean? Brit Reacts

[@MichaelBurggraf-gm8vl]

cozy, homely, snug, comfortable can be used to translate the German attribute gemütlich. The noun descibing the state or situation is Gemütlichkeit (cozyness, comfort, snugness). It can refer to a situation as well as to a style by which a place is created in such a way that people feel homely in it.

[@sarderim]

thanks for this comment, I was about to say the same thing! I would add "to be chilled out" to the list. "Gemütlich / Gemütlichkeit" is kinda the generic term for all of them.

[@endless-nimu]

Imagine cold, wet or stormy (or all together) weather, but you are inside your warm living room, sitting on your couch or a comfortable armchar, having a cup of hot tea, maybe a there's a lit candle and you're are watching a feel-good movie. That's what's typcial for ''gemütlich'' to me. I think 'cozy' comes the closest when I had to translate it. The word is common - it's got nothing to do with high class or old fashion. I've never heard of someone who thought it'd be stuffy.

[@melchiorvonsternberg844]

You nailed it...!

[@flauschiger_keks]

I never heard of anyone rejecting the word gemütlich. It‘s a normal word, it‘s not high class or old fashioned.

[@HappyLoki585]

I totally agree!

[@Foatizenknechtl]

yep....that was a weirdo

[@Schwuuuuup]

I think this comes from people who associate the word itself with things that was called "gemütlich" by older generations. But things that are considered relaxing and cozy change. So younger generations might say .. "chillig" or whatnot meaning the same thing, but rejecting "gemütlich" because they think it means sitting in a garden shed telling lame jokes and doing boring small talk, because that's what their grandparents called "gemütlich"

[@Hey.Joe.]

Me too, neither in 90ies nor nowadays. Maybe is just too uncool for some people to say "gemütlich" instead of "chilling". But I know the other way, there are some envier who comparing "Gemütlichkeit" with "lazyness", but it's nothing wrong to take moments, where you are feeling good, not stressed, cozy, homely to relax & recharge yourself.

[@edincuric3873]

I got the answer. She's from an older generation and I have the perfect example for what she's thinking about. Do you know Loriot's "Weihnachten bei den Hoppenstedts"? There the father says something like:" first we're gonna decorate the christmas tree, then Dicky is going to say a poem, then we bring the presents in, then we're watching the Christmas show on TV, then we pack out the present and THEN we're making ourselves Gemütlich." It comes from the older generations of the 70s, were the word Gemütlich was overused in a compulsive way. You can also burden people by saying "nun sei doch etwas gemütlicher", often said in constellation of familys or between married men and women. It's a kind of stuck up, stuffy, toxic way of the germans in the 70s to forcefully make something gemütlich when it's not 😄

[@PotsdamSenior]

Erst sagt Dickie ein Gedicht auf, dann packen wir die Geschenke aus, und dann machen wir es uns gemütlich. A concept every German understands 😂

[@maskharat]

So, you know the song "Bare Necessities" from The Jungle Book? In German the song is called "Probiers mal mit Gemütlichkeit" I think it describes the word very well.

[@Patschenkino]

'Gemütlichkeit' is a cornerstone of Austrian culture that embraces slowness, comfort, and contentment. Derived from 'Gemüt' (mind/spirit), it represents a mindful approach to life that values present-moment awareness and inner peace. This philosophy encourages finding joy in simple pleasures, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and cultivating warm human connections. It's less about productivity and more about savoring life's moments with genuine appreciation.

[@Patschenkino]

Berlin is definitely the wrong place to get the right definition for this calm and laid back life approach of 'Gemütlichkeit'.

[@anashiedler6926]

@@Patschenkino München would be much better. Bavaria, or Austria (at least the western parts, i wouldn't connect the term with vienna. But more so with Salzburg)

[@lenaw.9405]

Ein Prosit....

[@peg_e]

It’s not old fashioned at all… everybody uses it ❤ for me it is connected to the colder times of year, candles, warm blankets etc…but furniture can be comfortable…that’s the part the designers might not like… but I don’t get the narrative that good design has to be uncomfortable…

[@ktadesse]

Why? Because we do it actively! Searching for comfortable & likeable places and stay there and relax. Your personal comfort zone.

[@sabinemuller6490]

Yes, Gemütlichkeit is more or less the same as the danish "hygge" 😍... I guess the closest English word is probably "cozy"

[@maskharat]

I'd say it's a cozy atmosphere (surroundings) while being in a relaxed mindset.

[@mickypescatore9656]

It`s absolutely like you said!!! (All you said at the end). I think we germans don`t think much about it; we all just like it! 😄

[@Helli__]

I think this last woman is talking "Stuss"

[@christineschmidt8501]

I remember being on my students' exchange program reading that German word on a menue in a "German" restaurant in Michigan, struggling to find a translation 45 years ago. It's not old fashioned, it's a state of being. I think the scandi hygge means the same thing.

[@romanbecker6711]

I would translate Gemütlichkeit as coziness

[@Kelsea-2002]

Gemütlich is a mentally emotional state in which there are absolutely no negative influences from outside.

[@hightidemidafternoon]

hugh that's so interesting. To me it means cozy. Rainy weather outside, soft blankets, the radiator on high, candlelight, a warm drink in hand. I can relax on a sunny day in a nice park but I would not describe that as gemütlich ... relaxing yes! but not in any way cozy! In the north we also use muggelig or kommodig for gemütlich. but in the north we have many dark and stormy days with almost vertical rain😅

[@gorrarz5760]

gemütlichkeit for me is to sit inside while its snows outside, rains outside, storms outside, and i sit on a cozy couch, drink a warm beverage and have a fire in the oven maybe reading a book.

[@FreeSpace-v9f]

hygge. The term is a bit old-fashioned but not the state of mind & physical well-being. Yes, everybody has got his/her personal requirements to feel Gemütlichkeit. Cuddling with my cat in the bed on Sunday mornings, while it is snowing outside....

[@Winona493]

That is exactly what I feel is "gemütlich", too! I guess my cats would say it as well if they could.😂

[@june4976]

Gemütlichkeit is a term that describes a feeling you have in a situation, and since everybody feels different, it means something different for everybody. My definition for Gemütlichkeit is the warm and homely feeling when you're comfortable and cozy, relaxed and occupied with things you like and/or surrounded by people that you love. An example would be sitting on the porch with my hubby, watching the sun set, snuggled into his arm while we're both reading a book. Or comfy in an armchair, curled up under a blanket, with a hot cocoa (or Glühwein, for the season ^^) and some biscuits next to me, watching a nice movie. Or relaxed in the bathtub, with candles lit and a nice essential oil in the water, listening to music while soaking.

[@ElkeSiegburg]

Honestly, if there really people exist who reject this allaround positive word "gemütlich" , they're probably among those who talk for the sake of talking waves😂😂😂

[@Attirbful]

„gemütlich“ is an adjective and the corresponding noun is „Gemütlichkeit“… Maybe you know the Scandinavian term „hygge“ which is quite popular these days (and used in advertising and articles on home decor that is simple and natural but „nice“ and comforting) for the same concept: cozy atmosphere, being comfortable, relaxing among things and people you like etc…. Like a hot chocolate and a good book while it is snowing outside…

[@mrmiesfies3941]

Being stressed is the exact opposite of Gemütlichkeit.

[@ailime500]

It might seem old fashioned because one part of the word is Gemüt (the spiritual/ aspect of how a person feels)- wich is a word that we barely use anymore. And it’s been kind of replaced by „Bequem“ - which translates to comfortable.

[@pyrointeam]

Gemütlichkeit describes a place and the people around you or just the place. The classic image to describe it is When you come from a cold rainy winter evening into the House, where there is light, warmth, and everything you need to feel cozy, to relax and nothing that stesses you. A campfire or a fireplace inside the house is described as gemütlich, as well a eating/being together with the people you like,. The abscence of stress is important. That's why today also people are described as gemütlich if they take their time for doing things and don't stress about it.

[@derGlasdrache]

Gemütlich means having an air of cozyness, contentment, relaxation or lightheartedness 😌 For example, an armchair, candle lights or meeting friends can be gemütlich if it evokes a feeling of comfort and contentment. It can also be a euphemism for someone or something being slow, for example a river 😅

[@understandingnothing2445]

There is the old Walt Disney movie Jungle Book. And in german one of the songs is named: "Probier's mal mit Gemütlichkeit" I'm not sure wether the english lyrics are the same as in german. And maybe the lyrics doesn't fit the word "Gemütlichkeit" so well, but it's a nice song. (kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJCoiIqvf8uahsU) Probier's mal mit Gemütlichkeit, mit Ruhe und Gemütlichkeit Jagst du den Alltag und die Sorgen weg. Und wenn du Stets gemütlich bist und etwas appetitlich ist, dann nimm es dir egal von welchem Fleck. Was soll ich woanders, wo's mir nicht gefällt? Ich gehe nicht fort Hier, auch nicht für Geld. Die Bienen summen in der Luft, erfüllen sie mit Honigduft, Und schaust Du unter den Stein, erblickst du Ameisen, die hier gut gedeih'n. Probier mal zwei, drei, vier. Denn mit Gemütlichkeit kommt auch das Glück zu dir! Es kommt zu dir! Probier's mal mit Gemütlichkeit, Mit Ruhe und Gemütlichkeit Vertreibst du deinen ganzen Sorgenkram. Und wenn du Stets gemütlich Bist und etwas appetitlich ist, dann nimm es dir egal woher es kam. Na und pflückst Du gerne Beeren und du piekst dich dabei, Dann laß dich belehren: Schmerz geht bald vorbei! Du Mußt bescheiden aber nicht gierig im Leben sein, sonst tust du dir weh, Du bist verletzt und zahlst Nur drauf, darum pflücke gleich mit dem richt'gen Dreh! Hast du das jetzt kapiert? Denn mit Gemütlichkeit Kommt auch das Glück zu dir! Es kommt zu dir!

[@lillipfau1951]

Gemütlich verbind ich es mir gutgehen zu lassen. Wenn man sich wohlfühlt, sich in einem bequemen Sessel setzt oder bequem auf der Couch liegt, sitzt. Gerade im Winter oder auch wenns nur regnet mit einem heissen Getränk einem schönen Film oder ein gutes Buch. Es kann aber auch gemütlich sein wenn man liebe Menschen zu Besuch hat und man unterhält sich entspannt bei einem leckeren Getränk. Das nennt man ein gemütliches beisammensein. Auch im sommer macht man es sich im Liegestuhl bequem und geniesst die Sonne und die Wärme. Ich würd es so sagen. Man lässt es sich gutgehen und geniesst die schöne Zeit ohne grossen Trubel und Lärm. Man fühlt sich einfach wohl in der Gemütlichkeit. 😊

[@eisikater1584]

"Ein Prosit, ein Pro-ho-sit der Gemütlichkeit! Oans - zwoa - gsuffa!" (traditional Bavarian Volksfest song. First two lines are sung, last line is spoken, followed by a "Prost!")

[@ExtremeTeddy]

We have many contextual words like Gemütlichkeit in the german language that can only be described or defined in other languages with the help of many words. Sitting on a bench at sea with sunny weather is "gemütlich" ... though with rain propably not. However this comes down to the individual taste and situation.

[@Nithrade]

Hehe, when you asked, "Why do you all have a word like that?", my question would be, "Why don't you?"

[@jurgenfichtel3253]

Gemutschlilgkayt 🤣🤣🤣 Du warst auch schon besser... 🤣🤣🤣

[@matthiasRaZieL]

"gemütlich" is like cosy when it´s about clothes , or your favriot place in your home. But u can also use it on other thinks like no need for high porformense here now o work or a football game 5:0 just do what is necessary, .... Or a conversation about small things "sitting by the fire" or walking with no rush, and/or just be there in the moment can i do a recommendation? Rammstein Zeit u gonna freak out

[@doninis1354]

Yes, the danish word is "hygge" and its pretty simular. Gemütlich ...part of the word is" Das Gemüt" means state of mind or moode you can walk gemütlich, like not fast as well as have "gemütliche Kleidung" (cloth) or livingroom... english comparesion can be hang loose or chill or comfy, cosy,

[@petebeatminister]

May be you could find a lot of words that fit the description. Certainly not just one definate word in English. But as you see, even in German it can mean various feelings. I guess everybody has his very own definition of what "gemütlich" means.

[@knaake10]

It means comfort without any obligation.

[@KurtHögerle]

Gemütlichkeit is the state of feeling fine. This might be differ from person to person. The best word in English might be cozyness.

[@Nikioko]

Gemütlich means both comfortable and cozy.

[@lazrseagull54]

English has such a word too: coziness!

[@MellonVegan]

Wow, let's see if this one gets instantly deleted, too... What it means depends on the context. Slow, lazily, comfortable, cozy, etc. It's not some out there concept that is special to us, it's just a word you use to describe these attributes or situations. Gemütliche Couch, a comfortable couch. Gemütliches Zimmer, a cozy room. Gemütlich spazieren gehen, to go for a lazy/slow walk. Es sich gemütlich machen, to create a relaxed/cozy atmosphere for oneself. Edit: and I assume that English doesn't have one word to describe all of these things bc of the influx of Old Norse, French and some other languages, giving you distinct words for each.

[@Meridyan]

Engländer kann ich auf jedenfall mehr verstehen als Amerikaner. Sie haben eine bessere Aussprache

[@biancakison1310]

Vielleicht weil wir das so in der Schule gelernt haben. 🙂 Ich jedenfalls 😊

[@CavHDeu]

Gentleman!!!

[@futhark_oblivion]

Cozyness ^^

[@christianroessler6024]

Coziness

[@IrisPatricia]

I‘d say gemütlich means comfortable.

[@ContinuumGaming]

I do not see a bigger problem with translating it... Nothing too special. "Gemütlich" has several meanings. It can be slightly bad or more often pretty nicely cronoted. The bad cronotation: "Der Kerl ist ein bißchen gemütlich." meaning "The guy is slightly lazy / too relaxed / a little slow." The good cronotation: "It is cozy, comfortable, the vibe is just very layed back and snuggely." A chair can be "gemütlich" because it is very comfortable to sit on it. A room can be "gemütlich" because you feeld comfortable to be in it. A person can be "gemütlich" because he is a little too comfortable / layed back / relaxed.

[@madTitanja]

For you english speakers seems our ch same difficult to speak out correctly like for most of us germans your th is to difficult to speak out correctly ^^

[@fairgreen42]

In my book, a person "rejecting" the word gemütlich is the snooty, stuffy one. Picture a pretentious architect, who considers themselves artsy and cleverer than the rest.

[@lukas3stepsahead913]

I think in English you would say cozyness or cozy

[@ChristinaGöbel-s2h]

Gemütlich means "comfy"

[@Andi_mit_E]

Gemütlichkeit = coziness

[@axelk4921]

young people reject the word as stuffy because they associate it with those lame folk music TV shows, wherever this Bavarian stereotype is portrayed. swaying music, drinking beer and traditional clothing. Unfortunately, that has nothing to do with it at all, cozy is simply a feeling of "security" and comfort, or the relaxed drinking of a beer when you have done an "uncomfortable" job In simpler terms, "when the burden that is weighing you down has fallen away" It simply describes the personal feeling of finally being able to relax, and everyone understands it differently

[@b.wiethaus5124]

Nailed it❤

[@shamelessgehtdichnixan1461]

øhm hyggelig....wie man zum beispiel in dänemark sagt....ist schwer auf eine sache zu reduzieren. wie die leude im video sagten...interpretiert jeder mensch das fuer sich selbst.

[@Patschenkino]

I guess by the sound of the word that 'hyggelig' would be better translated to German as 'heimelig', right?

[@Patschenkino]

I believe I've found the German equivalent of "hyggelig": The etymology of "haglich" is interesting, as it directly traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*hugiz," also found in the Danish word "hyggelig." This root relates to the concept of "thought, mind, soul" and evolved differently across various Germanic languages over time. "Haglich" is thus a direct relative of "hyggelig" and "behaglich," all sharing the same Proto-Indo-European root "*hugiz." However, the meaning of "haglich" has been lost over time, and the word is no longer in common usage today.

[@shamelessgehtdichnixan1461]

@@Patschenkino nope...når man taler om hyggeligt, er det det samme.

[@cosmicdebris2223]

this is a normal day to day word in German. Not sure why an issue is being made of it. It would be rather like making a video about perhaps the word comfortable in English. Big deal. It too is a day to day word. Naturally the word can be stretched and used almost sarcastically at times. "Die Deutsche Gemütlichkeit" is a somewhat sarcastic expression (though used seldomly) to describe how in Germany they like to set things up to run by themselves and just enjoy the fruits of that automation and lay back (being Gemütlich) and reaping the spoils less any real work. If you check a German Thesaurus you will see: _Behaglichkeit · Wärme · Behaglichkeit · Bequemlichkeit · Komfort · Heimeligkeit · Kuscheligkeit · Urgemütlichkeit · Wohlfühl-Atmosphäre (Wohlfühlatmosphäre)_ Google Translate(d) those to: _Comfort · Warmth · Comfort · Convenience · Comfort · Homeliness · Cuddliness · Original coziness · Feel-good atmosphere (feel-good atmosphere)_

[@dontdrinkthekool-aid1140]

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