das Abteil
compartment
A small room in a train carriage, separated off by walls, that offers space for several people.
EXAMPLE
Wir hatten Glück und bekamen ein ganzes Abteil für uns allein.
We were lucky and got a whole compartment to ourselves.
das Abteil
compartment
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Meanings
das Abteil
compartment
A separated area or section in a piece of furniture, a box, or another container.
EXAMPLE
Im oberen Abteil des Schranks findest du die Handtücher.
You'll find the towels in the upper compartment of the cupboard.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'ab-' and the noun 'Teil' (part). So it literally describes an 'abgetrennter Teil' (separated part) of a larger whole, such as a train carriage or a cupboard.
EXAMPLE
Die Tür zum nächsten Abteil war verschlossen.
The door to the next compartment was locked.
Correct preposition
In the context of trains, a distinction is made between direction and location. You go 'ins Abteil' (into the compartment, accusative), but you sit or are 'im Abteil' (in the compartment, dative).
EXAMPLE
Die Familie ging in ihr Abteil und verstaute das Gepäck.
The family went into their compartment and stowed the luggage.
Context clue
When 'Abteil' (compartment) is used in connection with furniture such as 'Schrank' (cupboard/wardrobe), 'Regal' (shelf), or containers such as 'Koffer' (suitcase), it always means a section or separated area, not a train compartment.
EXAMPLE
Deine Socken findest du im untersten Abteil der Kommode.
You'll find your socks in the bottom compartment of the dresser.
Compare with
Abteil vs Fach
subject / compartment
Fach and Abteil can both refer to a separate area in a piece of furniture or a container. Fach usually fits a single designated storage space. Abteil refers more to a larger area that is clearly separated from the rest of the space.
Abteil
Die Winterdecken liegen im großen Abteil desselben Schranks.
The winter blankets are in the large compartment of the same cupboard.
Fach
Die Handtücher liegen im kleinen Fach des Schranks.
The towels are in the small compartment of the cupboard.
In real life
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