01
die Bequemlichkeit
comfort
The state of having things pleasant, easy, and comfortable; comfort.
example
Das Hotel bietet den Gästen jegliche Bequemlichkeit.
The hotel offers its guests every comfort.
die Bequemlichkeit
comfort / laziness
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The noun 'Bequemlichkeit' (comfort / laziness) is derived from the adjective 'bequem' (comfortable). The ending '-keit' forms feminine nouns that describe a quality or a state.
EXAMPLE
Er schätzt die Bequemlichkeit seiner neuen Wohnung sehr.
He greatly appreciates the comfort of his new apartment.
Context clue
The meaning depends on the context. If people are talking about the comfort of things or places, the positive meaning is intended. If it is about the behavior of a person who wants to avoid effort, the negative meaning (laziness) is intended.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Auto bietet viel Platz und Bequemlichkeit.
This car offers plenty of space and comfort.
Use in the plural
In the plural, 'die Bequemlichkeiten' (comforts), the word often refers to the comfortable facilities or amenities of a place, for example a hotel or an apartment. It then means roughly the same as 'Annehmlichkeiten' (amenities).
EXAMPLE
Das Fünf-Sterne-Hotel bietet seinen Gästen alle erdenklichen Bequemlichkeiten.
The five-star hotel offers its guests every imaginable comfort.
Fixed expression
To express that someone is acting out of laziness, the phrase 'aus Bequemlichkeit' (out of laziness / for convenience) is often used. It gives the reason for a behavior.
EXAMPLE
Er fährt immer mit dem Aufzug, auch wenn er nur in den ersten Stock muss – aus reiner Bequemlichkeit.
He always takes the elevator, even if he only has to go to the first floor — out of sheer laziness.
Compare with
Bequemlichkeit vs Komfort
comfort
'Komfort' and 'Bequemlichkeit' can be very similar when something is pleasant and easy to use. For a hotel room, a car, or an armchair, you can often use both words. However, 'Komfort' sounds more strongly connected to facilities, features, and quality. 'Bequemlichkeit' emphasizes more that something requires little effort or is pleasant for the body. Learners may confuse the words because they often go together. The important point is: 'Bequemlichkeit' can also mean a personal trait, namely the desire to avoid effort. 'Komfort' does not have this meaning.
Bequemlichkeit
Aus Bequemlichkeit nimmt Paul den Aufzug, obwohl er nur in den zweiten Stock muss.
Out of laziness, Paul takes the elevator, even though he only has to go to the second floor.
Komfort
Im neuen Zug gibt es mehr Komfort, weil jeder Sitz eine Steckdose hat.
There is more comfort on the new train because every seat has a power outlet.
In real life
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