gemütlich
cozy
Describing a pleasant, relaxed, and comfortable atmosphere. Often refers to places or situations.
EXAMPLE
Wir saßen in einem gemütlichen Café und tranken heiße Schokolade.
We sat in a cozy café and drank hot chocolate.
gemütlich
cozy / relaxed
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Meanings
gemütlich
relaxed
Describing a slow, calm, and not strenuous way of doing something. Often refers to activities or a pace.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Abendessen machten wir einen gemütlichen Spaziergang durch den Park.
After dinner, we took a relaxed walk through the park.
gemütlich
easygoing
Describing a person who is calm, relaxed, and sociable, and who avoids hectic situations.
EXAMPLE
Mein Onkel ist ein gemütlicher Typ, den nichts aus der Ruhe bringt.
My uncle is an easygoing guy who never gets flustered.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'gemütlich' (cozy/comfortable) is derived from 'das Gemüt' (mind, disposition, or soul). Something 'Gemütliches' therefore appeals to inner well-being and creates a pleasant mood.
EXAMPLE
Die Atmosphäre in der Hütte war warm und gemütlich.
The atmosphere in the cabin was warm and cozy.
Use as an adverb
'Gemütlich' is very often used as an adverb to describe that an action is carried out in a slow, relaxed, and pleasant way.
EXAMPLE
Am Sonntag frühstücken wir immer ganz gemütlich auf dem Balkon.
On Sundays, we always have breakfast very leisurely on the balcony.
Typical collocations
Common expressions are 'ein gemütlicher Abend' (a cozy evening), 'eine gemütliche Runde' (a cozy get-together), or the reflexive construction 'es sich gemütlich machen', which means to make yourself comfortable and relax.
EXAMPLE
Mach es dir doch auf dem Sofa gemütlich!
Make yourself comfortable on the sofa!
Typical activities
When 'gemütlich' describes an activity, it is often about a slow pace. Typical examples are 'ein gemütlicher Spaziergang' (a relaxed walk), 'eine gemütliche Radtour' (a relaxed bike ride), or 'etwas gemütlich angehen' (to take something at an easy pace).
EXAMPLE
Lass uns die Arbeit morgen gemütlich angehen.
Let's take the work at an easy pace tomorrow.
Compare with
gemütlich vs angenehm
pleasant
Angenehm generally describes a room or situation that feels positive. Gemütlich is used especially when a cozy and relaxed atmosphere is meant. A quiet room can therefore be angenehm; warm lighting and comfortable furnishings can make it gemütlich.
gemütlich
Das Hotelzimmer wirkt durch das warme Licht und den weichen Sessel gemütlich.
The warm lighting and soft armchair make the hotel room feel cozy.
angenehm
Das Hotelzimmer ist angenehm, weil es ruhig und sauber ist.
The hotel room is pleasant because it is quiet and clean.
In real life
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