01
das Gepäck
luggage
All the bags, suitcases, and other containers that you take with you on a trip.
example
Wir haben unser Gepäck bereits am Flughafen aufgegeben.
We have already checked in our luggage at the airport.
das Gepäck
luggage / baggage
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The prefix 'Ge-' often forms collective nouns. Similar to 'das Gebirge' (mountain range; many mountains), 'das Gepäck' (luggage) refers to the totality of items of baggage such as suitcases and bags.
EXAMPLE
Das Gepäck für drei Wochen Urlaub passt kaum ins Auto.
The luggage for a three-week vacation barely fits in the car.
Use in the singular
'Gepäck' (luggage) is a collective noun and is almost always used in the singular, even when referring to several pieces of luggage. There is no plural form ('die Gepäcke').
EXAMPLE
Wie viel Gepäck darf ich mitnehmen?
How much luggage may I take with me?
Typical verbs
In the travel context, 'Gepäck' (luggage) is often used with certain verbs: Gepäck aufgeben (to check in luggage, at the counter), Gepäck abholen (to collect luggage, at the baggage carousel), or Gepäck verlieren (to lose luggage).
EXAMPLE
Ich hoffe, dass mein Gepäck nicht verloren geht.
I hope my luggage doesn't get lost.
Context clue
You can usually recognize the figurative meaning from adjectives like 'emotional' (emotional), 'persönlich' (personal), or 'seelisch' (psychological/emotional). Without such an adjective, the literal meaning (travel luggage) is almost always meant.
EXAMPLE
Er trägt schwer an seinem emotionalen Gepäck aus der Kindheit.
He is weighed down by his emotional baggage from childhood.
Compare with
Gepäck vs Tasche
bag / pocket
'die Tasche' and 'das Gepäck' can both have to do with things that you carry or take with you on a trip. But 'Tasche' means a single container, for example a handbag, shopping bag, or travel bag. It can also be a small pocket in clothing. 'Gepäck' means all the bags, suitcases, and other things you have with you on a trip. Learners can easily confuse the words because a 'Tasche' can be part of your 'Gepäck'. Memory tip: A 'Tasche' can be in your 'Gepäck', but 'Gepäck' is usually more than one 'Tasche'.
Gepäck
Am Flughafen wartet die Familie lange auf ihr Gepäck.
At the airport, the family waits a long time for their luggage.
Tasche
Amira hat ihre Tasche im Zug neben den Sitz gestellt.
Amira put her bag next to the seat on the train.
In real life
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