das Kabinett
cabinet
In politics, the group of ministers in a government under the leadership of the head of government.
EXAMPLE
Das Kabinett hat heute über den neuen Gesetzentwurf beraten.
The cabinet discussed the new bill today.
das Kabinett
cabinet
das Kabinett, die Kabinette
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Meanings
das Kabinett
Kabinett wine
A quality level for German Prädikat wine; refers to a light, fine wine made from ripe grapes.
EXAMPLE
Zum Dessert servierte er einen fruchtigen Riesling Kabinett.
For dessert, he served a fruity Riesling Kabinett.
das Kabinett
cabinet room
A small, often artistically furnished side room in a palace or stately home, used as a study or for storing collections.
EXAMPLE
Im Museum kann man das restaurierte Kabinett des Kurfürsten besichtigen.
In the museum, you can visit the elector's restored cabinet room.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Kabinett, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance (das)
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Kabinette |
| genitive | des Kabinetts |
The four cases (das)
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Kabinett | die Kabinette |
| accusative | das Kabinett | die Kabinette |
| dative | dem Kabinett | den Kabinetten |
| genitive | des Kabinetts des Kabinettes | der Kabinette |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
At a glance (der)
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Kabinetts |
The four cases (der)
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Kabinett | – |
| accusative | den Kabinett | – |
| dative | dem Kabinett | – |
| genitive | des Kabinetts | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
False friend
'Das Kabinett' (the cabinet) in German does not refer to pieces of furniture such as a kitchen cabinet or filing cabinet. Such a piece of furniture is called 'der Schrank' in German. This confusion with the English word 'cabinet' is a common mistake.
EXAMPLE
Die Gläser stehen im Schrank in der Küche.
The glasses are in the cupboard in the kitchen.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about politics, ministers, and laws, it means the government. If it is about wine, bottles, and taste, it means the wine category. If it is about museums, palaces, and art, it means the small room.
EXAMPLE
Die Kanzlerin trifft sich morgen mit dem Kabinett.
The chancellor is meeting with the cabinet tomorrow.
Dieser trockene Kabinett passt gut zum Fisch.
This dry Kabinett goes well with fish.
Das Bernsteinzimmer war ursprünglich ein kleines Kabinett.
The Amber Room was originally a small cabinet room.
Typical collocations
In a political context, 'Kabinett' (cabinet) is often used with certain verbs. Typical phrases are: 'das Kabinett tagt' (the cabinet is in session), 'das Kabinett berät' (the cabinet deliberates), or 'das Kabinett beschließt etwas' (the cabinet decides something).
EXAMPLE
Das Kabinett hat den neuen Haushalt beschlossen.
The cabinet has approved the new budget.
Cultural context
As a wine designation, 'Kabinett' is an official quality level for German Prädikat wines. It stands for a light, fine wine made from fully ripe grapes and has relatively little alcohol compared with other Prädikat wines.
EXAMPLE
Ich bestelle eine Flasche Riesling Kabinett.
I'll order a bottle of Riesling Kabinett.
Compare with
Kabinett vs Regierung
government
Regierung refers to the political leadership of a state as a whole. Kabinett more specifically means the ministers led by the head of government. When the focus is explicitly on this group of ministers discussing or deciding something together, Kabinett is especially appropriate.
Kabinett
Das Kabinett berät heute gemeinsam über die neue politische Linie.
The cabinet is meeting today to discuss the new political direction.
Regierung
Die Regierung bestimmt die politische Linie des Landes.
The government sets the country's political direction.
In real life
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