01
der Kamin
fireplace
An open hearth inside a house that is used for heating and for creating a cozy atmosphere.
example
An kalten Winterabenden sitzen wir gerne vor dem Kamin.
On cold winter evenings, we like to sit in front of the fireplace.
der Kamin
fireplace / chimney
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The word 'Kamin' has two meanings that the context clearly distinguishes. If people are talking about coziness, fire, and the inside of a house, the fireplace is meant. If it is about smoke, the roof, or the outside of a house, the chimney is meant.
EXAMPLE
Wir machten ein Feuer im Kamin, um das Wohnzimmer zu heizen.
We made a fire in the fireplace to heat the living room.
Typical collocations
When the fireplace is meant, 'Kamin' is often connected with cozy situations. Typical phrases are 'vor dem Kamin sitzen' (to sit in front of the fireplace), 'ein Feuer im Kamin machen' (to make a fire in the fireplace), or 'das knisternde Kaminfeuer genießen' (to enjoy the crackling fire in the fireplace).
EXAMPLE
Die Familie versammelte sich am Abend vor dem knisternden Kamin.
In the evening, the family gathered in front of the crackling fireplace.
Use as chimney
In the meaning of 'Schornstein' (chimney), the word describes the structure on the roof. Common formulations are 'der Rauch steigt aus dem Kamin' (the smoke rises from the chimney) or 'der Kamin muss gereinigt werden' (the chimney has to be cleaned).
EXAMPLE
Man konnte schon von Weitem sehen, wie der Kamin des Hauses rauchte.
You could see from far away that the chimney of the house was smoking.
Compare with
Kamin vs Ofen
oven
'Ofen' and 'Kamin' can both warm a room and have to do with fire. An 'Ofen' is usually enclosed and is mainly used for heating, for example with wood or gas. A 'Kamin' is an open hearth inside a house and is often also used for its cozy atmosphere. The words can be confused because both can be in the living room. If the fire is burning behind a door or inside an enclosed device, 'Ofen' fits better; for an open hearth, you are more likely to say 'Kamin'.
Kamin
Am Winterabend sitzen wir lange vor dem Kamin.
On a winter evening, we sit in front of the fireplace for a long time.
Ofen
Vor dem Abendessen macht Paul den Ofen an, weil es im Wohnzimmer kalt ist.
Before dinner, Paul turns on the stove because it is cold in the living room.
In real life
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