01
der Sessel
armchair
A comfortable, upholstered seat for one person that typically has armrests.
example
Er saß gemütlich im Sessel und las ein Buch.
He sat comfortably in the armchair and read a book.
der Sessel
armchair / chair
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Movement and location
Pay attention to the prepositions and the case. When you are moving toward the piece of furniture, it is 'in den Sessel' (into the armchair/chair, accusative). When you are already there, it is 'im Sessel' (in the armchair/chair, dative).
EXAMPLE
Setz dich doch in den bequemen Sessel am Fenster!
Go ahead and sit down in the comfortable armchair by the window!
Typical adjectives
In the standard meaning 'upholstered furniture', 'Sessel' (armchair) is often combined with adjectives that describe comfort or material. Typical phrases are 'bequemer Sessel' (comfortable armchair), 'gemütlicher Sessel' (cozy armchair), or 'Ledersessel' (leather armchair).
EXAMPLE
Für meine Leseecke wünsche ich mir einen gemütlichen Sessel mit hoher Lehne.
For my reading corner, I would like a cozy armchair with a high back.
Regional meaning
Be careful: the meaning of 'Sessel' (armchair/chair) differs by region. In Austria and parts of southern Germany, the word often refers to a simple chair, for example at the dining table.
EXAMPLE
In Wien fragt man im Restaurant vielleicht: „Ist dieser Sessel hier noch frei?“
In Vienna, someone might ask in a restaurant: 'Is this chair here still free?'
Compare with
Sessel vs Stuhl
chair / stool
'der Stuhl' and 'der Sessel' are both pieces of seating furniture for one person. In standard German, a 'Stuhl' is usually simpler: it has a seat, legs, and often a backrest, but normally no soft upholstery. A 'Sessel' is more comfortable, upholstered, and often has armrests. The words can be confused because you sit on both of them. In addition, in Austria and parts of southern Germany, 'Sessel' often simply means 'Stuhl' (chair). In normal standard German, 'Stuhl' is more likely to be used at a table, while 'Sessel' is more likely to belong in the living room for relaxing.
Sessel
Nach der Arbeit setzt sich Maria in den weichen Sessel und liest ein Buch.
After work, Maria sits down in the soft armchair and reads a book.
Stuhl
Für die Feier morgen stellt mein Freund noch zehn Stühle in den Garten.
For the party tomorrow, my friend is putting ten more chairs in the garden.
In real life
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