stairwell
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stairwell
The area in a building where the staircase or staircases are located and which connects the different floors with one another.
Das Licht im Treppenhaus funktioniert schon wieder nicht.
The light in the stairwell isn't working again.
The word is made up of 'Treppe' (stairs/staircase), in the form 'Treppen,' and 'Haus' (house). So it literally describes a 'house' or separate area for the stairs in a building.
Im Altbau ist das Treppenhaus oft sehr großzügig und hell.
In an old building, the stairwell is often very spacious and bright.
Common activities connected with this place are 'das Treppenhaus putzen' (to clean the stairwell) or 'fegen' (to sweep). People also often talk about 'Lärm im Treppenhaus' (noise in the stairwell).
Die Nachbarn beschweren sich oft über Lärm im Treppenhaus.
The neighbors often complain about noise in the stairwell.
To describe a location, you use the preposition 'in' with the dative: 'im Treppenhaus' (in the stairwell). To describe movement through the area, you use 'durch' with the accusative: 'durchs Treppenhaus' (through the stairwell).
Die Kinder spielen im Treppenhaus.
The children are playing in the stairwell.
stairs
'die Treppe' and 'das Treppenhaus' are closely related, but they are not the same. The 'Treppe' is the structure with the steps that you walk on. The 'Treppenhaus' is the whole area in the building where the stairs are located, often with doors, walls, lighting, and several floors. The words can be confused because the stairs are located in the stairwell. If you really mean the steps, say 'Treppe'. If you mean the room or area in the building, say 'Treppenhaus'.
Heute riecht es im Treppenhaus nach frischer Farbe.
Today the stairwell smells of fresh paint.
Nach dem Training steigt Tom langsam die Treppe in den dritten Stock hinauf.
After training, Tom slowly climbs the stairs to the third floor.