housing / living room
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housing
The available space for living, usually used as a general term for houses and apartments.
In vielen Großstädten wird bezahlbarer Wohnraum immer knapper.
In many large cities, affordable housing is becoming increasingly scarce.
living room
A single room that is mainly used for spending time and living in; a living room.
Die Familie versammelt sich abends im gemütlichen Wohnraum am Kamin.
In the evening, the family gathers in the cozy living room by the fireplace.
The word is made up of the verb 'wohnen' (to live/reside) and the noun 'der Raum' (room/space). So it literally means “space for living.” The '-n-' in the middle is a linking element that connects the two parts of the word.
Die Architektin hat bei der Planung viel Wert auf hellen Wohnraum gelegt.
The architect placed a lot of emphasis on bright living space during the planning.
The meaning depends on the context. If people are talking generally about the housing market or politics, 'Wohnraum' means the total space for living (often uncountable). If someone is describing a house, 'der Wohnraum' usually means a specific room, that is, the living room (countable).
In Berlin fehlt es an bezahlbarem Wohnraum.
There is a lack of affordable housing in Berlin.
In the general meaning of 'Platz zum Wohnen' (space for living), the word is often used in social debates. Typical combinations are 'bezahlbarer Wohnraum' (affordable housing), 'knapper Wohnraum' (scarce housing), or 'Wohnraum schaffen' (to create housing).
Die Stadt hat ein neues Programm gestartet, um mehr Wohnraum für Familien zu schaffen.
The city has launched a new program to create more housing for families.
When 'Wohnraum' means a living room, it is often described with adjectives that characterize the atmosphere or size of the room. Examples are 'ein gemütlicher' (a cozy), 'ein offener' (an open), 'ein heller' (a bright), or 'ein großzügiger' (a spacious) living room.
Die Wohnung verfügt über einen großen, offenen Wohnraum mit integrierter Küche.
The apartment has a large, open living room with an integrated kitchen.
living room
„Wohnzimmer“ specifically refers to the central room used for spending time together and relaxing. „Wohnraum“ can also mean such a room, but usually refers more generally to the space available for living. For a specific room, „Wohnzimmer“ is therefore more unambiguous.
Die Wohnung bietet einer Familie insgesamt achtzig Quadratmeter Wohnraum.
The apartment offers a family a total of eighty square meters of living space.
Das helle Wohnzimmer der Wohnung hat Platz für ein großes Sofa.
The apartment’s bright living room has space for a large sofa.
