German word

Altbau

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaltˌbaʊ̯/

Meaning

  • masculine nounold building

Example

Ich wohne in einem Altbau.

I live in an old building.

Illustration for Altbau (old building)

More examples

Am Wochenende erkundeten sie das Altbauviertel und genossen den historischen Charme.

At the weekend, they explored the district of old buildings and enjoyed its historic charm.

Core concept

A prewar residential building whose spacious rooms and decorative plaster preserve an older architectural style.

Common phrases

  • das Altbauviertel erkunden

    explore the district of old buildings

  • einen Altbau modernisieren lassen

    have an old building renovated

Similar words

Neubau: A newly constructed building.
Altbauwohnung: A dwelling located in an older building.

Definition in German

Ein älteres Gebäude, häufig vor dem Zweiten Weltkrieg errichtet, oft als Wohnhaus genutzt und gekennzeichnet durch hohe Decken und Stuckornamente.

Word origin

The noun combines the adjective stem Alt with Bau, a Germanic noun related to English 'build' and 'building'.

Usage tips

  • Altbau often means more than simply an old building because German housing language commonly contrasts it with Neubau, a newer building.

Other meanings

  • old apartmentnoun
  • old wingnoun

Opposites

  • Neubaunewly built buildingnoun

Related words

  • Altbauvierteldistrict of old buildingsnoun
  • Altbausanierungrenovation of old buildingsnoun

Word lists with this word