German word

Kaufhaus

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkaʊ̯fˌhaʊ̯s/

Meaning

  • neuter noundepartment store

Example

Viele Kaufhäuser bieten Sonderangebote.

Many department stores have special offers.

Illustration for Kaufhaus (department store)

More examples

Wenn ein Artikel nicht passt, kann man ihn im Kaufhaus umtauschen.

If an item doesn't fit, you can exchange it at the department store.

Core concept

A large house-like shop with separate floors or sections for different kinds of goods and related customer services.

Common phrases

  • im Kaufhaus anprobieren

    try on in the department store

  • im Kaufhaus umtauschen

    exchange in the department store

Similar words

Warenhaus: A large store selling clothing, household goods, and other items by department.
Einkaufszentrum: A shopping complex containing multiple stores, restaurants, and other businesses.
Geschäft: A small shop selling a particular type of product.
Supermarkt: A large retail store focused on groceries and everyday household goods.

Definition in German

Warenhaus mit mehreren, nach Sortiment getrennten Abteilungen, das Kunden vielfältige Produkte und oft Serviceleistungen anbietet

Word origin

Kaufhaus combines the German nouns Kauf, meaning purchase, and Haus, meaning house, and originally described a building for trade.

Usage tips

  • Kaufhaus is neuter, so its definite forms are das Kaufhaus, des Kaufhauses, and die Kaufhäuser.

Related words

  • Kaufhauskettedepartment store chainnoun
  • Kaufhausleitungdepartment store managementnoun

Word lists with this word