German word

Koffer

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkɔfɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsuitcase

Example

Ich packe den Koffer für die Reise.

I'm packing the suitcase for the trip.

Illustration for Koffer (suitcase)

More examples

Am Gepäckband suche ich meinen Koffer.

At the baggage carousel, I look for my suitcase.

Core concept

A portable storage box for clothes and other possessions, especially one designed for travel.

Common phrases

  • einen Koffer packen

    pack a suitcase

  • einen Koffer verlieren

    lose a suitcase

  • den Koffer abholen

    pick up a suitcase

Similar words

Handgepäck: Compact luggage brought onto a plane and kept under a seat or in an overhead compartment.
Reisetasche: A roomy, soft-sided bag for travel, carried by hand or on the shoulder.
Trolley: A compact wheeled case with a retractable handle.
Gepäck: The collective luggage carried during travel or a move.

Definition in German

Koffer bezeichnet ein größeres Reisegepäck, oft mit hartem Außenmaterial oder Rollen, das Kleidung und andere persönliche Sachen schützt.

Word origin

German borrowed Koffer from French coffre, a word for a chest or box ultimately related to Greek kophinos through Latin.

Usage tips

  • Koffer can refer to a suitcase or a larger travel trunk, whereas the car trunk is normally called der Kofferraum.

Other meanings

  • travel bagnoun
  • trunknoun

Opposites

  • Handgepäckcarry-on luggagenoun

Related words

  • Koffergurtsuitcase strapnoun
  • Kofferanhängersuitcase tagnoun

Word lists with this word