German word

Schloss

Pronunciation

IPA/ʃlɔs/

Meaning

  • neuter nouncastle

Example

Wir besuchen das Schloss heute.

We're visiting the castle today.

Illustration for Schloss (castle)

More examples

Für die Schlossführung gibt es noch Tickets.

There are still tickets for the castle tour.

Core concept

A grand enclosed residence, with the same word also naming the lock that closes something.

Common phrases

  • Schlossführung buchen

    book a castle tour

  • am Schloss vorbeigehen

    walk past the castle

  • ins Schloss gehen

    go into the castle

Similar words

Burg: A fortified medieval stronghold with stone walls and tall towers.
Palast: A lavish building used by royalty or heads of state for official events.

Definition in German

Ein großes, oft repräsentatives Gebäude, in dem Adel oder Herrscher wohnten und das manchmal befestigt war.

Word origin

Schloss developed from Old High German sloz, related to schließen, 'to close'; the original sense was a lock or fastening, later extended to an enclosed noble residence.

Usage tips

  • Schloss is neuter, and its plural is Schlösser; Burg usually refers to a fortified medieval stronghold rather than a residence.

Other meanings

  • locknoun
  • palacenoun

Related words

  • Schlossführungcastle tournoun
  • Schlosshotelcastle hotelnoun

Word lists with this word