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die Decke

A1 noun #1,500 most common 8 min read

die Decke

Top 1,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips die Decke in 30 Seconds

Explanation die Decke in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'die Decke' is one of the first household vocabulary words you learn. It is introduced as a feminine noun meaning either 'blanket' or 'ceiling'. You will learn to use it in very simple sentences to describe your immediate environment or basic needs. For example, if you are cold, you learn to say 'Ich brauche eine Decke' (I need a blanket). If you are describing a room, you might say 'Die Lampe ist an der Decke' (The lamp is on the ceiling). The focus at this stage is purely on the literal meanings and memorizing the article 'die'. You will also learn the plural form, 'die Decken'. Teachers often use visual aids, pointing up to the ceiling or showing a picture of a bed, to cement these two distinct meanings in your mind. It is important to remember that it is a regular feminine noun, so it takes 'eine' for the indefinite article and 'die' for the definite article in the nominative and accusative cases.

Moving to the A2 level, your use of 'die Decke' expands to include more verbs and prepositions, particularly focusing on the dative and accusative cases. You learn to describe actions related to the word. For a blanket, you might say 'Ich lege die Decke auf das Bett' (I lay the blanket on the bed - Accusative) or 'Die Decke liegt auf dem Bett' (The blanket lies on the bed - Dative). For a ceiling, you learn verbs like 'streichen' (to paint): 'Wir streichen die Decke weiß' (We are painting the ceiling white). You also start encountering common compound nouns like 'Bettdecke' (duvet) and 'Tischdecke' (tablecloth), which helps you specify exactly what kind of covering you are talking about. The distinction between 'Dach' (roof) and 'Decke' (ceiling) is heavily emphasized at this level to prevent common beginner mistakes.

At the B1 level, 'die Decke' transitions from purely literal use to idiomatic and metaphorical expressions. You are introduced to common German idioms that native speakers use daily. A key phrase is 'mir fällt die Decke auf den Kopf' (literally: the ceiling is falling on my head), which means you have cabin fever or feel trapped at home. Another important idiom is 'an die Decke gehen' (to hit the roof), meaning to get suddenly very angry. You also learn to discuss the material and qualities of blankets in more detail, such as 'eine Decke aus reiner Schurwolle' (a blanket made of pure new wool). In terms of grammar, you practice using 'die Decke' with relative clauses: 'Die Decke, die ich gestern gekauft habe, ist sehr weich' (The blanket that I bought yesterday is very soft).

In the B2 level, your vocabulary becomes more abstract and nuanced. 'Die Decke' is used in professional, psychological, and advanced descriptive contexts. You learn the concept of 'Deckelung' (capping/ceiling), used in economics and politics, such as 'Preisdeckelung' (price ceiling) or 'Mietdeckelung' (rent cap). You also encounter the idiom 'unter einer Decke stecken' (to be in cahoots / to secretly collaborate), often used in news reports or crime stories. The descriptive language becomes richer; instead of just saying a ceiling is high, you might describe 'stuckverzierte Decken' (stucco-decorated ceilings) in an 'Altbauwohnung' (old building apartment). You are expected to understand these nuances in listening and reading comprehension without needing literal translations.

At the C1 level, 'die Decke' is fully integrated into your advanced vocabulary, allowing you to understand and produce complex literary and journalistic texts. You encounter poetic uses, such as 'eine dicke Wolkendecke' (a thick blanket of clouds) or 'die Schneedecke' (the blanket of snow). You understand subtle cultural references, like Linus's 'Schmusedecke' (security blanket) from Peanuts, and can use the term metaphorically to describe psychological safety or suppression. You might read articles discussing the 'gläserne Decke' (glass ceiling) in the context of corporate gender inequality. Your command of the language allows you to play with the dual meaning of the word for rhetorical effect in essays or debates, showing a near-native grasp of German semantics.

At the C2 mastery level, you understand the historical and etymological roots of 'die Decke', tracing it back to the Old High German 'dekki' (covering). You effortlessly navigate highly specific regional variations and archaic uses found in classic German literature (e.g., Goethe or Schiller). You can engage in deep philosophical or architectural discussions where 'die Decke' represents boundaries, shelter, or limitation. You intuitively know when to use highly specific compounds like 'Kassettendecke' (coffered ceiling) or 'Gewölbedecke' (vaulted ceiling) in specialized contexts. Idioms like 'sich nach der Decke strecken' (to cut one's coat according to one's cloth / to live within one's means) are used naturally and appropriately in complex socio-economic discussions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

die Decke in 30 Seconds

Means 'blanket' or 'ceiling'.
Feminine noun: die Decke.
Plural form: die Decken.
Used in many idioms (e.g., hit the roof).

The German noun die Decke is a fascinating, dual-purpose word that primarily translates to either 'ceiling' or 'blanket' in English. This dual meaning often surprises beginners, but it makes logical sense when you consider that both represent a covering—one covers a room from above, and the other covers a person or object. Understanding this core concept of 'covering' is essential for mastering the word.

Meaning 1: Blanket: A piece of thick cloth or wool used for warmth, especially on a bed or couch. It provides comfort and insulation.

Mir ist kalt, ich brauche eine warme Decke.

When used as 'blanket', it can refer to various types: a Bettdecke (duvet/bedspread), a Wolldecke (wool blanket), or a Tischdecke (tablecloth). The context usually makes it clear which type of covering is meant.

Meaning 2: Ceiling: The upper interior surface of a room or other similar compartment. It acts as the upper boundary of an indoor space.

Die Lampe hängt an der Decke.

The concept extends metaphorically to mean a limit or maximum, such as a price ceiling (Preisdecke or Deckelung). Furthermore, weather reports frequently use the term Wolkendecke to describe cloud cover, reinforcing the idea of a layer that covers the sky.

Metaphorical Use: Used in idioms to express feeling trapped or extremely angry, relating to the physical boundaries of a room.

Er starrte stundenlang an die Decke.

Die Katze schläft auf der Decke.

Wir streichen die Decke weiß.

By understanding 'die Decke' as a universal term for a top-layer covering, you unlock a vast array of compound nouns and idiomatic expressions in the German language, making your vocabulary much richer and more native-like.

Using die Decke correctly involves pairing it with the right verbs and prepositions depending on whether you mean 'ceiling' or 'blanket'. The grammar remains the same (feminine noun, plural: die Decken), but the collocations shift dramatically based on the intended meaning.

Using it as 'Blanket': Common verbs include sich zudecken (to cover oneself), waschen (to wash), falten (to fold), and holen (to fetch).

Ich decke mich mit der Decke zu.

When talking about a blanket, you often use prepositions like unter (under) or auf (on). For example, sleeping unter der Decke (under the blanket) or sitting auf der Decke (on the blanket, like at a picnic).

Using it as 'Ceiling': Common verbs include streichen (to paint), abhängen (to lower/suspend), and anstarren (to stare at).

Der Rauch steigt zur Decke auf.

It is also crucial to know how to form compound nouns. German loves compounding, and 'Decke' is a frequent suffix. A table covering is a Tischdecke, a bed covering is a Bettdecke, and a horse blanket is a Pferdedecke.

Idiomatic Usage: Used in phrases like 'an die Decke gehen' (to hit the roof/get angry) or 'unter einer Decke stecken' (to be in cahoots).

Wenn er das erfährt, geht er an die Decke.

Die beiden stecken doch unter einer Decke!

Nach drei Tagen Regen fällt mir die Decke auf den Kopf.

Mastering these usages requires practice with prepositions and cases, but once grasped, 'die Decke' becomes an incredibly versatile tool in your German vocabulary arsenal.

You will encounter die Decke in almost every facet of daily German life, from cozy bedrooms to bustling construction sites. Because it covers two fundamental concepts—warmth/comfort and architecture—its frequency in everyday speech is extremely high.

In the Home: Used constantly when discussing sleeping arrangements, interior design, or feeling cold.

Hast du eine extra Decke für den Gast?

In hotels, you might call reception to ask for a 'zusätzliche Decke' if the room is too cold. In furniture stores like IKEA in Germany, you'll see signs for 'Decken' in the bedding section and 'Deckenlampen' in the lighting section.

In Construction & DIY: A major term for builders, painters, and architects when discussing the upper limits of a room.

Die Decke muss neu verputzt werden.

You'll also hear it in weather forecasts. Meteorologists frequently talk about a 'geschlossene Wolkendecke' (overcast sky/closed cloud cover), which paints a vivid picture of clouds acting as a blanket over the earth.

In Casual Conversation: Idioms using 'Decke' are a staple of casual German banter, expressing frustration or conspiracy.

Ich könnte an die Decke springen vor Freude!

Lass uns eine Decke für das Picknick mitnehmen.

Das Zimmer hat eine sehr niedrige Decke.

Whether you are reading a novel, watching a German crime show (where suspects might 'unter einer Decke stecken'), or just trying to stay warm, 'die Decke' is an unavoidable and essential noun.

Because die Decke translates to two distinct English words, English speakers often make predictable errors when using it, or when trying to translate 'roof' and 'duvet' into German. Let's clear up these common pitfalls.

Mistake 1: Confusing Ceiling and Roof: Learners often use 'Decke' when they mean the exterior roof of a building, or 'Dach' when they mean the interior ceiling.

Falsch: Der Regen fällt auf die Decke. (Richtig: auf das Dach)

Remember: Das Dach is outside, protecting the house from rain. Die Decke is inside, above your head in the living room.

Mistake 2: Preposition Errors: Using 'in' instead of 'an' for ceilings, or mixing up Dative and Accusative cases.

Die Spinne sitzt an der Decke. (Not: in der Decke)

Another issue arises with the word 'blanket'. While 'Decke' is correct, a thick duvet filled with feathers is specifically a Bettdecke or Steppbett. A thin throw is a Plaid or Wolldecke.

Mistake 3: Idiom Literal Translation: Translating 'hit the roof' literally as 'das Dach schlagen' instead of using the German equivalent with 'Decke'.

Er geht an die Decke. (He hits the roof/gets angry)

Ich verstecke mich unter der Decke.

Zieh die Decke über den Kopf.

By paying attention to context and prepositions, you can easily avoid these common mistakes and use 'die Decke' with native-like precision.

To fully grasp die Decke, it helps to compare it with similar words in German. This builds a network of related vocabulary in your mind, allowing for more precise expression.

Das Dach vs. Die Decke: Das Dach is the exterior roof of a building. Die Decke is the interior ceiling. A house has one roof, but many ceilings.

Unter dem Dach ist noch eine Decke.

When referring to blankets, there are several specific terms. A Bettdecke is specifically for a bed (a duvet). A Wolldecke is a wool blanket. A Tagesdecke is a bedspread used during the day for decoration.

Das Plaid vs. Die Decke: Das Plaid is a loanword used for a thin, often fringed throw blanket, usually kept on a sofa. Die Decke is the general term for any blanket.

Reich mir mal die Decke vom Sofa.

In architectural terms, a vaulted ceiling is called a Gewölbe. While it is technically a type of 'Decke', Gewölbe specifically implies the curved, arched structure often found in churches or wine cellars.

Der Teppich vs. Die Decke: Der Teppich is a rug or carpet for the floor. Die Decke is for the ceiling or for covering yourself. Never mix these up!

Der Teppich liegt auf dem Boden, die Lampe hängt an der Decke.

Er kaufte eine neue Decke für das Bett.

Die Decke ist aus reiner Baumwolle.

Understanding these distinctions helps you navigate German home goods stores, construction sites, and casual conversations with confidence and accuracy.

How Formal Is It?

Difficulty Rating

Grammar to Know

Two-way prepositions (Wechselpräpositionen) with 'an' and 'auf'.

Adjective declension after definite articles (die warme Decke).

Reflexive verbs (sich zudecken).

Relative clauses (Die Decke, die...).

Dative vs. Accusative for location vs. direction.

Examples by Level

Das ist eine warme Decke.

That is a warm blanket.

'eine' is the feminine indefinite article in the nominative case.

Die Lampe hängt an der Decke.

The lamp hangs on the ceiling.

'an der' uses the dative case to show location.

Ich brauche eine Decke.

I need a blanket.

'eine Decke' is the direct object in the accusative case.

Die Decke ist weiß.

The ceiling/blanket is white.

Simple subject + 'sein' + adjective construction.

Wo ist meine Decke?

Where is my blanket?

'meine' is the feminine possessive pronoun.

Die Katze schläft auf der Decke.

The cat sleeps on the blanket.

'auf der' uses the dative case for location.

Wir haben zwei Decken.

We have two blankets.

'Decken' is the plural form.

Ist die Decke hoch?

Is the ceiling high?

Yes/No question starting with the verb.

Wir streichen die Decke im Wohnzimmer.

We are painting the ceiling in the living room.

'streichen' takes the accusative object 'die Decke'.

Kannst du mir bitte die Decke geben?

Can you please give me the blanket?

Dative pronoun 'mir' + accusative object 'die Decke'.

Ich wasche die Decke in der Waschmaschine.

I am washing the blanket in the washing machine.

Accusative object with a location phrase.

Das Zimmer hat eine sehr niedrige Decke.

The room has a very low ceiling.

Adjective 'niedrige' takes the feminine accusative ending '-e'.

Er versteckt sich unter der Decke.

He is hiding under the blanket.

Reflexive verb 'sich verstecken' + 'unter' (dative).

Die Decke ist aus weicher Wolle.

The blanket is made of soft wool.

'aus' always takes the dative case.

Wirf die Decke über das Sofa.

Throw the blanket over the sofa.

Imperative form 'Wirf' + accusative direction 'über das'.

An der Decke ist ein kleiner Fleck.

There is a small stain on the ceiling.

'An der Decke' at the start of the sentence inverts subject and verb.

Mir fällt langsam die Decke auf den Kopf.

I'm starting to get cabin fever (literally: the ceiling is falling on my head).

Idiom using dative 'mir' and accusative direction 'auf den Kopf'.

Wenn er das sieht, geht er an die Decke!

When he sees that, he'll hit the roof!

Idiom 'an die Decke gehen' meaning to get very angry.

Die Decke, die ich gekauft habe, kratzt ein bisschen.

The blanket that I bought scratches a little.

Relative clause starting with the feminine relative pronoun 'die'.

Der Rauch stieg schnell zur Decke auf.

The smoke rose quickly to the ceiling.

'zur' is a contraction of 'zu der' (dative).

Wir haben eine dicke Decke für das Picknick mitgebracht.

We brought a thick blanket for the picnic.

Past participle 'mitgebracht' at the end of the sentence.

Im Altbau sind die Decken meistens über drei Meter hoch.

In old buildings, the ceilings are usually over three meters high.

Plural subject 'die Decken' with a measurement phrase.

Zieh dir die Decke bis zum Kinn.

Pull the blanket up to your chin.

Reflexive imperative 'Zieh dir' (dative).

Sie starrte schlaflos an die Decke.

She stared sleeplessly at the ceiling.

'an die Decke' uses accusative for the direction of the gaze.

Die beiden Verdächtigen stecken offensichtlich unter einer Decke.

The two suspects are obviously in cahoots.

Idiom 'unter einer Decke stecken' (to conspire).

Die Regierung plant eine Deckelung der Mietpreise.

The government is planning a cap on rental prices.

Noun derivation 'Deckelung' meaning a cap or limit.

Eine geschlossene Wolkendecke verhinderte die Sicht auf die Sterne.

A solid cloud cover prevented the view of the stars.

Compound noun 'Wolkendecke' used in a descriptive context.

Frauen stoßen im Management oft an eine gläserne Decke.

Women in management often hit a glass ceiling.

Metaphorical use translated directly from English 'glass ceiling'.

Der Raum wirkte durch die abgehängte Decke viel kleiner.

The room seemed much smaller due to the suspended ceiling.

Passive participle 'abgehängte' used as an adjective.

Er musste sich nach der Decke strecken, um mit dem Gehalt auszukommen.

He had to cut his coat according to his cloth to manage with the salary.

Idiom 'sich nach der Decke strecken' (to live within one's means).

Die Stuckverzierungen an der Decke wurden aufwendig restauriert.

The stucco decorations on the ceiling were elaborately restored.

Passive voice in the simple past (Präteritum).

Unter der dicken Schneedecke ruhte die Natur.

Nature rested under the thick blanket of snow.

Poetic compound noun 'Schneedecke'.

Die akustische Decke im Konzertsaal sorgt für einen perfekten Klang.

The acoustic ceiling in the concert hall ensures perfect sound.

Technical/architectural vocabulary context.

Seine ständigen Beschwerden brachten mich fast dazu, an die Decke zu gehen.

His constant complaints almost made me hit the roof.

Extended infinitive clause 'dazu, an die Decke zu gehen'.

Die Isolierschicht wurde direkt unter der obersten Decke angebracht.

The insulation layer was installed directly under the top ceiling.

Passive voice with complex prepositional phrases.

Die Wolkendecke riss auf und gab den Blick auf den Gipfel frei.

The cloud cover broke, revealing the view of the summit.

Literary verb 'aufreißen' used with 'Wolkendecke'.

Sie zog die metaphorische Decke des Schweigens über den Vorfall.

She drew the metaphorical blanket of silence over the incident.

Highly metaphorical and literary usage.

Die Kassettendecke aus der Renaissance ist das Highlight des Schlosses.

The Renaissance coffered ceiling is the highlight of the castle.

Specific architectural compound noun 'Kassettendecke'.

Trotz der Preisdecke stiegen die Lebenshaltungskosten weiter an.

Despite the price ceiling, the cost of living continued to rise.

Economic terminology 'Preisdecke' with the preposition 'Trotz' (genitive).

Er klammerte sich an seine Gewohnheiten wie ein Kind an seine Schmusedecke.

He clung to his habits like a child to its security blanket.

Psychological comparison using the compound 'Schmusedecke'.

Die etymologische Verwandtschaft von 'Decke' und 'Dach' zeugt von der indogermanischen Wurzel für 'bedecken'.

The etymological relationship between 'Decke' and 'Dach' testifies to the Indo-European root for 'to cover'.

Academic/linguistic sentence structure.

Unter dem Deckmantel der Verschwiegenheit steckten die Fraktionen unter einer Decke.

Under the guise of secrecy, the factions were in cahoots.

Double play on the root 'Deck-' (Deckmantel, Decke).

Das gotische Kreuzrippengewölbe stellt eine architektonische Meisterleistung der Deckenkonstruktion dar.

The Gothic rib vault represents an architectural masterpiece of ceiling construction.

Highly specialized architectural terminology.

Die flächendeckende Einführung des Systems stieß an ihre finanziellen Decken.

The nationwide rollout of the system hit its financial ceilings.

Use of 'flächendeckend' (covering the area) and plural metaphorical 'Decken'.

In der Novelle fungiert die schwere, samtene Decke als Leitmotiv für die erdrückende Atmosphäre des Hauses.

In the novella, the heavy, velvet blanket acts as a leitmotif for the oppressive atmosphere of the house.

Literary analysis vocabulary ('fungiert als', 'Leitmotiv').

Die Deckelung der Staatsverschuldung wurde kontrovers debattiert, da sie Investitionen abwürgte.

The capping of the national debt was controversially debated as it choked off investments.

Advanced political/economic discourse.

Er zog sich die Decke über den Kopf, resignierend vor der Unausweichlichkeit des Schicksals.

He pulled the blanket over his head, resigning to the inevitability of fate.

Participle construction 'resignierend' expressing a simultaneous state.

Die Deckenfresken von Tiepolo in der Würzburger Residenz sind von unschätzbarem kunsthistorischem Wert.

The ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo in the Würzburg Residence are of inestimable art-historical value.

Art history context using 'Deckenfresken'.

Common Collocations

an die Decke

unter der Decke

die Decke streichen

eine warme Decke

die Decke fällt auf den Kopf

hohe Decken

eine Decke stricken

die Wolkendecke

die Decke abhängen

sich mit der Decke zudecken

Common Phrases

an die Decke gehen

unter einer Decke stecken

mir fällt die Decke auf den Kopf

sich nach der Decke strecken

die Decke über den Kopf ziehen

eine Decke ausbreiten

an die Decke starren

die Decke tapezieren

eine Decke umlegen

die Decke einreißen

Often Confused With

die Decke vs das Dach (roof)

die Decke vs der Teppich (rug/carpet)

die Decke vs das Deck (ship's deck)

Idioms & Expressions

"an die Decke gehen"

"unter einer Decke stecken"

"jemandem fällt die Decke auf den Kopf"

"sich nach der Decke strecken"

"die gläserne Decke"

"die Decke über den Kopf ziehen"

"unter dem Deckmantel"

"etwas unter der Decke halten"

"an die Decke springen"

"die Decke auf den Kopf fallen lassen"

Easily Confused

die Decke vs

Sentence Patterns

How to Use It

nuances

While 'Decke' is the general term for blanket, using 'Bettdecke' is preferred when specifically talking about the duvet you sleep under.

formality

Neutral, used in all registers.

frequency

Top 1000 most common German words.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Dach' instead of 'Decke' for the interior ceiling.
Using 'in der Decke' instead of 'an der Decke' for things hanging from the ceiling.
Translating 'hit the roof' literally as 'das Dach schlagen' instead of 'an die Decke gehen'.
Forgetting that 'Decke' is feminine and using 'der' or 'das'.
Using 'Decke' for a floor rug (which is 'Teppich').

Tips

Preposition Power

Master the prepositions 'an' (for ceilings) and 'unter/auf' (for blankets). This is the fastest way to sound native and avoid confusion.

Compound Crazy

German loves compounds. Add 'Decke' to other nouns to specify the covering: Tischdecke (tablecloth), Wolldecke (wool blanket), Kuscheldecke (cuddle blanket).

Cabin Fever

Memorize 'mir fällt die Decke auf den Kopf'. It's an incredibly common phrase, especially during long German winters or rainy weekends.

Soft Ending

Ensure you pronounce the final '-e' as a soft schwa sound (uh), not a hard 'A' or 'E'. It should sound like 'DECK-uh'.

Roof vs. Ceiling

Never say 'Der Regen fällt auf die Decke' unless your roof is broken and it's raining inside! Use 'Dach' for the outside roof.

Airing the Duvet

If you live in Germany, you'll see people hanging their 'Bettdecken' out the window. It's a cultural norm for freshness!

Feminine Gender

Always learn the article with the noun: DIE Decke. This will save you headaches when applying adjective endings later (e.g., einE warmE Decke).

Hitting the Roof

Use 'an die Decke gehen' instead of translating 'wütend werden' all the time. It adds color and native flair to your speech.

Weather Talk

Listen to German weather forecasts. You will frequently hear 'Wolkendecke' (cloud cover), which helps reinforce the concept of 'Decke' as a layer.

Capitalization

Like all German nouns, 'Decke' must always be capitalized, regardless of where it appears in the sentence.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a DECK of cards spread out to COVER a table like a blanket, or stacked high to reach the ceiling.

Word Origin

Old High German 'dekki'

Cultural Context

In Austria, a duvet is often called 'Tuchent', though 'Decke' is understood everywhere.

Historically, ornate painted or stuccoed ceilings (Stuckdecken) were a sign of immense wealth in German, Austrian, and Swiss palaces.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Conversation Starters

"Ist dir kalt? Soll ich dir eine Decke bringen?"

"Gefallen dir Wohnungen mit hohen Decken?"

"Fällt dir im Winter auch manchmal die Decke auf den Kopf?"

"Hast du schon mal eine Decke selbst gestrickt?"

"Welche Farbe hat die Decke in deinem Schlafzimmer?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe dein Traumzimmer. Wie sieht die Decke aus?

Wann bist du das letzte Mal 'an die Decke gegangen' (wütend geworden)?

Was machst du, wenn dir zu Hause 'die Decke auf den Kopf fällt'?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Because the core meaning of the word is 'a covering'. A blanket covers a person, and a ceiling covers a room. Historically, the concept of a top layer applied to both.

Context and prepositions are your best clues. If verbs like 'schlafen' (sleep), 'frieren' (freeze), or 'waschen' (wash) are used, it's a blanket. If verbs like 'streichen' (paint) or 'hängen' (hang) are used with the preposition 'an', it's a ceiling.

It depends on motion. Use 'an der Decke' (Dative) for a fixed location, like a lamp hanging. Use 'an die Decke' (Accusative) for direction, like throwing a ball at the ceiling or looking up at it.

'Das Dach' is the exterior roof of a building that protects it from rain and snow. 'Die Decke' is the interior ceiling of a room. A house has one roof but many ceilings.

Yes, but it is much better to use the specific compound noun 'die Tischdecke'. If you just say 'Decke' while pointing at a table, people will understand, but 'Tischdecke' is the standard term.

It is a common idiom that translates literally to 'to go to the ceiling', but it means 'to hit the roof' or to get suddenly very angry. You use it when someone loses their temper.

Literally 'the ceiling is falling on my head'. It is an idiom used when you have cabin fever, meaning you are bored, frustrated, or depressed from being stuck inside the house for too long.

A 'Bettdecke' is specifically a duvet or the thick blanket used for sleeping in a bed. While 'Decke' is the general term, 'Bettdecke' specifies its use for the bed.

Yes, it is a completely regular feminine noun. The plural is formed simply by adding an '-n' to make 'die Decken'. It follows standard declension rules.

This idiom means 'to be in cahoots' or to secretly conspire together. It evokes the image of two people hiding under the same blanket to whisper secrets.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence saying 'The blanket is warm.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Simple subject + verb + adjective.