German · Travel & Getting Around
"Suitcase" in German: Koffer
der Koffer
Suitcase in German is der Koffer, masculine. Say den Koffer packen. A wheeled case is oft der Rollkoffer.
Before a trip
Ist dein Koffer schon fertig gepackt?Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce Koffer
Say it
KOFF-er
/ˈkɔfɐ/
KOFF-er. Short o. Soft final er. Stress the first syllable.
"Suitcase" in German: quick reference
| German | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| der Koffer | the suitcase Masculine noun. | Masculine noun. |
| Koffer packen | to pack a suitcase Pre-trip ritual. | Pre-trip ritual. |
| Rollkoffer | rolling suitcase Airport favourite. | Airport favourite. |
| Handkoffer | small suitcase / carry case Smaller bag. | Smaller bag. |
How to use Koffer in real life
- 1Before a trip
Ist dein Koffer schon fertig gepackt?
Is your suitcase already packed?
Dein Koffer.
- 2On the platform
Pass auf, dein Koffer steht in der Tür.
Careful—your suitcase is in the doorway.
Dein Koffer.
- 3Hotel room
Stell den Koffer bitte in die Ecke.
Please put the suitcase in the corner.
Den Koffer accusative.
Mistakes English speakers make with Koffer
Incorrect: Die Koffer ist schwer. (singular)
Correct: Der Koffer ist schwer.
Singular Koffer is masculine: der Koffer. Die Koffer is plural.
Incorrect: Ich packe mein Gepäck-Koffer.
Correct: Ich packe meinen Koffer. / Ich packe mein Gepäck.
Use Koffer for one case; Gepäck for luggage as a whole.
Good to know
On ICE trains, big Koffer go in luggage racks at the coach end or between seats. Blocking the aisle with a Rollkoffer earns quick side-eye—stow it early.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Repacking after a weight check
ChatPal
Ist der Koffer unter 23 Kilo?
Is the suitcase under 23 kilos?
You
Knapp drüber. Ich muss den Koffer erleichtern.
Just over. I have to lighten the suitcase.
ChatPal
Tu die Schuhe in meinen Koffer.
Put the shoes in my suitcase.
You
Danke. Dann bleibt mein Koffer im Limit.
Thanks. Then my suitcase stays within the limit.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Suitcase" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Suitcase" in German
What gender is Koffer?
Masculine: der Koffer. Plural die Koffer.
How do you say to pack?
Den Koffer packen.
Koffer vs Gepäck?
Koffer is one suitcase; Gepäck is luggage overall.
What is Handgepäck then?
Carry-on luggage—may be a backpack or small Koffer.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
