Decken

Decken is the plural of Decke in German and refers to two main meanings: ceilings in buildings and blankets used for warmth. The two senses are unrelated in function but share the root idea of covering.

In architecture and construction, a Decke is the interior upper boundary of a room. Ceilings contribute to room height perception, acoustics, thermal insulation, and fire protection. Common types include flat ceilings (Flachdecke), vaulted ceilings (Gewölbedecke), and decorative coffering or panelled ceilings (Kassetendecke). Materials range from plaster and gypsum board to wood, metal, or concrete. Modern ceilings often employ suspended or dropped systems to conceal wiring and HVAC and to improve acoustics.

In textiles, Decken denotes blankets or bed coverings. They provide warmth and comfort and vary by material, weave, and weight. Typical materials include wool, cotton, fleece, and synthetic fibers. Seasonal and regional varieties differ in warmth and care requirements; examples range from heavy wool blankets to lighter cotton throws. In everyday language, Decken also appear in phrases describing blankets or quilted coverings, and the term is common in catalog descriptions and household contexts.

Etymology: The word Decke is derived from a root meaning to cover, and Decken is the plural form used for multiple coverings.

See also: Decke (architecture), Decke (textiles), German vocabulary related to coverings.