Erdgeschoss

Erdgeschoss is a term used in German to denote the ground floor of a building—the level that is at or immediately above street level. The word derives from Erden (earth) and Geschoss (floor or storey). In everyday use, the Erdgeschoss is the floor closest to the street and often serves as the building’s public or accessible level.

In typical German-speaking buildings, the Erdgeschoss may house entrances, lobbies, reception areas, shops, offices, or residential units. It can include technical rooms or services for the rest of the building and is frequently designed to provide direct access from the sidewalk. The layout of the Erdgeschoss often aims to create a functional transition between public street activity and the private or semi-public spaces on higher floors.

The Erdgeschoss is distinct from other floors both in function and numbering. Above it lies the 1. Obergeschoss (often translated as the first upper floor), followed by higher Obergeschosse. Below it are basement levels, commonly referred to as Untergeschoss or Kellergeschoss. In floor plans and architectural drawings, Erdgeschoss is usually abbreviated as EG.

Regional usage varies. In some contexts, especially in older or formal buildings, the term Parterre may be encountered to refer to the ground level, though Parterre can carry historical or stylistic nuances. Modern practice generally prefers Erdgeschoss (or EG) as the neutral, standardized term. Accessibility features such as stairs, ramps, and elevators are commonly implemented to ensure easy access to the Erdgeschoss.