Restbäder

Restbäder are a concept often encountered in German building regulations and plumbing. The term translates literally to "residue bathrooms" or "remaining bathrooms." In essence, a Restbad is a bathroom that is smaller than the standard minimum size required by building codes for a primary bathroom. These smaller bathrooms are typically permitted as secondary facilities within a dwelling.

The primary purpose of allowing Restbäder is to provide an additional toilet and washbasin facility without requiring the same extensive space allocation as a full bathroom, which usually includes a shower or bathtub. This is particularly common in older buildings where space was not always allocated for multiple bathrooms, or in modern designs where maximizing living space is a priority.

Key characteristics of a Restbad include its limited dimensions, often just enough to accommodate a toilet and a small sink. They may not have space for a shower or bathtub. Building codes will specify the minimum dimensions and fixture requirements for a Restbad. While they fulfill a basic sanitary need, they are not intended to replace a main bathroom. The concept ensures that even in smaller living units or where space is constrained, a functional and accessible toilet facility is available.