Wohnlich

Wohnlich is a German adjective describing a living space or atmosphere that is comfortable, homely, and suitable for dwelling. It can refer to rooms, apartments, houses, or more generally to environments that convey a warm, domestic character. The term emphasizes livability and a home-like quality rather than luxury.

Etymology and form: The word derives from the verb wohnen (to live) with the adjectival suffix -lich, which yields meanings related to a quality or relation. The related noun Wohnlichkeit denotes the quality of being homely or livable.

Usage and nuance: In contemporary German, wohnlich is commonly used to describe interiors and atmospheres, as in ein wohnliches Zimmer, eine wohnliche Wohnung, or eine warme, wohnliche Atmosphäre. It suggests warmth, practicality, and comfort. In everyday speech, gemütlich (cozy) or behaglich (pleasant) are often preferred, but wohnlich appears in design, architecture, or real estate contexts to stress livability and a homey character rather than grandeur. The term can also be used more broadly to indicate that a space is fit for daily living.

Noun form: The noun Wohnlichkeit expresses the same idea of homeliness or coziness as a property of a space.

See also: Gemütlichkeit, Behaglichkeit, Heimelig (homey). These terms convey related aspects of comfort and domestic atmosphere but with subtle differences in nuance.