beTT

Bett is a German noun meaning bed, a piece of furniture used for sleeping and resting. It is neuter (das Bett) and capitalized, as with all German nouns.

Etymology: The word comes from Old High German betti and is related to cognate forms in other West Germanic languages that denote the same object. The term has long been established in German to refer to the sleeping surface and its associated furnishings.

Usage: In German, Bett appears in many compound words that describe types of beds and bedding. Examples include Einzelbett (single bed), Doppelbett (double bed), Bettwäsche (bedding), Bettlaken (bedsheet), Bettdecke (duvet/comforter), Bettgestell (bed frame), and Bettkasten (under-bed storage). The word also serves in phrases that describe actions or states related to sleeping, such as ins Bett gehen (to go to bed), im Bett liegen (to be in bed), and das Bett machen (to make the bed).

Other uses: Bett is also a surname in German-speaking areas and may appear in place names or brand names. While primarily a furniture term, its presence in naming reflects its everyday significance in homes and hospitality settings.

See also: bed (English)

Note: While “Bett” is specific to German, related terms exist in other Germanic languages with their own forms for the same object.