So you're shopping for bedding, or maybe moving to a German-speaking country, and suddenly you're wondering—what's the word for duvet? In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, the word is Bettdecke (pronounced BET-dek-eh), which literally means "bed cover." But the more specific term, the one that actually describes a traditional German duvet, is Federbett (feather bed) or Daunendecke (down cover). The everyday go-to, though, is just Bettdecke. The word you'll hear most often? Bettdecke. It's the generic catch-all for any blanket or cover you throw on a bed. But when Germans talk about that specific fluffy, quilted thing—the one that actually keeps you warm—they'll say Federbett (if it's filled with feathers) or Daunendecke (if it's down). In casual conversation, "Bettdecke" works just fine. Nobody's going to look at you funny. Yeah, there's a subtle difference, but it matters. Bettdecke is the umbrella term—covers everything from synthetic blankets to wool throws to actual duvets. Federbett is more specific: it's a duvet stuffed with feathers or down. In most German homes, the default duvet is a Federbett, so people kind of use them interchangeably. But if you walk into a store and ask for a "Federbett," they'll show you the natural stuff. German loves compound words. "Bettdecke" is just "Bett" (bed) plus "Decke" (cover). Simple. The term "Federbett" comes from the old days—before synthetic materials existed, duvets were basically all feathers or down from geese or ducks. And the name stuck, even now when you can get all sorts of fillings. Plus, there's this cultural thing: Germans often use two separate duvets on a double bed, not one big one. That's a whole different system, and it shapes the vocabulary too. The thing that goes over the duvet—the protective cover—is called a Bettbezug (bed cover) or Bettwäsche (bed linen). "Bettwäsche" is the more common term for the whole set: duvet cover, pillowcases, the works. "Bettbezug" is specifically the cover that slides over the duvet itself. If you're shopping in Germany, just ask for a "Bettdecke" or a "Federbett." Here's a quick checklist to help you out: "Plumeau" is kind of old-school. It's an older term for a big, fluffy feather duvet, but you don't hear it much in everyday conversation. Maybe from older folks or in rural areas. Most people these days just say "Bettdecke" or "Federbett." Traditionally, Germans use two separate duvets on a double bed—one for each person. It's called the "Zwei-Decken-System" (two-duvet system). That way, each person can pick their own warmth level, and nobody's fighting over the covers at night. It's a pretty big cultural difference from the US or UK, where one giant duvet is the norm. A "Bettdecke" is the duvet you actually sleep under. A "Tagesdecke" (day cover) is more of a decorative blanket or throw you put on top of the bed during the day to keep it tidy. Not for sleeping. You'd say: "Ich brauche eine neue Bettdecke." (I need a new bed cover.) Or, more specifically: "Ich brauche ein neues Federbett." (I need a new feather duvet.)What do Germans call duvets
What is the most common German word for duvet?
Is there a difference between a Bettdecke and a Federbett?
German Term
English Translation
Specific Meaning
Bettdecke
Bed cover
Generic term for any blanket or duvet
Federbett
Feather bed
Duvet filled with feathers or down
Daunendecke
Down cover
Duvet specifically filled with down (soft, warm)
Steppbett
Quilted bed
Duvet with a stitched pattern, often synthetic
Plumeau
Plumeau
Old-fashioned term for a large, fluffy feather duvet
Why do Germans use a different word for duvet?
What do Germans call a duvet cover?
How do you ask for a duvet in a German store?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "Plumeau" a common word for duvet in Germany?
Do Germans use one or two duvets on a double bed?
What is the difference between a "Bettdecke" and a "Tagesdecke"?
How do you say "I need a new duvet" in German?
Kurze Zusammenfassung