An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Annotated/Kemenate

by Friedrich Kluge

Kemenate, feminine, from the equivalent Middle High German kęmenâte, feminine, ‘room with a fireplace,’ especially ‘bedroom,’ also ‘sitting-room, women's apartment.’ During the Old High German period Middle Latin caminâta, ‘room with a stove or fireplace,’ was introduced into German, as is proved by the preservation of the Latin sharp dental in Old High German chęminâta, feminine. From Middle Latin caminata, which is recorded as early as the 6th century, are derived Italian camminata, ‘large room,’ and French cheminée, whence the equivalent English chimney, also Czech, Polish and Russian komnata, ‘room’; compare Kamin.