An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Kemenate

by Friedrich Kluge

Kemenate, f., from the equiv. MidHG. kęmenâte, f., ‘room with a fireplace,’ espec. ‘bedroom,’ also ‘sitting-room, women's apartment.’ During the OHG. period MidLat. caminâta, ‘room with a stove or fireplace,’ was introduced into G., as is proved by the preservation of the Lat. sharp dental in OHG. chęminâta, f. From MidLat. caminata, which is recorded as early as the 6th cent., are derived Ital. camminata, ‘large room,’ and Fr. cheminée, whence the equiv. E. chimney, also Czech, Pol. and Russ. komnata, ‘room’; comp. Kamin.