das Dachgeschoss, -e

The German word "Dachgeschoss" is a compound noun made up of:

• Dach: roof
• Geschoss: floor or story (of a building)

Meaning:
"Dachgeschoss" refers to the attic or the top floor of a building directly under the roof.

Similar words:

• Obergeschoss (upper floor)
• Attika (attic, more formal/use in architecture)
• Spitzboden (loft, typically smaller or unfinished attic space)

Differences:

• Dachgeschoss specifically indicates the inhabited or finished top floor under the roof;
• Obergeschoss can be any upper floor, not necessarily the top one;
• Spitzboden often refers to an unfinished attic;
• Attika relates to a decorative or structural feature near the roof rather than a floor.