Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| zu Hause | [t͡suˈhaʊ̯zə] (narrow) [t͡suˈhaʊ̯s] (narrow) |
|
| zuhause | /t͡suˈhaʊ̯zə/ | alternative form |
| daheim | /daˈhaɪ̯m/ |
These terms are used to describe being in one's place of residence. While they often describe a physical location, they can also be used non-literally. For example, you might say Ich fühle mich hier zu Hause to mean you feel comfortable in a place or Sie ist in der Mathematik zu Hause to say someone is skilled or proficient in a particular subject. In slang contexts, you may encounter the expression zu Hause chillen, which means 'to chill at home'.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between location and direction. Use zu Hause to indicate being at home (location), but use nach Hause to indicate movement towards home (direction).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form daheim is a more informal and colloquial way to say 'at home' compared to zu Hause.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form daheim is a colloquial or regional alternative to zu Hause.
How does it change in a sentence?
zu Hause is an adverbial phrase. It does not change its form based on the gender or number of the person who is at home.
Did you know?
- The phrase zu Hause is a linguistic fossil that preserves an old-fashioned dative case ending on the word Haus that is no longer used in modern German.
- The term zuhause can be written as one word when it functions as a noun, such as in the phrase ein gemütliches Zuhause meaning 'a cozy home'.
- In Southern German dialects, such as Bavarian, you might hear the even more colloquial version 'dahoam' instead of 'daheim'.
Examples in context
- Er war zu Hause.He was at home.This sentence shows how to use zu Hause to describe someone being at home in the past.Tatoeba #1180014 by samueldora, translation #294390 by CK
- Er ist zu Hause.He's at home.This sentence shows how to use zu Hause to describe someone being at home in the present.Tatoeba #3321298 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3314421 by CH
- Bist du zu Hause?Are you at home?This sentence shows how to ask a question using zu Hause to inquire if someone is at home.Tatoeba #1179408 by samueldora, translation #405500 by CK
- Entschuldigen Sie, ist Herr Schmidt zu Hause?Excuse me, is Mr. Schmidt at home?
- Hey, wo bist du? Bist du schon zu Hause?Hey, where are you? Are you already at home?
- Bist du heute Abend daheim? Wir könnten einen Film schauen.Are you at home tonight? We could watch a movie.
- 1368 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian is calling Laura on the phone.
- MaximilianHallo Laura, bist du gerade zu Hause?Hello Laura, are you at home right now?
- LauraNein, ich bin gerade im Supermarkt.No, I am at the supermarket right now.
- MaximilianWann bist du wieder zu Hause?When will you be at home again?
- LauraIn zehn Minuten bin ich wieder da.I will be back in ten minutes.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “at home” translations and entries zu Hause, zuhause, daheim, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries daheim, zu, zu Hause, zuhause, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
