Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zuhause | /t͡suˈhaʊ̯.zə/ | neuter |
| Ham | ||
| Heim | /haɪ̯m/ | neuter |
| Wohnung | /ˈvoːnʊŋ/ | feminine |
German uses different words for 'home' depending on whether you are referring to a place of residence, an institution or the act of returning home. Zuhause and Heim are nouns referring to a home or dwelling. Additionally, the term heim can function as an adverb to indicate movement toward home.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ significantly in connotation. Zuhause refers to a private home or place of living. For the adverbial meaning 'at home', you can use zu Hause, the single-word version zuhause or the colloquial alternative daheim. When indicating movement toward home, the adverbial heim is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing the adverbial phrase 'at home', you may write it as two words, zu Hause or as the single word zuhause.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /tsuˈhaʊ̯.zə/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The term Heimat is a closely related concept to Heim but describes a spiritual sense of belonging to a region or country.
- The term Heim is frequently used in German to describe institutional residences such as Kinderheim for children's homes or Studentenheim for dormitories.
- The German word Heim is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'home'. Both descend from the same Proto-West Germanic root.
Examples in context
- Ich fuhr sie heim.I drove them home.This sentence is useful for seeing how Heim is used to indicate movement toward home.Tatoeba #4732374 by bonny37, translation #4498192 by CK
- Komm um sechs heim!Come home at six.This sentence shows the use of Heim as an adverb for returning home.Tatoeba #1790625 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1432096 by CK
- Wo ist sein Zuhause?Where's his home?This sentence demonstrates how to ask about someone's Zuhause.Tatoeba #481941 by Espi, translation #399309 by FeuDRenais
- 683 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are talking about their living situations.
- MaximilianFühlst du dich hier wirklich wie zu Hause?Do you really feel at home here?
- SarahJa, dieses kleine Haus ist mein neues Zuhause.Yes, this little house is my new home.
- MaximilianIch glaube, ich vermisse mein altes Zuhause.I think I miss my old home.
- SarahDas ist am Anfang ganz normal, Maximilian.That is quite normal at the beginning, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “home” translations and entries Zuhause, Heim, Wohnung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Heim, Wohnung, Zuhause, heim, zuhause, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
