Krankenhaus
/ˈkʁaŋkn̩ˌhaʊ̯s/neuter
The English phrase 'hospital' is translated into German as Krankenhaus. Wiktionary also lists Spital.
Meaning: large medical facility (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Krankenhaus | /ˈkʁaŋkn̩ˌhaʊ̯s/ /ˈkʁaŋkŋ̍ˌhaʊ̯s/ |
neuter |
| Spital | /ʃpiˈtaːl/ | Austria, Southern Germany, Switzerland, neuter |
The word refers to a large medical facility.
Which one should you use?
While Krankenhaus is the standard term used throughout Germany, Spital is the preferred term in Austria, Switzerland and parts of Southern Germany.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Spital is often used in Switzerland and parts of Austria, as well as in Southern Germany. In Germany, the term Krankenanstalt is also used.
Did you know?
- The word Spital carries a historical connotation of a place that offered food and lodging to travelers, not just medical care.
- The English word 'hospital' and the German Spital share the same Latin ancestor, *hospitale*, which is rooted in the concept of 'hospitality'.
- The word Kranken in Krankenhaus is actually the plural form of 'sick person', making the literal translation 'house of sick people'.
Examples in context
- Ruf im Krankenhaus an!Call the hospital.This sentence is useful for practicing the imperative with Krankenhaus.Tatoeba #7413763 by Yorwba, translation #2245029 by CK
- Wo ist das Krankenhaus?Where is the hospital?This sentence is useful for asking a question with Krankenhaus.Tatoeba #2063823 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2063647 by CC
- Tom ist im Krankenhaus.Tom is in the hospital.This sentence is useful for describing someone's location with Krankenhaus.Tatoeba #2084969 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1868200 by CK
- Entschuldigen Sie, wo ist das nächste Krankenhaus?Excuse me, where is the nearest hospital?
- Mein Vater liegt im Klinikum und wird behandelt.My father is in the hospital and receiving treatment.
- Gestern hatte ich einen Unfall und musste ins Krankenhaus gehen.Yesterday, I had an accident and had to go to the hospital.
- Ich besuche meine Schwester im Spital, sie hat sich den Arm gebrochen.I'm visiting my sister in the hospital, she broke her arm.
- 875 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are discussing a job opening.
- MaximilianArbeitet er in einem Krankenhaus?Does he work in a hospital?
- LauraJa, das Krankenhaus ist sein Arbeitsplatz.Yes, the hospital is his workplace.
- MaximilianIst das Krankenhaus weit von hier?Is the hospital far from here?
- LauraNein, es ist ganz nah.No, it is quite close.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hospital” translations and entries Krankenhaus, Spital, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Krankenhaus, Spital, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
