Zuhause

Zuhause is a German noun meaning home in the sense of the place where one lives and feels a sense of belonging. It can refer to the physical dwelling as well as the broader experience of daily life, safety, and personal space associated with living there.

In usage, zu Hause and Zuhause are closely related but not interchangeable. The one-word form Zuhause (das Zuhause) denotes the concept of home as a place or state. The two-word phrase zu Hause is an adverbial expression meaning “at home” or “in one’s home,” as in Ich bleibe heute zu Hause. In some contexts, Zuhause can extend to describe a person’s home environment or identity beyond a mere building.

Etymologically, Zuhause is formed from zu (to) and Hause (an older form of house). The compound developed in the German language over time, with the modern one-word noun becoming standard in the 18th to 19th centuries. Synonyms include Heim (home, as a place of safety and belonging) and Heimat (home region or homeland, with a broader, sometimes cultural or nostalgic sense).

Culturally, the concept of Zuhause carries emotional and social significance in German-speaking communities. It is frequently used in literature, media, and everyday speech to evoke comfort, family life, and personal space. It contrasts with Heimat, which more strongly conveys origin or homeland, while Zuhause emphasizes intimate, domestic belonging and the sense of being “at home.”