heim

Heim is a German noun meaning home or dwelling. Its etymology traces to Old High German heim, from Proto-Germanic *haimaz, and it is related to cognates in other Germanic languages. In modern German, heim is most often encountered in compound nouns and institutional terms rather than as a stand-alone everyday word.

In usage, heim appears in words and phrases that designate locations or institutions tied to a home base. Common examples include Kinderheim (children’s home), Altenheim (retirement home), and Heimspiel (a home game). It can also denote a residential facility that provides housing, care, or shelter, such as a care home. The term remains productive in固定 expressions and in place names, but in everyday speech most people say zu Hause or daheim to mean “at home.”

As a surname, Heim is found in German-speaking countries and among descendants of German-speaking communities. It is borne by numerous individuals in various fields, including academia, arts, and public life.

See also: Heimat, Heimatgefühl, Heimkehr.