Difference between "in" and "im" in German

German

asked by
Rachael published
over 5 years ago

What is the difference between "in" and "im" in German? Can you give me some examples?

1 answer

answered by
Joseph published
over 5 years ago

"Im" is simply the short form of "In dem" so we are talking about a dative. Both "in" and "im" are correct but which one is correct depends on the sentence and context .

Wir sind in dem Kino (im Kino). We are at the cinema.

Wir gehen in das Kino (ins Kino). We go to the cinema.

So, in this case going to the cinema requieres the accusative (second sentence) whereas the first sentence uses the dative because it describes the place where you are. Of course, cases in German vary a lot.

Difference between "in" and "im" in German

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