native / at home
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native
Originally occurring in a particular geographic area; indigenous, referring to plants and animals.
Der Feuersalamander ist in den feuchten Wäldern Mitteleuropas heimisch.
The fire salamander is native to the damp forests of Central Europe.
at home
To feel comfortable, familiar, and that one belongs in a place.
Obwohl sie erst seit einem Monat hier wohnt, fühlt sie sich schon richtig heimisch.
Although she has only been living here for a month, she already feels truly at home.
The adjective 'heimisch' (native/at home) is derived from 'das Heim' (home) and 'die Heimat' (homeland/home region). It always describes a connection to a place of origin or a place where one feels at home.
Nach vielen Jahren im Ausland kehrte er in seine Heimat zurück.
After many years abroad, he returned to his homeland.
You can easily recognize the meaning from the subject: If it is about plants or animals, geographic origin is meant. If it is about a person, the feeling of being at home is meant.
Diese Apfelsorte ist hier nicht heimisch.
This apple variety is not native here.
To name the place of origin of plants or animals, the preposition 'in' is used with the dative. The structure is: something is 'in' a region 'heimisch' (native).
Der Biber ist wieder in vielen deutschen Flüssen heimisch.
The beaver is once again native to many German rivers.
To express the feeling of being at home, 'heimisch' (at home) is almost always combined with the reflexive verb 'sich fühlen' (to feel). Another common expression is 'heimisch werden' (to become settled / to feel at home).
Ich fühle mich in dieser Stadt noch nicht richtig heimisch.
I don't really feel at home in this city yet.
probably / well
Wohl and heimisch can both express a pleasant feeling in a place. Wohl mainly indicates that you feel good there; heimisch additionally emphasizes familiarity and a sense of belonging. Wohl fits simple well-being, while heimisch is more suitable for a familiar place or a feeling of belonging.
In der neuen Wohnung fühle ich mich nach einigen Monaten schon heimisch.
After a few months, I already feel at home in the new apartment.
In der neuen Wohnung fühle ich mich schon sehr wohl.
I already feel very comfortable in the new apartment.
