01
hingehören
to belong
To have one's correct or intended place in a specific location.
example
Nach dem Aufräumen wusste ich endlich wieder, wo alles hingehört.
After tidying up, I finally knew again where everything belongs.
hingehören
to belong
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Hingehören' (to belong) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'hin' comes at the end. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Diese Bücher gehören ins oberste Regal hin.
These books belong on the top shelf.
Asking about place
A very common and useful use of this verb is asking about the correct place for something. The question is almost always: 'Wo gehört das hin?' (Where does this belong?). The prefix 'hin' comes at the end here too.
EXAMPLE
Wo gehört dieser Schlüssel hin?
Where does this key belong?
Social belonging
In the second meaning, it is not about a physical place, but about a feeling of belonging to a group or society. The subject here is always a person.
EXAMPLE
Er hatte lange das Gefühl, nirgendwo richtig hinzuhören.
For a long time, he had the feeling that he didn't really belong anywhere.
Compare with
hingehören vs gehören
to belong
'gehören' and 'hingehören' can both say that something fits in a place or belongs to a group. 'gehören' is more general: something belongs in a drawer or to a group. 'hingehören' puts more emphasis on the right place or on the feeling of truly belonging in a place or community. It often sounds more personal or more definite. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with belonging. If you are only naming the place, 'gehören' is often enough. If you want to say that something is exactly right there, 'hingehören' fits better.
hingehören
Nach dem ersten Training hatte Ali das Gefühl, dass er wirklich zu diesem Team hingehört.
After the first training session, Ali felt that he really belonged on this team.
gehören
Selmas Reisepass gehört in die kleine Tasche, nicht in den Koffer.
Selma's passport belongs in the small bag, not in the suitcase.
In real life
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