in
Indicates a place where something or someone is located (question: where?). Used with the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die Bücher stehen im Regal.
The books are on the shelf.
in
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
in
into / to
Indicates a direction in which something or someone is moving (question: where to?). Used with the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Wir gehen heute Abend ins Kino.
We're going to the cinema tonight.
in
Indicates a point in time, a duration, or a period of time.
EXAMPLE
Das Projekt muss in zwei Wochen fertig sein.
The project has to be finished in two weeks.
in
Describes a state, a manner, or a material.
EXAMPLE
Das Auto ist in einem sehr guten Zustand.
The car is in very good condition.
Usage tips
Two-way preposition
'In' is a two-way preposition. This means the case depends on the question: for a location (question 'Wo?' (where?)), you use the dative. For a direction (question 'Wohin?' (where to?)), you use the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin im (in dem) Park. (Wo? → Dativ)
I am in the park. (Where? → dative)
Common contractions
In spoken and written German, 'in' and the article are often contracted. The most important short forms are 'im' (instead of 'in dem') and 'ins' (instead of 'in das').
EXAMPLE
Wir treffen uns im Café.
We're meeting in the café.
Use for time
'In' is used very frequently for time expressions. It is used for points in time in the future ('in einer Stunde' (in an hour)), for months and seasons ('im Mai' (in May), 'im Winter' (in winter)), or for years ('im Jahr 1990' (in the year 1990)).
EXAMPLE
Der Bus kommt in zehn Minuten.
The bus is coming in ten minutes.
Fixed expressions
'In' is used in many fixed expressions to describe a state or manner. Common examples are 'in Ordnung' (all right/okay), 'in Eile sein' (to be in a hurry), 'in Gefahr sein' (to be in danger), or 'in bar zahlen' (to pay in cash).
EXAMPLE
Keine Sorge, alles ist in Ordnung.
Don't worry, everything is all right.
Compare with
in vs zu
to / too / closed
In and zu can both express direction toward a destination. In emphasizes that someone enters a room or area. Zu indicates the destination without saying whether the person goes inside. So use in when someone enters, and zu when they merely reach the destination.
in
Mia geht in die Bäckerei, um Brot zu kaufen.
Mia is going into the bakery to buy bread.
zu
Mia geht zur Bäckerei, wartet aber draußen.
Mia is going to the bakery but waiting outside.
In real life
Loading video examples...