der Innenhof
courtyard
An open, uncovered area enclosed by the parts of a building complex or by walls.
EXAMPLE
Im Sommer sitzen die Anwohner oft im begrünten Innenhof zusammen.
In summer, the residents often sit together in the green courtyard.
der Innenhof
courtyard
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is a clear compound made up of 'innen' (inside) and 'der Hof' (the yard/courtyard). So it literally describes a courtyard located inside a building complex.
EXAMPLE
Der Zugang zum Innenhof ist nur für die Bewohner des Hauses.
Access to the courtyard is only for the residents of the building.
Prepositions: location vs. direction
Pay attention to the case after the preposition 'in'. 'Im Innenhof' (in the courtyard, dative) describes a location, while 'in den Innenhof' (into the courtyard, accusative) describes movement in that direction.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder spielen im Innenhof Fußball.
The children are playing soccer in the courtyard.
Typical contexts
An 'Innenhof' (courtyard) is typical of castles, monasteries, old universities, or larger urban residential buildings.
EXAMPLE
Der Innenhof des Schlosses wird im Sommer für Konzerte genutzt.
The castle courtyard is used for concerts in summer.
Compare with
Innenhof vs Hof
yard / farm / court
Hof and Innenhof can both refer to an open area enclosed by buildings or walls. Innenhof makes it clear that the area is inside a building complex, while Hof conveys this only through the context. Innenhof is more suitable for a precise description of an area within a complex; otherwise, Hof may be sufficient.
Innenhof
Die Kinder spielten im Innenhof zwischen den Gebäuden.
The children played in the courtyard between the buildings.
Hof
Die Kinder spielten im Hof hinter dem Haus.
The children played in the yard behind the house.
In real life
Loading video examples...