das Spital
hospital
A term mainly used in Austria and Switzerland for a hospital.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Skiunfall wurde sie direkt ins nächstgelegene Spital geflogen.
After the skiing accident, she was flown directly to the nearest hospital.
das Spital
hospital
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Meanings
Usage tips
Regional usage
The word 'Spital' (hospital) is the usual term for a hospital in Austria and Switzerland. In Germany, it is used less often and may be perceived as old-fashioned or regional.
EXAMPLE
In der Schweiz gibt es sowohl öffentliche als auch private Spitäler.
In Switzerland, there are both public and private hospitals.
Staying and movement
Pay attention to the preposition 'in' and the corresponding case. Movement toward a place is expressed with the accusative ('ins Spital' = to the hospital), while staying at a place is described with the dative ('im Spital' = in the hospital).
EXAMPLE
Er wurde mit dem Krankenwagen ins Spital gebracht.
He was brought to the hospital by ambulance.
Word family
'Spital' (hospital) is closely related to the internationally known word 'Hospital'. This connection can help you recognize and remember the meaning of the word more easily.
EXAMPLE
Das alte Spital wurde im Mittelalter als Herberge für Pilger gegründet.
The old hospital was founded in the Middle Ages as a hostel for pilgrims.
Compare with
Spital vs Krankenhaus
hospital
Krankenhaus is the general term for a medical facility. Spital also means hospital, but is used especially in Austria and Switzerland. In general German, Krankenhaus is appropriate; in these regions, Spital is often the more familiar term.
Spital
Nach dem Unfall wurde er zur Behandlung ins Spital gebracht.
After the accident, he was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Krankenhaus
Nach dem Unfall wurde er zur Behandlung ins Krankenhaus gebracht.
After the accident, he was taken to the hospital for treatment.
In real life
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