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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
'das Krankenhaus' and 'das Spital' refer to the same kind of place: sick or injured people are treated there. The most important difference is in usage. 'Krankenhaus' is very common in Germany. 'Spital' is heard mainly in Austria and Switzerland. In many situations, both words are understood, but depending on the region, one sounds more natural. If you are speaking general German in Germany, 'Krankenhaus' is usually the normal choice.
Spital
In der Schweiz sagt die Ärztin, dass der Patient ins Spital muss.
In Switzerland, the doctor says that the patient has to go to the hospital.
Krankenhaus
Yusuf besucht seinen Bruder heute im Krankenhaus.
Yusuf is visiting his brother in the hospital today.
In real life
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