das
Parkhaus
🚗 Definition: What is a Parkhaus?
A Parkhaus (neuter gender) is typically a multi-story building, or part of one, specifically designed for parking motor vehicles, mainly cars, for varying periods. It offers protection from the weather and often greater security than street parking.
Unlike a Tiefgarage (underground parking garage) or a simple Parkplatz (parking lot, usually level and open-air), the Parkhaus is characterized by its vertical structure with multiple levels or decks, often connected by ramps or sometimes elevators.
In English, it translates to 'parking garage', 'multi-story car park', or sometimes 'parking structure'.
Grammar Breakdown: das Parkhaus
The word "Parkhaus" is a neuter noun. Therefore, the correct article is das.
Declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Who/What?) | das | Parkhaus |
| Accusative (Whom/What?) | das | Parkhaus |
| Dative (To whom?) | dem | Parkhaus / Parkhause |
| Genitive (Whose?) | des | Parkhauses |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Parkhäuser |
| Accusative | die | Parkhäuser |
| Dative | den | Parkhäusern |
| Genitive | der | Parkhäuser |
Example Sentences
- Nominative: Das Parkhaus ist voll besetzt. (The parking garage is full.)
- Accusative: Wir suchen das Parkhaus am Bahnhof. (We are looking for the parking garage at the train station.)
- Dative: Der Ausgang befindet sich in dem Parkhaus ganz hinten. (The exit is located at the very back of the parking garage.)
- Genitive: Die Einfahrt des Parkhauses ist schwer zu finden. (The entrance of the parking garage is hard to find.)
- Plural: In der Innenstadt gibt es viele Parkhäuser. (There are many parking garages in the city center.)
Using Parkhaus in Context
The word Parkhaus is very common in German, especially when talking about cities, shopping centers, airports, or train stations. It clearly designates the specific type of parking facility within a building.
- Typical Situations: You use Parkhaus when looking for or describing covered parking in a multi-story building. ("Ich stelle das Auto ins Parkhaus." - I'm putting the car in the parking garage. / "Die Parkgebühren im Parkhaus sind hoch." - The parking fees in the parking garage are high.)
- Distinction: It's important to distinguish it from die Tiefgarage (underground garage) and der Parkplatz (ground-level parking lot, often outdoors).
- Alternative Terms: Sometimes you might hear die Parkgarage, often used synonymously, or less commonly das Autosilo (usually for automated systems).
Memory Hooks for Parkhaus 🧠
Article Mnemonic: Think of das Haus (the house). Many compound German words ending in "-haus" are neuter, like das Krankenhaus (hospital), das Rathaus (city hall), and also das Parkhaus. The 'Haus' part gives the word its gender!
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a big Haus (house), but instead of people, cars live there – they park there. A Park-Haus for cars!
Similar & Opposite Terms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning)
- Parkgarage (die): Often used synonymously, but can also include underground garages. (Parking garage)
- Autosilo (das): Less common, often for specific, usually automated parking structures. (Car silo)
- Hochgarage (die): Emphasizes the above-ground structure, more technical. (Elevated garage)
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning)
- Parkplatz (der): An open, ground-level area for parking. (Parking lot/car park)
- Straße (die): Street parking is the opposite of parking in a dedicated building. (Street)
- Tiefgarage (die): An underground parking facility. (Underground garage)
⚠️ Note: Don't confuse Parkhaus with die Parklücke (a single parking spot/space) or der Parkschein (the parking ticket/receipt).
A Little Parking Humor 😄
Warum nehmen Skelette nie einen Streit im Parkhaus auf?
Weil sie keinen Mumm in den Knochen haben, auszusteigen!
Translation:
Why do skeletons never start a fight in the parking garage?
Because they don't have the guts (literally: 'marrow in their bones') to get out!
Parking Garage Poetry 🎶
Im Bauch der Stadt, aus Stahl und Stein,
fährt man ins Parkhaus leis hinein.
Etage hoch, Etage tief,
wo jedes Auto sicher schlief.
Ein Labyrinth für Rad und Blech,
mal findet man's, mal hat man Pech.
Doch steht es still, das Licht geht aus,
im großen, grauen Autohaus.
Translation:
In the city's belly, of steel and stone,
into the parking garage, one drives quietly alone.
Level high, level deep,
where every car securely sleeps.
A labyrinth for wheel and tin,
sometimes you find it, sometimes you don't win.
But it stands still, the light goes out,
in the big, grey car house.
Riddle Time 🤔
Ich habe viele Stockwerke, aber keine Treppen für dich.
Ich biete Autos ein Dach, aber wohne selbst nicht.
Man fährt im Kreis, um einen Platz zu finden,
und muss oft zahlen, um wieder zu verschwinden.
Was bin ich?
Translation:
I have many floors, but no stairs for you.
I offer cars a roof, but don't live there myself.
You drive in circles to find a spot within,
and often have to pay to leave again.
What am I?
Solution: Das Parkhaus (The parking garage)
Extra Facts about Parkhaus 🧱
Word Composition:
The word "Parkhaus" is a compound noun, made up of:
- parken: The verb meaning 'to park' a vehicle.
- das Haus: Meaning 'the house' or 'building'.
So, it literally describes a "house for parking".
Trivia:
- The first known multi-story car parks were built in the early 20th century in cities like Paris and London to cope with growing automobile traffic.
- Modern Parkhäuser often incorporate technologies like parking guidance systems (showing free spots), electric vehicle charging stations, and sometimes even fully automated parking systems.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Parkhaus?
The noun "Parkhaus" is neuter. The correct article is always das: das Parkhaus (singular) and die Parkhäuser (plural).