Breakdown of Ich habe einen Termin im Krankenhaus.
in
in
dem
the; (masculine or neuter, dative)
ich
I
haben
to have
das Krankenhaus
the hospital
der Termin
the appointment
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Questions & Answers about Ich habe einen Termin im Krankenhaus.
Why does einen Termin use einen instead of ein or eine?
Termin is a masculine noun (der Termin). When it’s the direct object of a verb, you need the masculine accusative form einen. So einen Termin is the correct accusative form of ein Termin.
What case is im Krankenhaus and why isn't it accusative?
im is a contraction of in dem. Here in indicates a static location (“where?”), which requires the dative case. Therefore dem Krankenhaus (dative) contracts to im Krankenhaus.
Could I say in dem Krankenhaus instead of im Krankenhaus?
Yes. in dem Krankenhaus is fully correct and slightly more formal. In everyday German, speakers usually contract in dem to im.
Why is Krankenhaus capitalized?
All German nouns are capitalized, regardless of where they appear in a sentence. Since Krankenhaus is a noun, it always starts with a capital letter.
Why is the verb habe used here instead of bin?
In German, you use haben (to have) to express having an appointment, just as in English. Ich habe einen Termin… literally means “I have an appointment.” Using sein (to be) here would be incorrect.
Why is im Krankenhaus placed at the end of the sentence?
German sentence structure often follows Subject – Verb – Object – (Time) – (Manner) – (Place). Since im Krankenhaus is a place phrase, it naturally goes after the object einen Termin.
How would I mention the time of the appointment?
Add a time expression before the place, e.g.:
Ich habe morgen einen Termin im Krankenhaus.
(“I have an appointment at the hospital tomorrow.”)