In 15 Seconds
- Used for parking in multi-story structures.
- Uses 'im' (dative) because the car stays there.
- Common in city centers and shopping malls.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of leaving your car in a multi-story parking structure rather than on the street. It is the go-to expression when you are heading into a city center and need a secure spot.
Key Examples
3 of 6Planning a shopping trip
Wir sollten heute lieber im Parkhaus parken.
We should rather park in the parking garage today.
Texting a friend your location
Bin gleich da, ich parke nur kurz im Parkhaus.
I'll be there in a second, I'm just parking in the garage.
Asking for directions at a hotel
Kann ich mit meinem SUV im Parkhaus parken?
Can I park in the parking garage with my SUV?
Cultural Background
Parking garages in Germany are essential due to the narrow streets of historic city centers. They often feature high-tech displays showing exactly how many spots are left. A unique cultural aspect is the 'Frauenparkplatz' (women's parking space), which is wider and closer to exits for increased safety and convenience.
The Dative Rule
Always remember: 'parken' describes where you are, so use 'im' (dative). If you are driving into it, use 'ins' (accusative).
Watch the Height
German 'Parkhäuser' can be very low. If you have a roof box, check the 'Einfahrtshöhe' (entrance height) first!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for parking in multi-story structures.
- Uses 'im' (dative) because the car stays there.
- Common in city centers and shopping malls.
What It Means
This phrase is as straightforward as it gets. You are putting your car in a Parkhaus. This is a dedicated building for cars. It is not a driveway. It is not a simple open-air lot. It is the multi-level concrete structure we all know. In Germany, these are everywhere in city centers.
How To Use It
You use the preposition im. This is a contraction of in dem. Since you are stationary once parked, we use the dative case. The verb parken usually sits at the end of your sentence. For example, "Ich möchte im Parkhaus parken." It is a very flexible phrase. You can use it with friends or at work. It sounds natural in almost any conversation about driving.
When To Use It
Use this when you are planning a trip to the city. It is perfect for rainy days. It is also great when you want to keep your car safe. If you are meeting a friend, you might text: "Ich parke im Parkhaus am Dom." This tells them exactly where you are. It also implies you might be a few minutes late while you find a spot. German parking garages can be like mazes!
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you are parking on the street. For that, use am Straßenrand parken. If you are in a flat, open-air lot, say auf dem Parkplatz parken. Also, do not use it for your private garage at home. That is just a Garage. Calling your home garage a Parkhaus would sound like you live in a shopping mall. Unless you do, then go for it!
Cultural Background
Germans take their cars seriously. Parkhäuser are often very clean and well-organized. You will often see signs for Frauenparkplätze. These are parking spots for women. They are usually near the exits or elevators for safety. It is a common cultural feature you will notice immediately. Also, be prepared for tight spaces. German cars are getting bigger, but the 1970s-era garages are not!
Common Variations
You might hear ins Parkhaus fahren. This means you are currently driving into it. Another one is einen Parkplatz im Parkhaus suchen. This means you are doing the annoying part—circling for a spot. If the garage is full, the sign will say besetzt. If there is space, it says frei. Keep an eye on those digital signs before you enter!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and universally understood. The biggest 'gotcha' for learners is confusing 'im' (location) with 'ins' (direction).
The Dative Rule
Always remember: 'parken' describes where you are, so use 'im' (dative). If you are driving into it, use 'ins' (accusative).
Watch the Height
German 'Parkhäuser' can be very low. If you have a roof box, check the 'Einfahrtshöhe' (entrance height) first!
The Ticket Secret
In Germany, you usually pay at a machine ('Kassenautomat') before returning to your car, not at the exit gate.
Examples
6Wir sollten heute lieber im Parkhaus parken.
We should rather park in the parking garage today.
Suggesting a practical option to avoid rain or street searching.
Bin gleich da, ich parke nur kurz im Parkhaus.
I'll be there in a second, I'm just parking in the garage.
A common update when arriving at a meeting point.
Kann ich mit meinem SUV im Parkhaus parken?
Can I park in the parking garage with my SUV?
A valid concern as some German garages have low ceilings.
Es ist so eng! Ich hasse es, im Parkhaus zu parken.
It's so narrow! I hate parking in the parking garage.
Expressing frustration with tight German parking architecture.
Er braucht drei Stunden, um im Parkhaus zu parken.
It takes him three hours to park in the parking garage.
Using the phrase to tease someone's driving skills.
Besucher können bequem im Parkhaus P2 parken.
Visitors can conveniently park in parking garage P2.
Formal instruction for guests or clients.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition and article contraction.
Es regnet, lass uns ___ Parkhaus parken.
We use 'im' (in dem) because parking is a location-based action requiring the dative case.
Choose the correct verb to complete the collocation.
Wo willst du dein Auto ___?
'Parken' is the specific verb used for leaving a vehicle in a designated spot.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'im Parkhaus parken'
Used with friends when arriving at a mall.
Ich parke fix im Parkhaus.
Standard way to describe the action.
Wir parken im Parkhaus.
Instructions for business clients.
Sie können im Parkhaus gegenüber parken.
When to use 'im Parkhaus parken'
City Shopping
Parking at the mall.
Airport
Leaving the car for a trip.
Bad Weather
Avoiding snow or rain.
Safety
Parking in a lit building at night.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEs regnet, lass uns ___ Parkhaus parken.
We use 'im' (in dem) because parking is a location-based action requiring the dative case.
Wo willst du dein Auto ___?
'Parken' is the specific verb used for leaving a vehicle in a designated spot.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsA Parkplatz is usually a flat, open-air lot, while a Parkhaus is a multi-story building.
Use im Parkhaus when you are already there. Use ins Parkhaus (in das) when you are moving into it.
Yes, it can be quite pricey in big cities like Munich or Berlin, often costing 3-5 Euros per hour.
Usually no, they are for cars. Some cities have specific Fahrradparkhäuser just for bikes!
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
Then it is called a Tiefgarage. You would say in der Tiefgarage parken.
Not usually. Just saying Ich parke im Parkhaus implies you are parking your car.
These are just labels for different garages, e.g., Ich parke im Parkhaus P1.
You can ask: Wo ist das nächste Parkhaus? (Where is the nearest parking garage?).
Yes! Das Auto steht im Parkhaus means the car is currently located there.
It is a specially marked spot for women, usually located near exits for better safety.
Yes, parken is the verb. The noun is das Parken, but we mostly use the verb form.
Related Phrases
einen Parkplatz suchen
to look for a parking spot
ins Parkhaus fahren
to drive into the parking garage
am Straßenrand parken
to park at the curb/street side
das Parkticket entwerten
to validate/pay the parking ticket
die Tiefgarage
underground parking garage
