German Phrase
Die gehören ins Arbeitszimmer.
Meaning
This phrase uses the verb 'gehören' to indicate the proper or intended location for a group of objects. It conveys a sense of order and organization within a home or professional environment. 'Arbeitszimmer' specifically refers to a room dedicated to work or study, similar to a home office.
When to use
Use this phrase when organizing a house, tidying up, or telling someone where to place specific items like documents, books, or office equipment. It is particularly useful during cleaning or after moving into a new space.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DiegehöreninsArbeitszimmer
Gehören
In this context, 'gehören' describes the rightful place of an object, often paired with a preposition of direction.
ins (in + das)
This is a contraction used with neuter nouns in the accusative case to indicate movement or placement into a room.
🗨In Conversation
Wo soll ich diese ganzen Ordner hinstellen?
Where should I put all these folders?
Die gehören ins Arbeitszimmer.
Those belong in the study.
✕Common Mistakes
Die gehören zu dem Arbeitszimmer.
When expressing where something belongs in terms of its location, use 'in' plus the accusative case rather than 'zu'.
Die gehören in der Arbeitszimmer.
Since 'gehören' implies a destination of 'where to', you must use the accusative 'ins' (in das) rather than the dative 'in der'.
↔Alternatives
Das kommt ins Arbeitszimmer.
That goes into the study.
Stell das bitte ins Büro.
Please put that in the office.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, many homes have a dedicated 'Arbeitszimmer' which is strictly used for administrative work or professional tasks. This room is often treated with a higher degree of privacy and organization compared to communal living spaces.