im

This is the 6th most frequent German word.


im

"Im" is a contraction of "in dem," meaning "in the" in English.


"Im" is used here to signify a temporal context — "im Sommer" meaning "in summer."

Im Sommer fahren wir gerne ans Meer.

In summer, we like going to the seaside.


Again, "im" is a contraction of "in dem," indicating the location within something, here "Schrank," which is masculine.

Der Schlüssel liegt im Schrank.

The key is in the cupboard.


Here, "im" is a contraction of "in dem" (in the) indicating location. "Garten" (garden) is masculine, hence "dem."

Ich bin gerade im Garten.

I am currently in the garden.