One of the challenges of using prepositions in German is that you must always consider the case they take. There are four categories of prepositions in German, each of which is associated with different cases. In this blog post, I will explain the most effective way to learn and use them.
Before discussing the prepositions you need to learn, let me advise you. Students often get really confused about the four cases in German when they learn the logic of how to use the cases at the same time as prepositions. That is because a noun can be used in the accusative, dative, or genitive case for reasons that have nothing to do with prepositions. In my experience, it is, therefore, better for students to learn this case logic first and then consider prepositions that deviate from this logic.
Prepositions in German: How to Learn and Use Them Effectively
Prepositions are small words with big responsibilities in any language, and German is no exception. They are essential for expressing relationships between different elements in a sentence, such as time, place, direction, and manner. However, German prepositions can be particularly tricky due to their impact on case endings (nominative, accusative, dative, and genitive). Mastering German prepositions is crucial for speaking and writing accurately and fluently. In this expanded guide, we’ll delve deeper into the world of German prepositions, offering tips and strategies to help you understand, remember, and correctly use them.
Understanding German Prepositions and Cases
One of the most challenging aspects of German prepositions is their influence on the case of the nouns or pronouns that follow them. Depending on the preposition, the following noun will be in the accusative, dative, or genitive case. Some prepositions are fixed in one case, while others (known as two-way prepositions) can trigger either the accusative or dative case, depending on the context.
The four categories of prepositions in German are
Two-way or dual prepositions that either take the accusative or the dative case
You‘ll find detailed explanations with examples in my blog posts on each of the four categories. While most prepositions only go with one case, you simply have to learn that the verb governs the case of the two-way prepositions. If the verb implies a change of location, they go with the accusative case, but if there is no change of location, they go with the dative case. However, many prepositions, including some of the dual prepositions, can‘t just be used as spatial prepositions in German but also as temporal prepositions. So it is not just important to consider the case but also the context in which they can be used.
The nine German two-way prepositions are
An (at/up to)
Auf (on top of)
Hinter (behind)
In (in/inside/into)
Neben (next to)
Über (over)
Unter (under)
Vor (in front of/before/ago)
Zwischen (between)
Ich gehe in den Park (accusative because of "gehen")
Ich spiele Fußball in dem (im) Park (Dative because there is no change of location)
The five most common accusative prepositions in German are
Durch (through)
Ohne (without)
Gegen (against)
Für (for)
Um (around/at)
Er lernt Deutsch für seine Arbeit.
Sie joggt gern durch den Wald.
The ten German dative prepositions are
Aus (from, origin)
Außer (except)
Bei (at/with)
Mit (with)
Nach (to/after)
Seit (since/for)
Von (from)
Zu (to/towards)
Gegenüber (opposite)
Ab (as of)
Wir treffen uns oft mit unseren Freunden.
Nach einer Woche bekommt er sein Prüfungsergebnis.
The eight Genitive prepositions in German are
Innerhalb (inside/within)
Außerhalb (outside)
unterhalb (underneath)
Oberhalb (above)
Statt/anstatt (jnstead)
Wegen (because of/due to)
Während (during)
Trotz (in spite of/despite)
Meine Schüler:innen konzentrieren sich während des Unterrichts.
Trotz des Regens spielte er Tennis.
Strategies for Remembering Prepositions and Their Cases
Mnemonic Devices
Creating mnemonic devices can be very helpful for remembering which prepositions take which cases. For example, to remember the dative prepositions, you might use the phrase "Aunt Betty Doesn't Read Silly Books Very Often," where each initial corresponds to a dative preposition: aus, bei, mit, nach, seit, von, zu.
Practice Through Repetition
Repetition is key to mastering prepositions and their corresponding cases. Practice writing sentences using each preposition, and try to incorporate them into your speaking practice as well. The more you use them, the more natural they will become.
Visual Learning Aids
Using charts or diagrams can help you visualize the relationships between prepositions and cases. Create a table that categorizes prepositions by case and include example sentences for each one. You can also use colour coding to make it easier to remember which prepositions take which cases.
Contextual Learning
Rather than memorizing prepositions in isolation, learn them in context. Read German texts and pay attention to how prepositions are used in sentences. Over time, this will help you develop an intuitive sense of which case to use with each preposition.
Prepositions of Time and Place
Prepositions of Time
German prepositions of time are essential for discussing when events occur. Here are some key prepositions of time:
an (on): Wir treffen uns am Montag. (We meet on Monday.)
in (in): In einer Stunde gehe ich nach Hause. (In an hour, I’m going home.)
um (at): Der Zug fährt um 8 Uhr ab. (The train departs at 8 o'clock.)
seit (since, for): Seit drei Jahren lebe ich in Deutschland. (I have been living in Germany for three years.)
vor (before, ago): Vor einem Jahr habe ich angefangen, Deutsch zu lernen. (A year ago, I started learning German.)
nach (after): Nach dem Abendessen sehe ich fern. (After dinner, I watch TV.)
Prepositions of Place
Prepositions of place describe the location of objects and people relative to other objects or places. Some common prepositions of place include:
an (at, on): Das Bild hängt an der Wand. (The picture is hanging on the wall.)
auf (on): Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch. (The book is lying on the table.)
hinter (behind): Der Hund schläft hinter dem Sofa. (The dog is sleeping behind the sofa.)
in (in): Wir sind in der Stadt. (We are in the city.)
neben (next to): Die Lampe steht neben dem Bett. (The lamp is next to the bed.)
über (over): Die Lampe hängt über dem Tisch. (The lamp is hanging over the table.)
unter (under): Der Stuhl steht unter dem Tisch. (The chair is under the table.)
vor (in front of): Das Auto steht vor dem Haus. (The car is in front of the house.)
zwischen (between): Der Stuhl steht zwischen dem Tisch und der Wand. (The chair is between the table and the wall.)
Using Prepositions of Time and Place Together
German often requires combining prepositions of time and place to provide a complete picture of when and where something happens.
An einem Sonntag im Sommer sind wir in den Park gegangen. (On a Sunday in summer, we went to the park.)
Wir treffen uns um 18 Uhr vor dem Kino. (We’ll meet at 6 PM in front of the cinema.)
3. The Challenges of Two-Way Prepositions
As mentioned earlier, two-way prepositions can be especially challenging because they can take either the accusative or dative case, depending on whether the context implies movement or location.
Distinguishing Between Movement and Location
Movement (Accusative Case): If the preposition indicates that someone or something is moving towards a destination, the accusative case is used.
Ich gehe in den Park. (I am going to the park.)
Sie legt das Buch auf den Tisch. (She places the book on the table.)
Location (Dative Case): If the preposition is used to describe the location of someone or something, the dative case is used.
Ich bin im Park. (I am in the park.)
Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch. (The book is lying on the table.)
Tips for Mastering Two-Way Prepositions
1. Practice with Visuals:
Create scenarios using images where you describe both the movement and the location. For example, use a picture of a park and describe someone walking to the park (movement) and then sitting on a bench (location). Practicing with visuals helps solidify your understanding.
2. Use Movement and Location in the Same Context:
Practice sentences that include both movement and location to reinforce the difference. For example:
"Ich gehe in den Supermarkt und kaufe dort im Supermarkt ein." (I go into the supermarket and shop there.)
3. Focus on Prepositions of Place:
Some two-way prepositions, such as auf, in, and an, often arise in the context of place. Practice with these specifically, as they are very common in everyday conversation.
4. Genitive Prepositions: Formality and Precision
Genitive prepositions are less common in spoken German, but they play an important role in formal writing and specific contexts.
Common Genitive Prepositions
anstatt/statt (instead of): Anstatt eines Buches kaufte ich eine Zeitschrift. (Instead of a book, I bought a magazine.)
während (during): Während des Spiels hat es angefangen zu regnen. (During the game, it started to rain.)
wegen (because of): Wegen des schlechten Wetters fiel das Fest aus. (Because of the bad weather, the festival was canceled.)
trotz (despite): Trotz der Kälte gingen wir spazieren. (Despite the cold, we went for a walk.)
The Importance of Genitive Prepositions
While genitive prepositions are less frequent in everyday conversation, they are essential for precise and nuanced expression, especially in academic writing, journalism, and legal contexts. Mastering these prepositions will help you read and write more sophisticated texts.
Tips for Learning Genitive Prepositions
1. Read Formal Texts:
Expose yourself to formal writing, such as newspaper articles, academic papers, or official documents, where genitive prepositions are more commonly used.
2. Practice by Writing:
Try writing essays or summaries on topics that require a formal tone. Make a conscious effort to use genitive prepositions correctly, and review your work to ensure accuracy.
3. Memorize Set Phrases:
Some genitive prepositions are often used in set phrases, such as "trotz allem" (despite everything) or "während der Zeit" (during the time). Memorize these phrases to help you internalize the use of the genitive case.
5. Special Cases and Idiomatic Expressions
German prepositions are also used in a variety of idiomatic expressions that don't always translate directly into English. These expressions often have fixed prepositions that must be learned as a whole. Grammatically, they are called German verbs with prepositional objects and German nouns and adjectives with prepositional objects.
Examples of Idiomatic Expressions with Prepositions
auf etwas warten (to wait for something): Ich warte auf den Bus. (I am waiting for the bus.)
sich an etwas erinnern (to remember something): Ich erinnere mich an den Urlaub. (I remember the holiday.)
Angst vor etwas haben (to be afraid of something): Er hat Angst vor Spinnen. (He is afraid of spiders.)
sich um etwas kümmern (to take care of something): Sie kümmert sich um die Kinder. (She takes care of the children.)
Tips for Mastering Idiomatic Expressions
1. Learn by Context:
When you encounter a new idiomatic expression, learn it in context. Write out example sentences that demonstrate how the expression is used.
2. Use Flashcards for Phrases:
Create flashcards with the full expression on one side and an example sentence on the other. Practice these regularly to ensure you remember the correct preposition and case.
3. Practice in Conversation:
Try to use these idiomatic expressions in your speaking practice. The more you use them, the more naturally they will come to you during conversations.
6. Testing Your Knowledge: Practice and Review
Regular practice and review are essential to mastering German prepositions. Here are some strategies to help reinforce your learning:
Practice Exercises
1. Gap Fill Exercises:
Complete sentences with the correct preposition and case. For example:
Er freut sich (über) die gute Nachricht. (He is happy about the good news.)
2. Translation Exercises:
Translate sentences from English to German, paying close attention to prepositions and their corresponding cases.
3. Preposition Puzzles:
Create or find puzzles that focus on prepositions. This could include matching prepositions with their correct cases, or filling in blanks in a text.
Regular Review
1. Weekly Review Sessions:
Set aside time each week to review the prepositions you've learned. This could involve going over your vocabulary journal, doing practice exercises, or revisiting challenging idiomatic expressions.
2. Peer Review:
If you're studying with a partner or group, review each other’s work. This not only helps you spot mistakes but also reinforces your understanding as you explain concepts to others.
3. Use a Preposition Checklist:
Create a checklist of prepositions and their cases. Mark off each one as you feel confident using it in both written and spoken German. Revisit the ones that are still challenging.
Conclusion
German prepositions are a fundamental aspect of the language that requires attention, practice, and patience. By understanding how prepositions influence case, practicing regularly with a variety of exercises, and incorporating them into your speaking and writing, you'll be well on your way to mastering this essential component of German grammar. Remember that learning a language is a journey, and every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to fluency. Keep practicing, stay curious, and soon you’ll find that using German prepositions becomes second nature. Viel Erfolg!
On our German language blog "Auf Deutsch, bitte!", there are many other posts on German grammar, such as German word order, relative clauses in German and the German subjunctive.
Comments