What are Prepositions?
A preposition is a brief word or group of words, that links words that are nouns to the rest of a sentence. In particular, prepositions usually describe the direction or movement of a person as well as a place or location or any other relation with the remainder of the sentences. There are lots of prepositions that you can frequently use them and often do not even realize. For example some of the most frequently used English prepositions are words such as “at,” “on,” and “in”. Through learning the most frequently used German prepositions, you will be able to enhance your abilities and comprehend concepts such as sentence structure.
List of Common German Prepositions
A German case system suggests that the most efficient method to master German prepositions is to study the prepositions in groups, and then sorting them according to the type of cases they fall into. A few of the most frequently used German phrases are listed in the following table, each including examples on how they’re employed.
Accusative Prepositions
Bis |
by, up to, or until by, to, and up to | bis nachste Woche | up to the week following |
Durch |
through and across | Wir gehen durch das Tor | We’re walking past the gate |
Entlang |
up the way, and down | Sie fahrt die Strasse entlang | She drives her car down the street |
Fur |
for | Er kocht fur seine Freundin | He cooks for his partner. |
Gegen |
against, to | gegen die Mauer | against the wall |
Ohne |
Without | ohne Wasser | Without water |
Um |
Around | um Mitternacht | at midnight |
Dative Prepositions
Aus |
from, or out of, or out | aus dem Supermarkt | from the supermarket |
Bei |
Nearby, at | bei meinem Vater Haus | at my dad’s home |
Mit |
with | mit meiner Mutter | with my mom |
Nach |
Following the event, | nach der Schule | after school |
Seit |
Since it was | Seit Februar | since February |
Von |
from, or | weg von zu Hause | far from home |
Zu |
from | zu den Geschaften gehen | to shop |
Two-Way Prepositions
Certain prepositions in German. Some prepositions within the German languages are dual-directional, which means that they can be in the accusative case or as a dative. The most important rule to keep in mind is that if you’re refer to direction or movement or direction, you should use the accusative case. However, in the case of the location or place and location, you choose the dative.
Some of the most popular two-way prepositions are:
An |
to to |
Auf |
on, after |
Hinter |
Behind |
In |
In and out of |
Neben |
right next to |
Von |
from, or of |
Zu |
from |
Dativ UND Akkusativ Prepositions in German
“Legte es auf den Schreibtisch” (put it on the desk) is a reference to a move as something is placed on the desk. So, you’ll employ”auf den” to refer to the position of something “auf den”. If you are saying “Es ist auf dem Schreibtisch” (It is on the desk) you’re speaking of a physical space which is why you choose the accusative “auf dem”.
The Importance of Knowing German Prepositions
The time spent learning and comprehend the use of German prepositions is crucial since using the wrong word could dramatically change the meaning of an entire sentence. There are also more regulations regarding the use for prepositions within the German language than English and therefore simple translations are not possible.
Similar to other languages, other than the previously mentioned method of putting them into groups There aren’t any real shortcuts to understanding the various German prepositions. It is essential that students spend the time to study each preposition separately and the meaning behind it.
Furthermore the system of case in German implies that it is crucial to German learners to be able to remember the distinction between accusative, dative or a two-way. The use of the wrong preposition or having the case wrong is an important indication of a non-native and therefore, studying German prepositions is a crucial step towards acquiring native proficiency.
Common Faults with German Prepositions
There are many frequent mistakes made when it comes to German prepositions. One best way to avoid making these mistakes is to be aware of these. One of the most obvious mistakes that is committed is making sure that the situation is correct and, unfortunately, it is a matter of remembering every preposition.
Another mistake that is common is getting confused in the confusion between German or English prepositions. For instance an example,”bei,” a German term “bei” sounds very similar to the English word “by” and has a similar meaning in relation in a sense of being “near” something. However, it doesn’t connect directly to an English term in any different way. In addition Many English people who are learning German attempt in attempting to replace English prepositions in one way, but it doesn’t work also. Even prepositions that have the identical definition could be used in slightly different ways in both languages. This is why the literal conversion of English to German could be totally wrong.x`
