Prepositions
Prepositions show relationships between elements in sentences.
They can be used
before a noun e.g. Ich fahre nach Deutschland.
before a pronoun e.g. Ich komme später zu dir.
before an adverb e.g. Gehen Sie bitte nach rechts.
Some prepositions can be used before or after a noun/pronoun (......entlang, gegenüber, nach).
They can be used
before a noun e.g. Ich fahre nach Deutschland.
before a pronoun e.g. Ich komme später zu dir.
before an adverb e.g. Gehen Sie bitte nach rechts.
Some prepositions can be used before or after a noun/pronoun (......entlang, gegenüber, nach).
Prepositions in Accusative:
bis, durch, für, gegen, ohne, um, entlang
bis, durch, für, gegen, ohne, um, entlang
bis (until)
We often use bis for time expressions or in conjunction with other prepositions. If we use it with another preposition the second preposition determines the case (bis zu + Dative). Because we usually use it with time expressions the words often do not have an article and you therefore will have a hard time noticing that it is in the accusative.
Dieser Zug fährt nur bis Zürich Hauptbahnhof.
e.g.
We often use bis for time expressions or in conjunction with other prepositions. If we use it with another preposition the second preposition determines the case (bis zu + Dative). Because we usually use it with time expressions the words often do not have an article and you therefore will have a hard time noticing that it is in the accusative.
Dieser Zug fährt nur bis Zürich Hauptbahnhof.
e.g.
- Bis morgen!
- Until tomorrow!
- Bis später Schatz!
- Until later my dear!
- Der Laden hat bis 21 Uhr offen.
- The shop is open until 9pm.
- Dieser Zug fährt nur bis Zürich Hauptbahnhof.
- This train only goes as far as Zurich main station.
durch (through)
Durch is used when giving directions and telling people to go through something like a building or a forest. It is also used to express the idea of causality as in “through means of”. When we use it for causality it is often in a passive sentence.
Der Weg führt durch den dunklen Wald.
e.g.
Durch is used when giving directions and telling people to go through something like a building or a forest. It is also used to express the idea of causality as in “through means of”. When we use it for causality it is often in a passive sentence.
Der Weg führt durch den dunklen Wald.
e.g.
- Der Weg führt durch den dunklen Wald.
- The path goes through the dark forest.
- Atmen Sie durch Ihre Nase.
- Breath through your nose.
- Er kam durch einen Schoss ins Herz ums Leben.
- He died from a shot to the heart.
für (for)
It looks like the English word for and means just that. Pay attention to the pronunciation and don’t confuse it with vor.
Dieses Geschenk ist für dich.
e.g.
It looks like the English word for and means just that. Pay attention to the pronunciation and don’t confuse it with vor.
Dieses Geschenk ist für dich.
e.g.
- Ich habe ein Geschenk für dich.
- I have a present for you.
- Wir treten für die Menschenrechte ein.
- We’re stepping in for human rights.
- Wir gehen das Schritt für Schritt noch einmal durch.
- We’ll go through this again step by step.
gegen (against)
We use it when talking about rivalries and sport matches, but also for suggesting an approximate time (around). It can also be used in a meaning similar to für (e.g. #3).
Heute Abend spielt FC Zürich gegen FC Basel.
e.g.
We use it when talking about rivalries and sport matches, but also for suggesting an approximate time (around). It can also be used in a meaning similar to für (e.g. #3).
Heute Abend spielt FC Zürich gegen FC Basel.
e.g.
- Er lehnte sich gegen die Wand.
- He leaned against the wall.
- Heute Abend spielt die Schweiz gegen Italien.
- Switzerland is playing against Italy tonight.
- Abgabe nur gegen Barzahlung.
- Delivery only for cash payment. (Cash on delivery)
- Wir werden gegen 13 Uhr erwartet.
- We’re expected to arrive at around 1pm.
ohne (without)
If you’ve been living in Switzerland or the German speaking world for any length of time you’ve encountered this word pretty much every time you’ve been in a restaurant – “Wasser, mit oder ohne Gas?” (Sparkling or still water?). Ohne is a nice simple preposition that you should embrace.
Nicht mehr oben ohne.
e.g.
If you’ve been living in Switzerland or the German speaking world for any length of time you’ve encountered this word pretty much every time you’ve been in a restaurant – “Wasser, mit oder ohne Gas?” (Sparkling or still water?). Ohne is a nice simple preposition that you should embrace.
Nicht mehr oben ohne.
e.g.
- Ohne dich gehe ich niergendwo hin.
- I won’t go anywhere without you.
- Ohne zu grüssen ging er an mir vorbei.
- Without saying hello he simply passed me.
- Oben ohne.
- Topless and/or bald.
um (at / around / by)
Unlike the simple ohne, um can have several meanings. We most often use um to tell time, when unlike gegen it actually means a specific time. We can also use it when giving directions and you want to say something is around the corner (um die Ecke).
Er fliegt in 80 Tagen mit einem Luftballon um die Welt.
e.g.
Unlike the simple ohne, um can have several meanings. We most often use um to tell time, when unlike gegen it actually means a specific time. We can also use it when giving directions and you want to say something is around the corner (um die Ecke).
Er fliegt in 80 Tagen mit einem Luftballon um die Welt.
e.g.
- Der Preis ist um zehn Rappen gestiegen.
- The price increased by 10 cents.
- Er fliegt in 80 Tagen mit einem Luftballon um die Welt.
- He’s flying around the world in 80 days with a hot air balloon.
- Das Konzert beginnt um neunzehn Uhr.
- The concert starts at 7pm.
entlang (along)
Entlang is another good preposition to use when giving directions. It means along and what makes it interesting is that it is placed after the thing that you go along.
Den Fluss entlang stehen Bäume.
e.g.
Entlang is another good preposition to use when giving directions. It means along and what makes it interesting is that it is placed after the thing that you go along.
Den Fluss entlang stehen Bäume.
e.g.
- Den Fluss entlang stehen Bäume.
- There are trees along the river.
- Gehen Sie die Bahnhofstrasse entlang…
- Go along the Bahnhofstrasse…
- Er spazierte die Allee entlang.
- He strolled along the boulevard.
Prepositions in Dative:
ab, aus, ausser, bei, gegenüber, mit, nach, seit, von, zu
ab, aus, ausser, bei, gegenüber, mit, nach, seit, von, zu
ab (from)
We often use this when designating the start time of an event and or the start of a journey. When used to talk about the location where something starts it can sometimes be replaced with von.
Ab Zürich
e.g.
We often use this when designating the start time of an event and or the start of a journey. When used to talk about the location where something starts it can sometimes be replaced with von.
Ab Zürich
e.g.
- Ab dem 01. Oktober fallen unsere Preise nochmals.
- Starting on October 1 our prices are going to fall again.
- Die günstigen Sommerfahrkarten sind ab Montag in der ganzen Schweiz gültig.
- The cheapest summer tickets are valid throughout Switzerland as of Monday.
- Im Preis inbegriffen ist der Flug ab Zürich.
- The price includes the flight from Zurich.
aus (from / in / of / out of)
Aus gets used quite often. I’m sure you remember your first German lesson when you had to say where you were from: “Hallo, ich bin Christian. Ich komme aus der Schweiz.” We also use aus for saying what things are made from and for giving reasons.
aus der Schweiz
e.g.
Aus gets used quite often. I’m sure you remember your first German lesson when you had to say where you were from: “Hallo, ich bin Christian. Ich komme aus der Schweiz.” We also use aus for saying what things are made from and for giving reasons.
aus der Schweiz
e.g.
- Dieser Käse kommt aus der Schweiz.
- This cheese is from Switzerland.
- Der Ring is aus reinem Gold. Er stammt aus dem 12. Jahrhundert.
- This ring is made of pure gold. It’s from the 12th century.
- Er hat sie aus Liebe geheiratet, sie ihn aus einer Laune heraus.
- He married her out of love, she him on a whim.
ausser ( bar / beside / besides / except / outside)
People often forget that this is a dative preposition, but ausser can be very handy. We use it for making exceptions or saying that something is outside. In Germany and Austria it is spelt with an ß).
ausser Haus
e.g.
People often forget that this is a dative preposition, but ausser can be very handy. We use it for making exceptions or saying that something is outside. In Germany and Austria it is spelt with an ß).
ausser Haus
e.g.
- Das steht ausser Frage.
- That’s beyond all question.
- Ich bin ganz ausser mir über die Sache.
- I’m completely beside myself about the matter.
- Ausser mir war niemand da.
- Nobody was there except for me.
- Ich bin ausser Haus.
- I’m out of the office.
bei (at / by / during / near / with / in / next to / on )
You’re probably thinking to yourself, well it can be simply used as any preposition, so why even learn the others. But bei is a little tricky, as you learn more and more German you’ll become more acquainted with its usage. We use bei to suggest that at some specific person’s place (at). When we use bei before a verb turned into a noun (Essen, Lesen, Lernen) it means during the act of doing that (Note: bei + dem = beim and all substantified infinitives are das, so in the dative dem). Often concurrently occurring things use bei as well. When we want to say over a glass of wine or other drink we use bei. For saying the temperature at which something is to be cooked or an action takes place we also use bei.
beim Gläschen
e.g.
You’re probably thinking to yourself, well it can be simply used as any preposition, so why even learn the others. But bei is a little tricky, as you learn more and more German you’ll become more acquainted with its usage. We use bei to suggest that at some specific person’s place (at). When we use bei before a verb turned into a noun (Essen, Lesen, Lernen) it means during the act of doing that (Note: bei + dem = beim and all substantified infinitives are das, so in the dative dem). Often concurrently occurring things use bei as well. When we want to say over a glass of wine or other drink we use bei. For saying the temperature at which something is to be cooked or an action takes place we also use bei.
beim Gläschen
e.g.
- Ihr Mann verschwand bei Nacht und Nebel.
- Her husband disappeared in the night and fog.
- Gestern war ich bei meinen Eltern zum Abendessen.
- I was at my parents last night for dinner.
- Es sind beim Spülen zwei teure Sektgläser kaputt gegegangen.
- Two expensive Champagne glasses broke while washing the dished. (during the act of washing the dishes).
- Bei einem Gläschen Wodka haben wir viel gesprochen.
- Over a vodka we spoke a lot.
- Im Backofen 20 Minuten bei 180ºC backen.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 180ºC in the oven.
gegenüber (face to face with / opposite to / opposite / towards )
Well two accusative prepositions put together equal a dative preposition. Gegenüber is used to say where things are located. Because we use the dative you do not have to use the German word for “to” where you would in English. When talking about behaviour towards someone we also use gegenüber. While we do not need to use the word “to” it is often followed by the preposition von.
gegenüber von
e.g.
Well two accusative prepositions put together equal a dative preposition. Gegenüber is used to say where things are located. Because we use the dative you do not have to use the German word for “to” where you would in English. When talking about behaviour towards someone we also use gegenüber. While we do not need to use the word “to” it is often followed by the preposition von.
gegenüber von
e.g.
- Das Büro gegenüber ist unseres.
- The office across the way is ours.
- Das Büro liegt gegenüber dem unseres stärksten Konkurrenten.
- The office is located opposite to our strongest competitor.
- Gegenüber der Vergangenheit bewegen Menschen sich heute weniger.
- As opposed to the past people are less physically active today.
- Sein Verhalten ihr gegenüber ärgerte sie.
- His behaviour towards her really irked her.
mit (with)
Mit is the opposite of ohne and interestingly a dative and not an accusative preposition. We use it for stating how something is done as well, or with whom. This is one of the easiest prepositions to master.
mit dem Velo
e.g.
Mit is the opposite of ohne and interestingly a dative and not an accusative preposition. We use it for stating how something is done as well, or with whom. This is one of the easiest prepositions to master.
mit dem Velo
e.g.
- Diese Arbeit kann man nur mit viel Geduld und Spucke schaffen.
- This work can only be done with a lot of patience and spit.
- Diese Wohnung wird mit Solarstrom beheizt.
- This flat is heated with solar power.
- John fährt immer mit dem Velo zur Arbeit, seine Frau dagegen mit dem Zug.
- John always takes his bike to work, his wife, however, takes the train.
- Ein Glas Mineralwasser mit Kohlensäure.
- A glass of sparkling mineral water.
nach (according to / after / in / on / onto / past / to / towards)
Nach is again one of these prepositions similar to bei. Don’t fret. Learn that we use it when telling time to mean past. When we are going to most countries and cities we also go nach them. The other important one is that when we go home we go nach Hause. For giving directions we also use nach to mean “to the / turn” when use in combination with a direction (right/left).
nach Italien
e.g.
Nach is again one of these prepositions similar to bei. Don’t fret. Learn that we use it when telling time to mean past. When we are going to most countries and cities we also go nach them. The other important one is that when we go home we go nach Hause. For giving directions we also use nach to mean “to the / turn” when use in combination with a direction (right/left).
nach Italien
e.g.
- Nach dem Unterricht gehen wir zusammen in die Kneipe.
- After the lesson we’ll go to the bar together.
- Die Langeneggers fahren im Urlaub nach Italien.
- The Langeneggers are going to Italy for their holidays.
- Zum Bahnhof müssen Sie die nächste Strasse nach links abbiegen.
- You have to turn to the left at the next street to get to the train station.
- Es ist Viertel nach drei.
- It’s quarter past three.
seit (since)
Another simple preposition like mit. Seit simply means “since”. In German we also use seit where in English we would use “for”, when talking about time.
seit Monaten
e.g.
Another simple preposition like mit. Seit simply means “since”. In German we also use seit where in English we would use “for”, when talking about time.
seit Monaten
e.g.
- Seit letzter Woche bin ich erkältet.
- I’ve had a cold since last week.
- Ich habe Markus seit drei Monaten nicht mehr gesehen.
- I haven’t seen Markus for three months.
von (by / from / in / of / off)
The two most common uses of von are simple. We use it to mean by and when talking about books, movies, paintings and other media and we want to say who wrote, made or painted it. Von is also often used with the accusative preposition bis to suggest start and end points either locally or temporally. German speakers also tend to use von instead of the genitive form, which would just have an “s” added, or in English with an apostrophe with an “s”. (Note: von + dem = vom)
vom Büro
e.g.
The two most common uses of von are simple. We use it to mean by and when talking about books, movies, paintings and other media and we want to say who wrote, made or painted it. Von is also often used with the accusative preposition bis to suggest start and end points either locally or temporally. German speakers also tend to use von instead of the genitive form, which would just have an “s” added, or in English with an apostrophe with an “s”. (Note: von + dem = vom)
vom Büro
e.g.
- Hannes kommt gerade vom Supermarkt.
- Hannes is just coming from the supermarket.
- Ist das Michaels auto oder ist es von Peter?
- Is that Michael’s car, or is it Peter’s?
- Von Montag bis Mittwoch muss ich beruflich nach Lugano fahren.
- I have to go to Lugano for business from Monday till Wednesday.
- Das Musikstück “An der schönen blauen Donau” ist von Johann Strauss II.
- The music piece “Blue Danube Waltz” is by Johann Strauss II.
zu (at / in / to / towards)
Chances are that you will over use zu. Because we have the dative case, the pronouns often mean the equivalent of “to + pronoun”. However, we use zu like “to” in English. Some holidays like Christmas take zu to mean “at” and/or “for”. (Note: zu + dem = zum; zu + der = zur)
zu Weihnachten
e.g.
Chances are that you will over use zu. Because we have the dative case, the pronouns often mean the equivalent of “to + pronoun”. However, we use zu like “to” in English. Some holidays like Christmas take zu to mean “at” and/or “for”. (Note: zu + dem = zum; zu + der = zur)
zu Weihnachten
e.g.
- FC Zürich hat gegen FC Thun 2:0 gewonnen (zwei zu null).
- FC Zurich won 2:0 against FC Thun.
- Du siehst krank aus. Geh schnell zum Arzt.
- You look sick. Go to the doctor right away.
- Zu Weihnachten schenken wir unseren Kindern je einen neuen Laptop.
- We’re giving each one of our children a new laptop for Christmas.
Two-Way Prepositions:
These are prepositions that change their case depending on how they are used. What you need to ask yourself!
Wohin (where to) = movement = accusative
Wo (where) = static = dative
an, auf, hinter, in, neben, über, unter, vor, zwischen
Wohin (where to) = movement = accusative
Wo (where) = static = dative
an, auf, hinter, in, neben, über, unter, vor, zwischen
an (at, on, to)
As you may recall german has two words for “on”. An is used for on when we refer to vertical surfaces. We also use it for dates (+ dative). Let’s compare the cases:
As you may recall german has two words for “on”. An is used for on when we refer to vertical surfaces. We also use it for dates (+ dative). Let’s compare the cases:
- Am Montag muss ich leider schon wieder arbeiten.
- On Monday, I unfortunately already have to word again.
- Steve Prefontaine wurde am 25. Januar 1951 in Coos Bay, Oregon geboren.
- Steve Prefontaine was born on January 25, 1951 in Coos Bay, Oregon.
auf (at, to, on, upon)
This is our second preposition for on. We use auf for on horizontal surfaces. A common expression worth learning is “auf jeden Fall” (in any case / anyhow) and when written or said “Auf jeden Fall!” (Damn straight!). Unlike many of the two-way preposition, we don’t use auf in a temporal sense. The example with the market is also a fixed expression. We also use auf when talking about islands. Lastly, though in English you would say “I’m on the bus.” if you said “Ich bin auf dem Bus”, it would mean that your on the roof of the bus. In German you are “in the bus.”
This is our second preposition for on. We use auf for on horizontal surfaces. A common expression worth learning is “auf jeden Fall” (in any case / anyhow) and when written or said “Auf jeden Fall!” (Damn straight!). Unlike many of the two-way preposition, we don’t use auf in a temporal sense. The example with the market is also a fixed expression. We also use auf when talking about islands. Lastly, though in English you would say “I’m on the bus.” if you said “Ich bin auf dem Bus”, it would mean that your on the roof of the bus. In German you are “in the bus.”
**Note: auf + das = aufs
hinter (behind)
Finally, a simple preposition — hinter means behind. Like auf we don’t use hinter in a temporal sense either.
Finally, a simple preposition — hinter means behind. Like auf we don’t use hinter in a temporal sense either.
in (in, into)
It sounds and looks like the English preposition “in” and means just that. However, for movement (accusative)in means “into”. In is also used temporally (+ dative) with months and to suggest a time in the future.
It sounds and looks like the English preposition “in” and means just that. However, for movement (accusative)in means “into”. In is also used temporally (+ dative) with months and to suggest a time in the future.
- Im November wollen wir auf Kuba fliegen.
- We want to fly to Cuba in November.
- Im Sommer ist es in Zürich am schönsten.
- Zurich is the nicest place in the summer.
- Meine Freundin will mich in drei Wochen besuchen kommen.
- My girlfriend wants to visit me in three weeks.
neben (beside, near, next to)
Neben is used for beside as in physically beside something. But it can also be used to suggest in addition to and for comparisons. We don’t use neben as a temporal preposition.
Neben is used for beside as in physically beside something. But it can also be used to suggest in addition to and for comparisons. We don’t use neben as a temporal preposition.
- Neben einem guten Rucksack sollten die Kinder auch gute Wanderschuche mitbringen.
- In addition to a good backpack, the children should also bring good hiking boots with them.
- Neben Maria machst du aber ein sehr schlechte Figur.
- Compared to Maria, you make a poor role model.
über (about, above, across, over)
Most English speaking people have used this word in English, though they leave out the umlaut. Über means above when talking where something is located it means “above” or “over”. We also use it to say what we are talking “about” or what something is “about”. Temporally it means “over” as in over a period of time.
Most English speaking people have used this word in English, though they leave out the umlaut. Über means above when talking where something is located it means “above” or “over”. We also use it to say what we are talking “about” or what something is “about”. Temporally it means “over” as in over a period of time.
- Über Weihnachten sollen wir in die Berge fahren.
- We should go to the mountains over Christmas.
- Wie jedes Jahr kommen uns unsere Freunde über Ostern besuchen.
- Our friends are coming to visit over Easter, like they do every year.
unter (under, among)
Unter somewhat looks like the English “under”, which is an easy way to remember it. We can also use it for saying that we are among a group of people. Temporally, unter is used the most in the set phrase “unter der Woche” (during the week).
Unter somewhat looks like the English “under”, which is an easy way to remember it. We can also use it for saying that we are among a group of people. Temporally, unter is used the most in the set phrase “unter der Woche” (during the week).
- Unter all den Menschen hat keiner etwas gesagt.
- Among all the people, no one said anything.
- Unter der Woche muss ich immer früh zu Hause sein.
- I always have to be home early during the week.
- Unter diesen Umständen…
- Under these circumstances…
vor (in front of, before, ago)
This is an important preposition, because of its “ago” meaning. Locally vor means “in front of” and “before”. Temporally it means “ago”. You’ll often hear it with time also meaning “before” as in “Zehn vor acht” (Ten to eight). We also use vor with the set phrase “vor Angst” (out of fear) and “Angst vor etwas haben” (to be afraid of something).
This is an important preposition, because of its “ago” meaning. Locally vor means “in front of” and “before”. Temporally it means “ago”. You’ll often hear it with time also meaning “before” as in “Zehn vor acht” (Ten to eight). We also use vor with the set phrase “vor Angst” (out of fear) and “Angst vor etwas haben” (to be afraid of something).
- Christine kann vor Angst nicht schlafen.
- Because of fear Christine can’t sleep.
- Vor einer Stunde hat es noch geregnet.
- An hour ago it was still raining.
zwischen (between)
Zwischen is harder for many to pronounce than to use. We use it just like “between” in English. Like with all of the prepositions you must always ask yourself is there movement or is it static / temporal?
Zwischen is harder for many to pronounce than to use. We use it just like “between” in English. Like with all of the prepositions you must always ask yourself is there movement or is it static / temporal?
- Zwischen den Monaten Oktober und Dezember muss nich viel gearbeitet werden.
- There is still much work to do between the months of October and December.
- Herr Langenegger wird zwischen drei und vier Uhr erwartet.
- Mr. Langenegger is expected between three and four o’clock.