Prepositions of place in German specify where something is located or positioned in relation to another object. They are crucial for describing scenes, directions, and spatial relationships. Common prepositions of place include an (at, on), auf (on), hinter (behind), in (in), neben (next to), über (above), unter (under), vor (in front of), and zwischen (between). Some of these prepositions require either the dative or accusative case depending on whether they describe a static position or a change of location.
- Prepositions of place connect a noun/pronoun to a location.
- Typical examples: in, an, auf, unter, über, zwischen, vor, neben, hinter.
- Correct case usage (dative or accusative) is essential for meaning.
They describe the location or position of something.
an, auf, in, neben, zwischen
Two-Way Prepositions: Dative or Accusative?
Some German prepositions of place are two-way prepositions (Wechselpräpositionen): an, auf, hinter, in, neben, über, unter, vor, zwischen.
- Use dative when expressing a static location (Wo? Where?).
- Use accusative when expressing a change of location or direction (Wohin? Where to?).
| Situation | Question | Case | Example (neben) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Static location (place) | Wo? | Dative | Der Stuhl steht neben dem Tisch. |
| Direction/movement (change) | Wohin? | Accusative | Er stellt den Stuhl neben den Tisch. |
- Two-way prepositions: an, auf, hinter, in, neben, über, unter, vor, zwischen.
- Use dative for no movement (location), accusative for movement (destination).
an, auf, in, neben, unter, über, zwischen, vor, hinter
Dative
Accusative
Examples of Prepositions of Place
1. In (in)
Usage: Expresses being inside or going into a space.
| Preposition | Question (Static) | Question (Motion) | Dative (Static) | Accusative (Motion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| in | Wo? | Wohin? | Ich bin in der Schule. | Ich gehe in die Schule. |
- "in" is used for enclosed spaces and countries (with articles).
2. An (at, on [vertical surfaces])
Usage: Used for things positioned at or on vertical surfaces, or for bodies of water.
| Preposition | Question (Static) | Question (Motion) | Dative (Static) | Accusative (Motion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| an | Wo? | Wohin? | Das Bild hängt an der Wand. | Er hängt das Bild an die Wand. |
- "an" often refers to vertical boundaries or edges.
3. Auf (on [horizontal surfaces])
Usage: Refers to being on top of something, typically a horizontal surface.
| Preposition | Question (Static) | Question (Motion) | Dative (Static) | Accusative (Motion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| auf | Wo? | Wohin? | Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch. | Ich lege das Buch auf den Tisch. |
- "auf" is used for surfaces and some public places (e.g., stations).
4. Neben (next to)
Usage: Describes something positioned beside or next to something else.
| Preposition | Question (Static) | Question (Motion) | Dative (Static) | Accusative (Motion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| neben | Wo? | Wohin? | Der Stuhl steht neben dem Tisch. | Er stellt den Stuhl neben den Tisch. |
- "neben" emphasizes adjacency.
5. Zwischen (between)
Usage: Indicates a position between two entities.
| Preposition | Question (Static) | Question (Motion) | Dative (Static) | Accusative (Motion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| zwischen | Wo? | Wohin? | Das Café liegt zwischen den Häusern. | Er geht zwischen die Häuser. |
- "zwischen" always refers to at least two reference points.
6. Vor (in front of)
Usage: Marks a position in front of something.
| Preposition | Question (Static) | Question (Motion) | Dative (Static) | Accusative (Motion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vor | Wo? | Wohin? | Der Wagen steht vor dem Haus. | Er fährt vor das Haus. |
- "vor" can also be used in temporal contexts (before).
7. Hinter (behind)
Usage: Specifies a location behind something.
| Preposition | Question (Static) | Question (Motion) | Dative (Static) | Accusative (Motion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| hinter | Wo? | Wohin? | Der Garten liegt hinter dem Haus. | Er geht hinter das Haus. |
- "hinter" stresses the rear position.
8. Über (above, over)
Usage: Describes something located above or over, often without direct contact.
| Preposition | Question (Static) | Question (Motion) | Dative (Static) | Accusative (Motion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| über | Wo? | Wohin? | Die Lampe hängt über dem Tisch. | Er stellt die Leiter über den Tisch. |
- "über" can indicate superiority or more than (in other contexts).
9. Unter (under, below)
Usage: Indicates something positioned beneath or below.
| Preposition | Question (Static) | Question (Motion) | Dative (Static) | Accusative (Motion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| unter | Wo? | Wohin? | Die Katze schläft unter dem Tisch. | Der Hund läuft unter den Tisch. |
- "unter" can also mean among (in plural contexts).
'in' is used for enclosed spaces or places you enter.
Use 'an' for things on or near vertical surfaces.
'neben' (next to) and 'zwischen' (between) express adjacency or positioning between.
'auf' means on top of; 'unter' means under.
Conclusion
German prepositions of place provide the tools to describe precise spatial relationships, whether something is located, moved, or positioned relative to something else. Mastering their meanings and the cases they demand (especially for two-way prepositions) is essential for clear and accurate communication.
- Common place prepositions include in, an, auf, neben, zwischen, vor, hinter, über, unter.
- Many are “two-way” prepositions requiring dative for location and accusative for movement.
- Understanding these prepositions helps you describe where things are, where they go, and how they relate in space.