# 🧭 Common Prepositions Prepositions in German signal relationships like location, time, cause, and manner, so learning them helps you understand and describe situations precisely. This guide covers frequently used prepositions with examples. --- ## Prepositions of Place Prepositions of place tell you where something is relative to something else, and they commonly govern either the accusative or dative case depending on movement versus position. --- ### an *An* can mean "at" or "on" when referring to a vertical or near-vertical surface or a boundary like water; use dative for location and accusative for movement. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "13bea3c3", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Das Bild hängt ___ (on) der Wand.", "answer": [ "an" ], "translation": "The picture hangs on the wall.", "emoji": "🖼️", "explanation": " 'An' is used for vertical surfaces; here: 'an der Wand'.", "name": "694b9ac1" }, { "quiz": "13bea3c3", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Ich gehe jetzt ___ (to) das Fenster, um hinauszuschauen.", "answer": [ "an" ], "translation": "I'm going to the window now to look outside.", "emoji": "🚶‍♂️", "explanation": " 'An' with accusative for movement toward a boundary (the window).", "name": "39c2bfab" }, { "quiz": "13bea3c3", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which of these correctly uses 'an' for location or movement?", "correct": [ "Sie sitzt an dem Fenster (dative).", "Er stellt die Lampe an die Wand (accusative)." ], "incorrect": [ "Wir legen das Buch auf an den Tisch.", "Ich fahre an in die Stadt." ], "emoji": "📍", "explanation": "'An' takes dative for static location (sitzt an dem Fenster) and accusative for movement toward (stellt ... an die Wand). The incorrect options misuse word combinations.", "name": "7e191169" } ], "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "7f6391a9" }> ``` --- ### auf *Auf* means "on" when referring to a horizontal surface or an open space; it takes dative for position and accusative for direction. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "41f29f88", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Die Tasse steht ___ (on) dem Tisch.", "answer": [ "auf" ], "translation": "The cup is on the table.", "emoji": "☕", "explanation": " 'Auf' is used for horizontal surfaces; here it takes dative for position.", "name": "1d2f11f6" }, { "quiz": "41f29f88", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Er legt die Zeitung ___ (onto) den Tisch.", "answer": [ "auf" ], "translation": "He puts the newspaper onto the table.", "emoji": "📰", "explanation": "With movement toward a surface, 'auf' takes accusative: 'auf den Tisch'.", "name": "5fd172a3" }, { "quiz": "41f29f88", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which sentence uses 'auf' correctly?", "correct": [ "Wir sitzen auf dem Balkon.", "Sie fährt auf die Insel." ], "incorrect": [ "Das Bild hängt auf der Wand.", "Ich gehe auf im Zimmer." ], "emoji": "🛖", "explanation": "'Auf dem Balkon' (dative) = location; 'auf die Insel' (accusative) = movement onto the island. Hanging 'auf der Wand' is incorrect (use 'an der Wand').", "name": "4685cda3" } ], "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "c3ab85e" }> ``` --- ### in *In* indicates being inside something; use dative for static location and accusative for entering or exiting. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "44e97584", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Wir sind jetzt ___ (inside) dem Gebäude.", "answer": [ "in" ], "translation": "We are now inside the building.", "emoji": "🏢", "explanation": " 'In' takes dative for static location: 'in dem Gebäude'.", "name": "3ea8d2d9" }, { "quiz": "44e97584", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Sie gehen ___ (into) das Café.", "answer": [ "in" ], "translation": "They are going into the café.", "emoji": "☕", "explanation": "For entering a space, 'in' takes accusative: 'in das (ins) Café'.", "name": "2e648720" }, { "quiz": "44e97584", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which uses of 'in' are correct? (multiple answers)", "correct": [ "Die Jacke hängt in dem Schrank.", "Er geht in die Küche." ], "incorrect": [ "Sie sitzen in den Park.", "Ich stelle das Glas in auf den Tisch." ], "emoji": "🚪", "explanation": " 'In dem Schrank' = location (dative); 'in die Küche' = movement (accusative). 'Sitzen in den Park' is wrong (should be 'im Park'); the last sentence mixes prepositions incorrectly.", "name": "62433e3" } ], "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "2584558a" }> ``` --- ### Other Place Prepositions Prepositions like *neben* (next to), *über* (over), *unter* (under), *vor* (in front of), and *hinter* (behind) follow the same dative/accusative pattern based on whether there is movement. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "24732a97", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Das Fahrrad steht ___ (next to) dem Auto.", "answer": [ "neben" ], "translation": "The bicycle is standing next to the car.", "emoji": "🚲", "explanation": " 'Neben' means 'next to' and here marks static position (dative).", "name": "4d1f25a1" }, { "quiz": "24732a97", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Er fährt ___ (under) die Brücke.", "answer": [ "unter" ], "translation": "He is driving under the bridge.", "emoji": "🌉", "explanation": "With movement toward a position beneath, 'unter' takes accusative: 'unter die Brücke'.", "name": "27fe40c1" }, { "quiz": "24732a97", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which prepositions below change the case depending on movement vs. position? (choose all that apply)", "correct": [ "neben", "über", "unter", "vor", "hinter" ], "incorrect": [ "mit", "wegen", "für" ], "emoji": "🔄", "explanation": "These prepositions can take dative for location and accusative for movement. 'Mit', 'wegen', 'für' have fixed cases (dative or accusative).", "name": "19af2478" } ], "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "1329174a" }> ``` | German Example | English Example | | --- | --- | | 🌳 *Das Buch liegt unter dem Baum.* | The book is under the tree. | | 🪑 *Die Tasche hängt neben dem Stuhl.* | The bag is hanging next to the chair. | | 🏠 *Wir treffen uns vor dem Café.* | We are meeting in front of the café. | | 🚪 *Die Schlüssel sind hinter der Tür.* | The keys are behind the door. | | 🛤️ *Der Hund läuft zwischen den Pfosten.* | The dog is running between the posts. | --- ## Prepositions of Time Time prepositions specify when something happens and some require specific cases while others are followed by either case or a particular time expression. --- ### an *An* is used for specific days and parts of days (like *am Montag* or *am Abend*); it takes the dative. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "4642a33b", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Wir treffen uns ___ (on) Montag.", "answer": [ "am" ], "translation": "We’re meeting on Monday.", "emoji": "📅", "explanation": " 'An' + dem = 'am' is used for days and parts of days: 'am Montag'.", "name": "3dfe0dfc" }, { "quiz": "4642a33b", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "___ (on) Abend lernen wir Deutsch.", "answer": [ "am" ], "translation": "In the evening we study German.", "emoji": "🌇", "explanation": "Also use 'am' for parts of the day: 'am Abend'.", "name": "b37b558" }, { "quiz": "4642a33b", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which of these are correct uses of 'an' for time?", "correct": [ "am Montag", "am Wochenende", "am Nachmittag" ], "incorrect": [ "an Januar", "am 8 Uhr", "am gestern" ], "emoji": "⏰", "explanation": " 'An' is correct with days and parts of days/weekends. It is not used with months (in Januar), exact times (um 8 Uhr), or past expressions (gestern).", "name": "623198c1" } ], "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "1f2b7fab" }> ``` --- ### in *In* is used for longer periods like months, years, centuries, and for parts of the year; it takes the dative. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "3c7a3e48", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Wir fahren Urlaub ___ (in) Juli.", "answer": [ "im" ], "translation": "We’re going on holiday in July.", "emoji": "🏖️", "explanation": " 'In + dem' = 'im'; for months and seasons use dative: 'im Juli', 'im Winter'.", "name": "17ae5850" }, { "quiz": "3c7a3e48", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Die Firma wurde ___ (in) den 1990er Jahren gegründet.", "answer": [ "in" ], "translation": "The company was founded in the 1990s.", "emoji": "🏢", "explanation": " 'In' is used with decades/long periods; case is dative.", "name": "1ab25e10" }, { "quiz": "3c7a3e48", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "When do you use 'in' for time?", "correct": [ "for months and years", "for longer periods (decades, centuries)", "for parts of a year (z.B. in diesem Jahr)" ], "incorrect": [ "for specific days (use 'an' instead)", "for exact times (use 'um' instead)" ], "emoji": "📆", "explanation": "'In' is for longer periods; 'an' is for days and 'um' for exact times.", "name": "569b17b2" } ], "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "36774a1b" }> ``` --- ### um *Um* specifies an exact time and always takes the accusative. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "29443103", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Der Zug kommt ___ (at) 14 Uhr.", "answer": [ "um" ], "translation": "The train arrives at 14 o’clock.", "emoji": "🚆", "explanation": " 'Um' is used for exact times and takes the accusative.", "name": "5c510d0a" }, { "quiz": "29443103", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Wir treffen uns ___ (at) Mittag.", "answer": [ "um" ], "translation": "We’re meeting at noon.", "emoji": "🍽️", "explanation": " 'Um' can be used with times of day when specifying an exact time (e.g. 'um 12 Uhr' - noon).", "name": "6170d005" }, { "quiz": "29443103", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which prepositions are incorrect when used with exact clock times instead of 'um'?", "correct": [ "an 14 Uhr", "in 14 Uhr" ], "incorrect": [ "um 14 Uhr", "um 2 Uhr nachmittags" ], "emoji": "⏳", "explanation": "'Um' is the correct preposition for exact times. 'An' or 'in' are not used with clock times.", "name": "24ee8bfe" } ], "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "6cb9ce98" }> ``` --- ### Other Time Prepositions Prepositions like *vor* (before), *nach* (after), *seit* (since/for), *für* (for), and *bis* (until) are commonly used in temporal contexts and govern different cases. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "26a6b1ca", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Wir gehen ___ (after) dem Essen spazieren.", "answer": [ "nach" ], "translation": "We go for a walk after the meal.", "emoji": "🚶‍♀️", "explanation": " 'Nach' is used for 'after' in temporal contexts.", "name": "25e2ac4" }, { "quiz": "26a6b1ca", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Sie arbeitet ___ (since) einem Jahr hier.", "answer": [ "seit" ], "translation": "She has been working here for a year.", "emoji": "🕰️", "explanation": " 'Seit' indicates a starting point in the past and duration; it takes the dative.", "name": "d20b9f9" }, { "quiz": "26a6b1ca", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which of these prepositions commonly express temporal relations? (select all that apply)", "correct": [ "vor", "nach", "seit", "bis", "für" ], "incorrect": [ "mit", "gegen", "durch" ], "emoji": "🗓️", "explanation": "These prepositions are frequently used for time (before, after, since, until, for). The incorrect ones relate to manner, cause, or direction.", "name": "6edd69bc" } ], "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "50497694" }> ``` | German Example | English Example | | --- | --- | | ☕ *Ich frühstücke vor der Arbeit.* | I have breakfast before work. | | 🌇 *Wir gehen nach dem Meeting spazieren.* | We go for a walk after the meeting. | | 🗓️ *Sie hat während der Konferenz Notizen gemacht.* | She took notes during the conference. | | 🔄 *Er trainiert alle zwei Tage am Morgen.* | He trains every two days in the morning. | | 💤 *Ich schlafe meistens nachts.* | I mostly sleep at night. | --- ## Prepositions of Cause, Manner, and More Some prepositions express cause, manner, purpose, or other relations and each governs a particular case that you should learn through examples. --- ### wegen *Wegen* means "because of" and takes the genitive or sometimes the dative in colloquial speech. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "53d12adb", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "___ (because of) des Verkehrs komme ich zu spät.", "answer": [ "wegen" ], "translation": "Because of the traffic I’ll be late.", "emoji": "🚗", "explanation": " 'Wegen' means 'because of' and traditionally takes the genitive (wegen des Verkehrs).", "name": "7caaac80" }, { "quiz": "53d12adb", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Wegen dem schlechten Wetter bleiben wir zu Hause.", "answer": [ "wegen" ], "translation": "Because of the bad weather we’re staying home.", "emoji": "🌧️", "explanation": "In colloquial German dative is often used after 'wegen' (though genitive is prescriptively correct).", "name": "43696e5a" }, { "quiz": "53d12adb", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which cases does 'wegen' commonly appear with?", "correct": [ "genitive (formal)", "dative (colloquial)" ], "incorrect": [ "accusative", "nominative" ], "emoji": "⚖️", "explanation": "'Wegen' traditionally requires genitive but dative is common in speech; it does not take accusative or nominative.", "name": "1e625251" } ], "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "456b8601" }> ``` --- ### dank *Dank* means "thanks to" and typically takes the genitive or dative. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "7d5b65de", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "___ (thanks to) deiner Hilfe haben wir es geschafft.", "answer": [ "dank" ], "translation": "Thanks to your help we made it.", "emoji": "🙏", "explanation": " 'Dank' means 'thanks to' and often takes genitive or dative.", "name": "198f2261" }, { "quiz": "7d5b65de", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which prepositions below can take either genitive or dative depending on usage?", "correct": [ "dank", "wegen" ], "incorrect": [ "für", "mit" ], "emoji": "🔀", "explanation": " 'Dank' and 'wegen' can appear with genitive or dative; 'für' takes accusative and 'mit' takes dative only.", "name": "70ade7de" } ], "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "10970846" }> ``` --- ### mit *Mit* means "with" in the sense of accompaniment or instrument and always takes the dative. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "7a3bc97b", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Ich komme ___ (with) dem Zug.", "answer": [ "mit" ], "translation": "I’m coming by train.", "emoji": "🚆", "explanation": " 'Mit' means 'with' (accompaniment or means) and always takes the dative.", "name": "59e2a6fd" }, { "quiz": "7a3bc97b", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Sie fährt ___ (with) ihrem Bruder zum Konzert.", "answer": [ "mit" ], "translation": "She’s going with her brother to the concert.", "emoji": "🎶", "explanation": " 'Mit' + dative for accompaniment: 'mit ihrem Bruder'.", "name": "21ded6b8" }, { "quiz": "7a3bc97b", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which cases do these prepositions require?", "correct": [ "mit → dative", "für → accusative" ], "incorrect": [ "mit → accusative", "für → dative" ], "emoji": "🧭", "explanation": "'Mit' always takes dative; 'für' always takes accusative.", "name": "715c22ce" } ], "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "f024c21" }> ``` --- ### für *Für* means "for" in the sense of purpose, recipient, or duration and takes the accusative. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "6f2e11a7", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Das Geschenk ist ___ (for) dich.", "answer": [ "für" ], "translation": "The gift is for you.", "emoji": "🎁", "explanation": " 'Für' expresses purpose or recipient and takes the accusative.", "name": "20585fcd" }, { "quiz": "6f2e11a7", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Wir bleiben ___ (for) eine Woche in Berlin.", "answer": [ "für" ], "translation": "We’re staying in Berlin for a week.", "emoji": "🏙️", "explanation": " 'Für' can also indicate duration and takes accusative: 'für eine Woche'.", "name": "40aa4b0" }, { "quiz": "6f2e11a7", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which of these sentences use 'für' correctly?", "correct": [ "Das ist für meine Mutter.", "Ich bezahle für das Abendessen.", "Sie arbeitet für einen guten Zweck." ], "incorrect": [ "Das Geschenk ist für meiner Mutter.", "Wir bleiben für einer Woche." ], "emoji": "💡", "explanation": "Correct uses have accusative objects. The incorrect ones have wrong article/case agreements.", "name": "5a4613ab" } ], "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "3e916090" }> ``` --- ### Other Useful Prepositions Prepositions like *durch* (through), *gegen* (against), *ohne* (without), *bei* (at/near/with), and *zu* (to) are very common and each requires a specific case. ```json <{ "type": "quiz", "exercises": [ { "quiz": "1542fef3", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "multiple-choice", "category": "rule", "prompt": "Which case do these prepositions require?", "correct": [ "bei → dative", "zu → dative", "durch → accusative", "ohne → accusative", "gegen → accusative" ], "incorrect": [ "bei → accusative", "zu → genitive", "durch → dative", "ohne → dative", "gegen → dative" ], "emoji": "🗺️", "explanation": " 'Bei' and 'zu' take dative; 'durch', 'ohne', and 'gegen' take accusative.", "name": "78205841" }, { "quiz": "1542fef3", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Wir treffen uns ___ (at/near) dem Bahnhof.", "answer": [ "bei" ], "translation": "We’ll meet near/at the station.", "emoji": "🚉", "explanation": " 'Bei' indicates location and takes dative: 'bei dem Bahnhof'.", "name": "3b2d1d3d" }, { "quiz": "1542fef3", "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "type": "exercise", "question": "fill-in-blank", "category": "vocabulary", "text": "Er geht ___ (to) der Apotheke.", "answer": [ "zu" ], "translation": "He’s going to the pharmacy.", "emoji": "🏥", "explanation": " 'Zu' expresses direction toward people/places and takes dative: 'zu der Apotheke'.", "name": "c893a7d" } ], "topic": "german/parts-of-speech/prepositions/common-prepositions", "name": "676f6a6e" }> ``` | German Example | English Example | | --- | --- | | 🤝 *Ich habe das erledigt ohne Hilfe.* | I did it without help. | | 📍 *Das Büro ist gegenüber der Bibliothek.* | The office is opposite the library. | | 🚶 *Sie geht statt mit dem Bus zu Fuß.* | She walks instead of taking the bus. | | 🔄 *Wir machen das Thema während des Workshops.* | We are covering the topic during the workshop. | | 🗃️ *Die Akten sind innerhalb des Schranks.* | The files are inside the cabinet. | --- ## Summary Prepositions consistently signal relationships like place, time, cause, and manner, and they determine which case (dative, accusative, genitive) the following noun takes; learning common prepositions with typical usages and cases will make your German more precise and natural.