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Revision as of 17:36, 29 March 2023
◀️ Using Prepositions — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Food and Meals ▶️ |
As a German language teacher for over 20 years, I know that prepositions are one of the most challenging aspects of German grammar for English speakers. Prepositions can be used in different ways, depending on their context in a sentence. In this lesson, we will focus on the concept of two-way prepositions and how to use them correctly in German sentences.
Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: 0 to A1 Course & Nouns.
Two-Way Prepositions
Two-way prepositions are prepositions that can be used with either the accusative or dative case, depending on the context. The nine most commonly used two-way prepositions in German are:
- an (at, on, to)
- auf (on, onto)
- hinter (behind)
- in (in, into)
- neben (next to, beside)
- über (over, above)
- unter (under, below)
- vor (in front of, before)
- zwischen (between)
Using the correct case for two-way prepositions can be challenging, but there are some rules that can help:
Accusative or Dative?
To determine whether to use the accusative or dative case with a two-way preposition, you need to ask yourself two questions:
1. Is there movement involved? 2. If so, is the movement directed towards or away from the noun?
If there is no movement involved, then the preposition is followed by the dative case. If there is movement involved, then you need to determine if the movement is directed towards or away from the noun. If the movement is towards the noun, then the preposition is followed by the accusative case. If the movement is away from the noun, then the preposition is followed by the dative case.
Here are some examples to see this in practice:
- Die Katze liegt **auf dem** Tisch. (The cat is lying **on the** table.) - dative
- Ich lege das Buch **auf den** Tisch. (I put the book **on the** table.) - accusative
- Er geht **in das** Haus. (He goes **into the** house.) - accusative
- Sie ist **in dem** Haus. (She is **in the** house.) - dative
Common Expressions with Two-Way Prepositions
There are many expressions in German that use two-way prepositions. Take a look at the following table for some common expressions and their translations:
German | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
sich verlieben **in** | zikh fer-lye-ben in | to fall in love **with** |
sich freuen **über** | zikh froy-en ub-er | to be happy **about** |
sprechen **über** | shpre-khen ub-er | to talk **about** |
warten **auf** | var-ten owf | to wait **for** |
denken **an** | den-ken ann | to think **of** |
nachdenken **über** | naHk-den-ken ub-er | to think carefully **about** |
Conclusion
Two-way prepositions can be difficult, but with practice and the understanding of the rules, you can master them! Remember to ask yourself if there is movement involved and whether that movement is directed towards or away from the noun in question. Use the above expressions and start practicing your grammar skills!
Sources
- German Two-Way Prepositions: Your Essential Guide
- Accusative or Dative - How German Two Way Prepositions Work
- How to Use Dual Prepositions in German
Finished this lesson? Check out these related lessons: Gender and Articles & How to Use Be.
Other Lessons
- Using Time Expressions
- Subject and Verb
- Prepositions
- Present Tense
- Possessive Case in German
- 0 to A1 Course
- Declension
- Simple negative sentences
- Comparative and Superlative Forms
- Noun and Gender
◀️ Using Prepositions — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Food and Meals ▶️ |