Difference between revisions of "Language/German/Grammar/Two-Way-Prepositions"

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<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/German|German]]  → [[Language/German/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/German/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Prepositions → Two-Way Prepositions</div>
__TOC__
== Introduction ==
In this lesson, we will explore the concept of two-way prepositions in German grammar. Prepositions are essential words that express relationships between different parts of a sentence. Two-way prepositions, also known as dual prepositions or two-case prepositions, are a unique group of prepositions that can take either the accusative or dative case, depending on the context. Understanding how to use these prepositions correctly is crucial for building accurate and meaningful sentences in German.
== What are Two-Way Prepositions? ==
Two-way prepositions are prepositions that can govern both the accusative and dative cases in German. This means that the case used after these prepositions can change depending on the specific context of the sentence. There are nine two-way prepositions in German:
* 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)
== Accusative or Dative? ==
The choice between the accusative and dative case after a two-way preposition depends on whether the preposition indicates movement or location. If the preposition indicates movement, it takes the accusative case. If it indicates location, it takes the dative case.
Let's take a closer look at each of the two-way prepositions and how they function with the accusative and dative cases:
=== an (at, on, to) ===
* Accusative: an + accusative indicates movement towards something.
* Dative: an + dative indicates location or being at/on something.
==== Examples ====
{| class="wikitable"
! German !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| Ich gehe an den Strand. || [ɪç ˈɡeːə ʔan deːn ʃtʁant] || I am going to the beach. (movement)
|-
| Die Tasse steht an dem Tisch. || [diː ˈtasə ʃteːt ʔan deːm tɪʃ] || The cup is on the table. (location)
|}
=== auf (on, onto) ===
* Accusative: auf + accusative indicates movement onto something.
* Dative: auf + dative indicates location or being on something.
==== Examples ====
{| class="wikitable"
! German !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| Ich stelle das Buch auf den Tisch. || [ɪç ˈʃtɛlə das buːχ ʔaʊ̯f deːn tɪʃ] || I put the book on the table. (movement)
|-
| Das Bild hängt an der Wand. || [das bɪlt hɛŋt ʔan deːɐ̯ vant] || The picture is hanging on the wall. (location)
|}
=== hinter (behind) ===
* Accusative: hinter + accusative indicates movement behind something.
* Dative: hinter + dative indicates location or being behind something.
==== Examples ====
{| class="wikitable"
! German !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| Er versteckt sich hinter den Büschen. || [ʔeːɐ̯ fɛɐ̯ˈʃtɛkt zɪç ˈhɪntɐ deːn ˈbyʃən] || He is hiding behind the bushes. (movement)
|-
| Der Parkplatz ist hinter dem Gebäude. || [deːɐ̯ ˈpaʁkˌplats ʔɪst ˈhɪntɐ deːm ɡəˈbɔʏ̯də] || The parking lot is behind the building. (location)
|}


<div class="pg_page_title">German Grammar → Prepositions → Two-Way Prepositions</div>
=== in (in, into) ===


__TOC__
* Accusative: in + accusative indicates movement into something.
* Dative: in + dative indicates location or being in something.
 
==== Examples ====
 
{| class="wikitable"
! German !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| Sie geht in den Supermarkt. || [ziː ɡeːt ɪn deːn ˈzuːpɐˌmaʁkt] || She goes into the supermarket. (movement)
|-
| Das Buch liegt in der Schublade. || [das buːχ liːkt ɪn deːɐ̯ ʃuːˈblaːdə] || The book is in the drawer. (location)
|}


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.
=== neben (next to, beside) ===


* Accusative: neben + accusative indicates movement next to something.
* Dative: neben + dative indicates location or being next to something.


<span link>Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: [[Language/German/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] & [[Language/German/Grammar/Nouns|Nouns]].</span>
==== Examples ====
==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)
{| class="wikitable"
*auf (on, onto)
! German !! Pronunciation !! English
*hinter (behind)
|-
*in (in, into)
| Er steht neben den Bäumen. || [ʔeːɐ̯ ʃteːt ˈneːbn̩ deːn ˈbɔɪ̯mən] || He is standing next to the trees. (movement)
*neben (next to, beside)
|-
*über (over, above)
| Der Stuhl steht neben dem Tisch. || [deːɐ̯ ʃtuːl ʃteːt ˈneːbn̩ deːm tɪʃ] || The chair is next to the table. (location)
*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:
=== über (over, above) ===


===Accusative or Dative?===
* Accusative: über + accusative indicates movement over something.
To determine whether to use the accusative or dative case with a two-way preposition, you need to ask yourself two questions:
* Dative: über + dative indicates location or being over something.


1. Is there movement involved?
==== Examples ====
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.
{| class="wikitable"
! German !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| Die Vögel fliegen über die Stadt. || [diː ˈføːɡl̩ ˈfliːɡən ˈyːbɐ diː ʃtat] || The birds are flying over the city. (movement)
|-
| Das Bild hängt über dem Sofa. || [das bɪlt hɛŋt ˈyːbɐ deːm ˈzoːfa] || The picture is hanging above the sofa. (location)
|}


Here are some examples to see this in practice:
=== unter (under, below) ===


*Die Katze liegt **auf dem** Tisch. (The cat is lying **on the** table.) - dative
* Accusative: unter + accusative indicates movement under something.
*Ich lege das Buch **auf den** Tisch. (I put the book **on the** table.) - accusative
* Dative: unter + dative indicates location or being under something.
*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===
==== Examples ====
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:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! German !! Pronunciation !! English
! German !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| sich verlieben **in** || zikh fer-lye-ben in || to fall in love **with**
| Das Kind kriecht unter den Tisch. || [das kɪnt kʁiːçt ˈʊntɐ deːn tɪʃ] || The child is crawling under the table. (movement)
|-
|-
| sich freuen **über** || zikh froy-en ub-er || to be happy **about**
| Die Katze schläft unter dem Bett. || [diː ˈkat͡sə ʃlɛft ˈʊntɐ deːm bɛt] || The cat is sleeping under the bed. (location)
|}
 
=== vor (in front of, before) ===
 
* Accusative: vor + accusative indicates movement in front of something.
* Dative: vor + dative indicates location or being in front of something.
 
==== Examples ====
 
{| class="wikitable"
! German !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| sprechen **über** || shpre-khen ub-er || to talk **about**
| Er stellt sich vor den Spiegel. || [ʔeːɐ̯ ˈʃtɛlt zɪç ˈfoːɐ̯ deːn ˈʃpiːɡl̩] || He stands in front of the mirror. (movement)
|-
|-
| warten **auf** || var-ten owf || to wait **for**
| Die Blumen stehen vor dem Haus. || [diː ˈbluːmən ˈʃteːn foːɐ̯ deːm haʊ̯s] || The flowers are in front of the house. (location)
|}
 
=== zwischen (between) ===
 
* Accusative: zwischen + accusative indicates movement between two things.
* Dative: zwischen + dative indicates location or being between two things.
 
==== Examples ====
 
{| class="wikitable"
! German !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| denken **an** || den-ken ann || to think **of**
| Er geht zwischen die Bäume. || [ʔeːɐ̯ ɡeːt ˈʦvɪʃn̩ diː ˈbɔɪ̯mən] || He walks between the trees. (movement)
|-
|-
| nachdenken **über** || naHk-den-ken ub-er || to think carefully **about**
| Das Buch liegt zwischen den anderen Büchern. || [das buːχ liːkt ˈʦvɪʃn̩ deːn ˈandəʁn̩ ˈbyːʃərn] || The book is between the other books. (location)
|}
|}


==Conclusion==
== Practice Exercises ==
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!
 
Now, let's practice using the two-way prepositions in context. Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct form of the two-way preposition and the appropriate case (accusative or dative):


<span class='maj'></span>
1. Ich gehe ___________ Supermarkt, um Milch zu kaufen. (in, auf)
==Sources==
2. Das Bild hängt ___________ Wand. (an, über)
* [https://germanwithlaura.com/two-way-prepositions/ German Two-Way Prepositions: Your Essential Guide]
3. Die Katze springt ___________ Tisch. (in, auf)
* [https://yourdailygerman.com/german-two-way-prepositions/ Accusative or Dative - How German Two Way Prepositions Work]
4. Er sitzt ___________ Sofa. (vor, unter)
* [https://www.thoughtco.com/two-way-doubtful-prepositions-in-german-1444444 How to Use Dual Prepositions in German]
5. Die Schule ist ___________ dem Park. (hinter, neben)
 
== Conclusion ==


Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of two-way prepositions in German. Remember, the choice between the accusative and dative case depends on whether the preposition indicates movement or location. Practice using these prepositions in your everyday German conversations, and you will soon become comfortable using them naturally. Keep up the good work as you continue your journey to mastering the German language!


<span link>Finished this lesson? Check out these related lessons: [[Language/German/Grammar/Gender-and-Articles|Gender and Articles]] & [[Language/German/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be|How to Use Be]].</span>
{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=German Grammar Lesson: Two-Way Prepositions
|title=German Grammar → Prepositions → Two-Way Prepositions
|keywords=German grammar, German prepositions, Two-way prepositions
|keywords=German grammar, German prepositions, two-way prepositions, dual prepositions, two-case prepositions, accusative case, dative case
|description=In this lesson, you will learn about two-way prepositions in German and how to use them correctly. Understand the rules and common expressions. Practice your grammar skills!
|description=In this lesson, you will learn about two-way prepositions in German grammar. Understand when to use the accusative and dative cases with these prepositions and practice using them in context.
}}
}}


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==Sources==
* [https://germanwithlaura.com/two-way-prepositions/ German Two-Way Prepositions: Your Essential Guide]
* [https://yourdailygerman.com/german-two-way-prepositions/ Accusative or Dative - How German Two Way Prepositions Work]
* [https://www.thoughtco.com/two-way-doubtful-prepositions-in-german-1444444 How to Use Dual Prepositions in German]


==Other Lessons==
==Other Lessons==
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* [[Language/German/Grammar/Comparative-and-Superlative-Forms|Comparative and Superlative Forms]]
* [[Language/German/Grammar/Comparative-and-Superlative-Forms|Comparative and Superlative Forms]]
* [[Language/German/Grammar/Noun-and-Gender|Noun and Gender]]
* [[Language/German/Grammar/Noun-and-Gender|Noun and Gender]]


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Latest revision as of 08:06, 17 June 2023

◀️ Using Prepositions — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Food and Meals ▶️

German-Language-PolyglotClub.jpg
German → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Prepositions → Two-Way Prepositions

Introduction[edit | edit source]

In this lesson, we will explore the concept of two-way prepositions in German grammar. Prepositions are essential words that express relationships between different parts of a sentence. Two-way prepositions, also known as dual prepositions or two-case prepositions, are a unique group of prepositions that can take either the accusative or dative case, depending on the context. Understanding how to use these prepositions correctly is crucial for building accurate and meaningful sentences in German.

What are Two-Way Prepositions?[edit | edit source]

Two-way prepositions are prepositions that can govern both the accusative and dative cases in German. This means that the case used after these prepositions can change depending on the specific context of the sentence. There are nine two-way prepositions in German:

  • 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)

Accusative or Dative?[edit | edit source]

The choice between the accusative and dative case after a two-way preposition depends on whether the preposition indicates movement or location. If the preposition indicates movement, it takes the accusative case. If it indicates location, it takes the dative case.

Let's take a closer look at each of the two-way prepositions and how they function with the accusative and dative cases:

an (at, on, to)[edit | edit source]

  • Accusative: an + accusative indicates movement towards something.
  • Dative: an + dative indicates location or being at/on something.

Examples[edit | edit source]

German Pronunciation English
Ich gehe an den Strand. [ɪç ˈɡeːə ʔan deːn ʃtʁant] I am going to the beach. (movement)
Die Tasse steht an dem Tisch. [diː ˈtasə ʃteːt ʔan deːm tɪʃ] The cup is on the table. (location)

auf (on, onto)[edit | edit source]

  • Accusative: auf + accusative indicates movement onto something.
  • Dative: auf + dative indicates location or being on something.

Examples[edit | edit source]

German Pronunciation English
Ich stelle das Buch auf den Tisch. [ɪç ˈʃtɛlə das buːχ ʔaʊ̯f deːn tɪʃ] I put the book on the table. (movement)
Das Bild hängt an der Wand. [das bɪlt hɛŋt ʔan deːɐ̯ vant] The picture is hanging on the wall. (location)

hinter (behind)[edit | edit source]

  • Accusative: hinter + accusative indicates movement behind something.
  • Dative: hinter + dative indicates location or being behind something.

Examples[edit | edit source]

German Pronunciation English
Er versteckt sich hinter den Büschen. [ʔeːɐ̯ fɛɐ̯ˈʃtɛkt zɪç ˈhɪntɐ deːn ˈbyʃən] He is hiding behind the bushes. (movement)
Der Parkplatz ist hinter dem Gebäude. [deːɐ̯ ˈpaʁkˌplats ʔɪst ˈhɪntɐ deːm ɡəˈbɔʏ̯də] The parking lot is behind the building. (location)

in (in, into)[edit | edit source]

  • Accusative: in + accusative indicates movement into something.
  • Dative: in + dative indicates location or being in something.

Examples[edit | edit source]

German Pronunciation English
Sie geht in den Supermarkt. [ziː ɡeːt ɪn deːn ˈzuːpɐˌmaʁkt] She goes into the supermarket. (movement)
Das Buch liegt in der Schublade. [das buːχ liːkt ɪn deːɐ̯ ʃuːˈblaːdə] The book is in the drawer. (location)

neben (next to, beside)[edit | edit source]

  • Accusative: neben + accusative indicates movement next to something.
  • Dative: neben + dative indicates location or being next to something.

Examples[edit | edit source]

German Pronunciation English
Er steht neben den Bäumen. [ʔeːɐ̯ ʃteːt ˈneːbn̩ deːn ˈbɔɪ̯mən] He is standing next to the trees. (movement)
Der Stuhl steht neben dem Tisch. [deːɐ̯ ʃtuːl ʃteːt ˈneːbn̩ deːm tɪʃ] The chair is next to the table. (location)

über (over, above)[edit | edit source]

  • Accusative: über + accusative indicates movement over something.
  • Dative: über + dative indicates location or being over something.

Examples[edit | edit source]

German Pronunciation English
Die Vögel fliegen über die Stadt. [diː ˈføːɡl̩ ˈfliːɡən ˈyːbɐ diː ʃtat] The birds are flying over the city. (movement)
Das Bild hängt über dem Sofa. [das bɪlt hɛŋt ˈyːbɐ deːm ˈzoːfa] The picture is hanging above the sofa. (location)

unter (under, below)[edit | edit source]

  • Accusative: unter + accusative indicates movement under something.
  • Dative: unter + dative indicates location or being under something.

Examples[edit | edit source]

German Pronunciation English
Das Kind kriecht unter den Tisch. [das kɪnt kʁiːçt ˈʊntɐ deːn tɪʃ] The child is crawling under the table. (movement)
Die Katze schläft unter dem Bett. [diː ˈkat͡sə ʃlɛft ˈʊntɐ deːm bɛt] The cat is sleeping under the bed. (location)

vor (in front of, before)[edit | edit source]

  • Accusative: vor + accusative indicates movement in front of something.
  • Dative: vor + dative indicates location or being in front of something.

Examples[edit | edit source]

German Pronunciation English
Er stellt sich vor den Spiegel. [ʔeːɐ̯ ˈʃtɛlt zɪç ˈfoːɐ̯ deːn ˈʃpiːɡl̩] He stands in front of the mirror. (movement)
Die Blumen stehen vor dem Haus. [diː ˈbluːmən ˈʃteːn foːɐ̯ deːm haʊ̯s] The flowers are in front of the house. (location)

zwischen (between)[edit | edit source]

  • Accusative: zwischen + accusative indicates movement between two things.
  • Dative: zwischen + dative indicates location or being between two things.

Examples[edit | edit source]

German Pronunciation English
Er geht zwischen die Bäume. [ʔeːɐ̯ ɡeːt ˈʦvɪʃn̩ diː ˈbɔɪ̯mən] He walks between the trees. (movement)
Das Buch liegt zwischen den anderen Büchern. [das buːχ liːkt ˈʦvɪʃn̩ deːn ˈandəʁn̩ ˈbyːʃərn] The book is between the other books. (location)

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now, let's practice using the two-way prepositions in context. Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct form of the two-way preposition and the appropriate case (accusative or dative):

1. Ich gehe ___________ Supermarkt, um Milch zu kaufen. (in, auf) 2. Das Bild hängt ___________ Wand. (an, über) 3. Die Katze springt ___________ Tisch. (in, auf) 4. Er sitzt ___________ Sofa. (vor, unter) 5. Die Schule ist ___________ dem Park. (hinter, neben)

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations! You now have a solid understanding of two-way prepositions in German. Remember, the choice between the accusative and dative case depends on whether the preposition indicates movement or location. Practice using these prepositions in your everyday German conversations, and you will soon become comfortable using them naturally. Keep up the good work as you continue your journey to mastering the German language!

Table of Contents - German Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Basic Sentence Structures


Greetings and Introduction


Definite and Indefinite Articles


Numbers, Dates and Time


Verbs and Conjugation


Family and Friends


Prepositions


Food and Drinks


Germany and German-Speaking Countries


Pronouns and Possessives


Travel and Transportation


Modal Verbs


Shopping and Clothes


Music and Entertainment


Adjectives


Health and Body


Time and Temporal Prepositions


Sources[edit | edit source]



Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



◀️ Using Prepositions — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Food and Meals ▶️

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