LEKTION 3A Strukturen

Prepositions of location
3A.2
Prepositions in set phrases

Startblock When describing locations, and in certain fixed

expressions, many German prepositions are used in ways
that differ from their English counterparts.

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LEKTION 3A Strukturen
Prepositions of location
3A.2
Prepositions in set phrases

Prepositions of location
• In 1B.3 you learned to use two-way prepositions with the
dative to indicate location and with the accusative to show
movement toward a destination.

Neben dem Schreibtisch steht Stell den Stuhl bitte neben

ein großes Bücherregal. den Tisch.
There’s a big bookcase next to the Please put the chair next to
desk. the table.

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LEKTION 3A Strukturen
Prepositions of location
3A.2
Prepositions in set phrases

• Use auf with the dative to indicate that something is

located on a horizontal surface or to describe a location in
a public building or open space.

Deine Bü cher liegen Ich war gestern auf Tanja hat schöne
auf dem Tisch. der Bank. Blumen auf dem
Your books are on I was at the Markt gekauft.
the table. bank yesterday. Tanja bought beautiful
flowers at the market.

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LEKTION 3A Strukturen
Prepositions of location
3A.2
Prepositions in set phrases

• Use an with the dative to indicate a location on or at a

border, wall, or body of water.

An der Wand hängt ein Am Strand war es heute kü hl

schöner Kalender. und windig.
There’s a nice calendar It was cool and windy at the
hanging on the wall. beach today.

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LEKTION 3A Strukturen
Prepositions of location
3A.2
Prepositions in set phrases

• Use in with the dative to indicate a location on or in an

enclosed space.

Die Sonnenbrille ist in Die Kinder spielen Ich wohne in der

meiner Handtasche. gern im Park. Joachimstraße.
The sunglasses are in my The kids like to play in I live on Joachim
purse. the park. Street.

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LEKTION 3A Strukturen
Prepositions of location
3A.2
Prepositions in set phrases

ACHTUNG

Note that the idea of an enclosed space includes the radio, television,
or Internet: Das habe ich im Radio gehört; Das können wir im
Internet finden.

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LEKTION 3A Strukturen
Prepositions of location
3A.2
Prepositions in set phrases

• To indicate location in a country whose name is feminine or

plural, use in with the dative form of the definite article, plus
the country name.

Wagner wohnte in Meine Mutter ist jetzt in

der Schweiz. den USA.
Wagner lived in Switzerland. My mother is in the U.S.
right now.

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LEKTION 3A Strukturen
Prepositions of location
3A.2
Prepositions in set phrases

• In 1B.3 you learned that bei is always used with the dative
case. Use bei with a noun referring to a person or business
to indicate a location at that person’s home or at that place
of business.

Ich kaufe gern bei Aldi ein. Anna war gestern beim Friseur.
I like shopping at Aldi’s. Anna was at the hairdresser’s
yesterday.
Als Student wohnte Hans im Heute Abend spielen wir
Sommer bei seinen Eltern. bei mir Karten.
When he was a student, Hans lived We’re playing cards at my
with his parents during place tonight.
the summer.

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LEKTION 3A Strukturen
Prepositions of location
3A.2
Prepositions in set phrases

• You can also use bei to mean near a location or in the

presence of a condition.

Das Restaurant liegt bei Bei schönem Wetter gehen

Wilhelmshaven. wir gern spazieren.
The restaurant is near We like to go for walks when the
Wilhelmshaven. weather is nice.

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LEKTION 3A Strukturen
Prepositions of location
3A.2
Prepositions in set phrases

Prepositions in set phrases

• Certain combinations of verbs and prepositions have
specific, idiomatic meanings. The prepositions in these
fixed expressions are always followed by the same case,
regardless of whether the verb they are associated with
indicates location or movement.

Jasmin erzählte uns von Bernd muss einen Brief an

ihren Problemen. seine Tante schreiben.
Jasmin told us about Bernd has to write a letter to
her problems. his aunt.

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LEKTION 3A Strukturen
Prepositions of location
3A.2
Prepositions in set phrases

• Use the dative after the following set phrases.

Meine Nichte hat Angst Professor Weiss arbeitet an

vor Hunden. einem neuen Buch.
My niece is afraid of dogs. Professor Weiss is working on
a new book.

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LEKTION 3A Strukturen
Prepositions of location
3A.2
Prepositions in set phrases

• Use the accusative after the following expressions.

Wir haben lange auf den Antworte bitte auf die Frage.
Bus gewartet. Please answer the question.
We waited a long time for the bus.

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