Prepositions describe spatial relationships, but the case after a two-way preposition depends on the intended relationship.
The idea
Use dative for a location and accusative for a change into that position. Motion alone is not sufficient: im Park laufen describes movement within an existing location.
| Form / Muster | Beispiel / Gegensatz |
|---|---|
| Wo? | auf dem Tisch |
| Wohin? | auf den Tisch |
| Lage | neben / zwischen / unter |
| Bewegung am gleichen Ort | im Park laufen |
Examples
- Das Bild hängt an der Wand.
- Die Tasche liegt unter dem Tisch.
- Ich stelle die Tasche unter den Tisch.
- Wir warten vor dem Haus.
- Der Kiosk ist neben der Bank.
- Sie sitzt zwischen ihren Freunden.
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Watch out
Movement alone does not require accusative with a two-way preposition. Im Park laufen describes movement within a location; in den Park laufen describes entry into it.
Try it yourself
Die Lampe steht auf ___ Tisch. (dem / den)
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dem
Answer: “dem”. This describes an existing location, not entry into a new position.
Ich stelle sie auf ___ Tisch. (dem / den)
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den
Answer: “den”. The object is moved into a new position, so the two-way preposition takes accusative.
Wir warten vor ___ Schule. (der / die)
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der
Answer: “der”. This describes an existing location, not entry into a new position.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
Die Lampe steht auf ___ Tisch. (dem / den)
Ich stelle sie auf ___ Tisch. (dem / den)
Wir warten vor ___ Schule. (der / die)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Use “Das Bild hängt an der Wand.” as a model. Replace the noun phrase with two new people or objects, then explain which case each replacement needs.