TOPIC · Prepositions (Präpositionen)

Prepositions that take the Accusative in German

A2B1

After this lesson, you will be able to understand and use the accusative prepositions in German effectively.

In this lesson, we will explore the prepositions that require the accusative case in German. Understanding these prepositions is essential as they not only dictate the grammatical structure but also influence the meaning of sentences. Examples will help clarify the use of each preposition.

Prepositions with Accusative

PrepositionUsageExample
bislocal or temporalDer Bus fährt bis zur Stadtmitte. (The bus goes to the city center.)
durchlocal / modalSie gehen durch den Park. (They walk through the park.)
fürpurpose / valueIch kaufe ein Geschenk für dich. (I am buying a gift for you.)
gegenlocal / temporalEr kämpft gegen die Krankheit. (He fights against the illness.)
ohnemodal / conditionalOhne Zweifel wird er gewinnen. (Without a doubt, he will win.)
umlocal / temporalWir treffen uns um 18 Uhr. (We meet at 6 PM.)
entlanglocalDer Weg führt entlang des Flusses. (The path runs along the river.)
widerfixed expressionWider aller Erwartungen haben sie gewonnen. (Against all expectations, they won.)

1. Use of “bis”

The preposition “bis” can be used locally to specify the place up to which a movement proceeds.

  • Example:
    • “Der Zug fährt bis München.” (The train goes to Munich.)
    • “Ich arbeite bis Freitag.” (I work until Friday.)

2. The use of “durch”

“Durch” indicates a movement or action that goes through something.

  • Example:
    • “Der Hund läuft durch den Garten.” (The dog runs through the garden.)

3. Meaning of “für”

“Für” is used to identify the purpose or intention of an action.

  • Example:
    • “Ich spare Geld für ein Auto.” (I am saving money for a car.)

4. “gegen” in context

“Gegen” is used when it comes to resistance or an approximate timing.

  • Example:
    • “Ich bin gegen das Gesetz.” (I am against the law.)

5. “ohne” and its significance

This preposition denotes conditions or lacks.

  • Example:
    • “Wie ohne dein Lächeln?” (How without your smile?)

6. “um” for precision

“Um” is used for precise time indications or movement around a place.

  • Example:
    • “Die Feier beginnt um 20 Uhr.” (The celebration starts at 8 PM.)

7. Use of “entlang”

“Entlang” is used to describe the direction in which one moves along an object.

  • Example:
    • “Wir spazieren entlang dem Feld.” (We stroll along the field.)

8. “wider” in fixed expressions

The preposition “wider” is mostly used in fixed expressions.

  • Example:
    • “Wider den Protest entschied der Vorstand.” (Against the protest, the board decided.)

Conclusion

In this lesson, you have learned the key prepositions in German that require the accusative case, along with their usage and examples.