TOPIC · Prepositions (Präpositionen)

Prepositions used with the noun Wasser

After this lesson, learners can choose and use common German prepositions with the noun „Wasser“ in basic sentences.

In this lesson you will see how the noun Wasser is used with common German prepositions in everyday language. Pay attention to whether Wasser is used with or without an article and which case the preposition requires.

Important prepositions with „Wasser“

Overview

Preposition	Case	Fixed phrase without article	Example with article	Meaning (short)
unter	Dative	unter Wasser	unter dem Wasser	position below the surface
auf	Dative	–	auf dem Wasser	on the surface of the water
in	Dative	–	im Wasser	inside the water
an	Dative	am Wasser	am Wasser	right at the shore / border to the water
aus	Dative	–	aus dem Wasser	movement from inside to outside
mit	Dative	–	mit Wasser	using water / containing water
ohne	Accusative	–	ohne Wasser	without water / no water present

Note: unter Wasser is a very common fixed expression without an article. In the other cases, an article is usually used (e.g. im Wasser, aus dem Wasser).

unter + Wasser / unter dem Wasser

unter with the dative expresses a position below the water surface.

Die Fische leben unter Wasser. (The fish live under the surface of the water.)
Der Taucher schwimmt unter dem Wasser. (The diver swims below the water, e.g. in a lake.)

auf dem Wasser

auf with the dative describes something on the surface of the water.

Die Boote fahren auf dem Wasser. (The boats move on the water.)
Ein Blatt liegt auf dem Wasser. (A leaf is lying on the water.)

im Wasser

in with the dative shows that something is inside the water.

Die Kinder spielen im Wasser. (The children are playing in the water.)
Ein Stein liegt im Wasser. (A stone is lying in the water.)

am Wasser

an with the dative indicates a position directly at the border between land and water.

Das Hotel steht am Wasser. (The hotel is located right by the water.)
Wir machen einen Spaziergang am Wasser. (We go for a walk by the water.)

aus dem Wasser

aus with the dative describes a movement out of the water.

Der Schwimmer steigt aus dem Wasser. (The swimmer gets out of the water.)
Der Hund kommt aus dem Wasser. (The dog comes out of the water.)

mit Wasser / ohne Wasser

mit + dative and ohne + accusative express whether water is used or present.

Ich koche den Reis mit Wasser. (I cook the rice with water.)
Wir putzen das Auto mit Wasser. (We clean the car with water.)
Wir campen ohne Wasser. (We camp without water.)
Die Pflanzen sterben ohne Wasser. (The plants die without water.)

After this lesson you should be able to understand and use the most frequent prepositions with Wasser in simple German sentences.