TOPIC · Prepositions (Präpositionen)

Temporal prepositions used with the Dative

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After this lesson, learners will confidently use temporal prepositions in German with the dative case.

In the German language, prepositions play an essential role, especially temporal prepositions that are often used with the dative case. In this lesson, we will thoroughly discuss the prepositions "in," "an," "vor," and "nach," providing clear examples and explanations on their correct usage.

1. Usage of "in"

The preposition "in" is utilized to indicate time periods such as months, seasons, and durations related to days and minutes.

ExampleMeaning
Ich gehe im Juli nach Berlin.I am going to Berlin in July.
Im Herbst fallen die Blätter.In autumn, the leaves fall.
Er wurde im Jahr 2020 geboren.He was born in the year 2020.
In fünf Minuten sind wir da.We will be there in five minutes.

2. Usage of "an"

The preposition "an" primarily refers to specific days or times of day. It is used to denote precise points in time.

ExampleMeaning
Wir treffen uns an einem Samstag.We meet on a Saturday.
Sie hat am Dienstag ein Meeting.She has a meeting on Tuesday.
Am Morgen trinke ich Kaffee.I drink coffee in the morning.
An meinem Geburtstag feiere ich.I celebrate on my birthday.

3. Usage of "vor" and "nach"

Both "vor" and "nach" describe relative time points concerning another time or event.

PrepositionExampleMeaning
vorIch muss vor dem Meeting ankommen.I need to arrive before the meeting.
nachNach der Arbeit gehe ich nach Hause.After work, I go home.

In summary, these prepositions offer precise temporal references. Make sure to use the correct forms and applications!