TOPIC · Prepositions (Präpositionen)

Temporal Prepositions IN, AN UND UM

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After this lesson, you will be able to use the time prepositions IN, AN, and UM correctly.

Time Prepositions: IN, AN, and UM

In this lesson, we will focus on the time prepositions "in," "an," and "um" in German. These prepositions are essential for indicating time in sentences.

Using "IN"

The preposition "in" is used to indicate time periods or future points in time.

UsageExamplesTranslation
Monthsin Mai, in Januarin May, in January
Yearsin 2021, in diesem Jahrin 2021, in this year
Seasonsin der Winterzeit, in der Sommerzeitin winter, in summer
Future Points in Timein 2 Tagen, in 3 Wochenin 2 days, in 3 weeks

Examples

  • Ich gehe in den Urlaub in August. (I am going on vacation in August.)
  • Sie besuchen ihre Familie in der nächsten Woche. (They are visiting their family next week.)

Using "AN"

The preposition "an" is used for specific days or times during the day.

UsageExamplesTranslation
Weekdaysam Montag, am Freitagon Monday, on Friday
Special Holidaysan Weihnachten, an Neujahron Christmas, on New Year's Day
Times of Dayam Morgen, am Abendin the morning, in the evening
Date Referencesam 1. Mai, am 24. Dezemberon May 1st, on December 24th

Examples

  • Wir treffen uns am Sonntag. (We will meet on Sunday.)
  • Die Party ist am 30. Oktober. (The party is on October 30th.)

Using "UM"

The preposition "um" refers to precise clock times.

UsageExamplesTranslation
Clock Timesum 15 Uhr, um 6 Uhr 30at 3 PM, at 6:30 AM
Eventsum Mitternachtat midnight

Examples

  • Das Treffen beginnt um 14 Uhr. (The meeting starts at 2 PM.)
  • Der Film startet um 20 Uhr. (The film starts at 8 PM.)

Conclusion

The prepositions "in," "an," and "um" are essential for indicating time in German. Use them to express points and periods in time accurately!