TOPIC · Prepositions (Präpositionen)

Temporal Präpositionen (2): Zeitpunkt

A2

After this lesson, learners will be able to use temporal prepositions to indicate specific points in time correctly.

Temporal Prepositions (2): Specific Time

In this lesson, we will discuss temporal prepositions that refer to specific points in time. Understanding how these prepositions are used will help you to indicate precise time references in German.

Important Temporal Prepositions

PrepositionFunctionExamplesTranslations
an+DatIch gehe an Samstag feiern.I’m going to celebrate on Saturday.
Mein Geburtstag ist an einem Montag.My birthday is on a Monday.
in+DatDer Kurs beginnt in einer Woche.The course starts in a week.
Ich reise in den Sommerferien.I’m traveling during the summer break.
nach+DatNach dem Film gehen wir essen.After the movie, we’re going to eat.
Nach dem Meeting habe ich frei.After the meeting, I am free.
vor+DatVor dem Schlafen lese ich gern.Before I sleep, I like to read.
Ich kam vor dem Sturm nach Hause.I got home before the storm.
zu+DatZu dieser Zeit war ich in Deutschland.At that time, I was in Germany.
Ich habe das Buch zu Weihnachten bekommen.I received the book at Christmas.
um+AkkDer Zug kommt um 15 Uhr.The train arrives at 3 PM.
Wir treffen uns um Mitternacht.We are meeting at midnight.
gegen+AkkWir treffen uns gegen 18 Uhr.We meet around 6 PM.
Das Konzert beginnt gegen Ende des Monats.The concert starts at the end of the month.

Usage of the Prepositions

These prepositions provide a specific time reference or relate to an event.

  • “an” is commonly used for specific days or holidays, e.g., “Ich feiere an meinem Geburtstag.” (I celebrate on my birthday).
  • “in” is used to describe time within a timeframe such as a month or season, e.g., “In der Schule lerne ich viel.” (In school, I learn a lot).
  • “nach” indicates something happens after a specific point, e.g., “Nach der Schule mache ich meine Hausaufgaben.” (After school, I do my homework).
  • “vor” expresses that something occurs before a specific point, e.g., “Vor dem Essen wasche ich mir die Hände.” (Before eating, I wash my hands).
  • “zu” specifies a precise moment in the past, e.g., “Zu meiner Kindheit spielte ich oft im Park.” (During my childhood, I often played in the park).
  • “um” is used for specific times or nights, like “Um 8 Uhr beginnt der Film.” (The movie starts at 8 o'clock).
  • “gegen” indicates an approximate time, e.g., “Wir kommen gegen Abend an.” (We arrive around evening).

Conclusion

By using temporal prepositions correctly, you can make precise time references and express yourself clearly. Practice using these prepositions with concrete examples for better familiarity!