TOPIC · Prepositions (Präpositionen)

Wohin? Wo? Distinguishing location prepositions: in, an and auf

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After this lesson, you will be able to correctly use the prepositions in, an, and auf.

In the German language, there are various local prepositions, including "in", "an", and "auf", which can answer both the questions "Wohin?" (Where to?) and "Wo?" (Where?). Learners often confuse these words. Let's explore their distinctions.

Wohin? (Accusative)

Responses to the question "Wohin?" require the accusative case. Here are the rules for using "in", "an", and "auf":

PrepositionUsageExampleTranslation
inPlaces, countries, closed spacesIch gehe in die Schule.I am going to school.
anWaters (rivers, beaches)Ich gehe an den Strand.I am going to the beach.
aufPublic places or surfacesIch gehe auf die Straße.I am going to the street.

Explanation:

  • "in" is used for closed spaces or geographical regions.
  • "an" is used for places that have a boundary with water.
  • "auf" is used for public squares or surfaces.

Wo? (Dative)

For the question "Wo?", we use the dative case. Let’s see how the prepositions are used in this context:

PrepositionUsageExampleTranslation
inPlaces, countries, closed spacesIch bin in der Schule.I am in school.
anWaters (rivers, beaches)Ich bin am Strand.I am at the beach.
aufPublic places or surfacesIch bin auf der Straße.I am on the street.

Explanation:

  • "in" describes that someone is within a closed space.
  • "an" indicates someone is at a location with water.
  • "auf" indicates someone is on a square or open area.

Important Notes

Sometimes the prepositions are abbreviated when combined with the definite article.

  • "in + das = ins"
  • "in + dem = im"
  • "an + dem = am"

With these foundations, you are now ready to use the prepositions "in", "an", and "auf" correctly in conversations!