Start with the intended meaning
The placement-verb examples supply the starting contrast mentioned below. Apply that location/destination distinction to the whole spatial phrase before opening each solution.
Find all nine spatial two-way prepositions
The existing placement examples distinguish where something is from where it is placed. Use this lookup to transfer that distinction to all nine prepositions. The dative phrases below locate something; the accusative phrases give a destination. They are phrase examples, so add a suitable verb and context before using them.
Movement by itself does not select accusative: Die Kinder laufen im Garten. locates running inside the garden. Die Kinder laufen in den Garten. makes the garden their destination. This lookup is for spatial use. Fixed verb complements such as auf eine Antwort warten must be learned with their verb pattern.
| Preposition | Location: dative | Destination: accusative |
|---|---|---|
| an | an der Wand | an die Wand |
| auf | auf dem Tisch | auf den Tisch |
| hinter | hinter dem Schrank | hinter den Schrank |
| in | in der Tasche | in die Tasche |
| neben | neben dem Bett | neben das Bett |
| über | über dem Sofa | über das Sofa |
| unter | unter dem Stuhl | unter den Stuhl |
| vor | vor der Tür | vor die Tür |
| zwischen | zwischen den Fenstern | zwischen die Fenster |
1. Die Lampe hängt über ___ Tisch. (der)
Answer and reason: über dem Tisch It identifies the lamp’s location.
2. Ich hänge die Lampe über ___ Tisch. (der)
Answer and reason: über den Tisch The table-area is the destination of placement; Lampe is a separate accusative object.
3. Wir gehen zwischen ___ Häusern spazieren. (die, plural)
Answer and reason: zwischen den Häusern Walking takes place there; the phrase does not specify arrival between the houses.
4. Create a location/destination pair with neben and das Bett.
Answer and reason: Die Tasche liegt neben dem Bett. Ich lege die Tasche neben das Bett. Dative location; accusative destination. Other suitable objects are possible.
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German position and placement verbs: comparisons · Find another grammar topic
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