Wechselpräpositionen (Two-Way Prepositions)

What are two-way prepositions?

Two-way prepositions are prepositions that use either the accusative or the dative case.

Which case you use depends on whether you are talking about movement or a fixed location.

When do you use two-way prepositions?

You use them

• when you say where someone or something is going (movement → accusative).

• when you say where someone or something is (location → dative).

When do you use two-way prepositions?

You use them

• when you say where someone or something is going (movement → accusative).

• when you say where someone or something is (location → dative).

Why do you use two-way prepositions?

Two-way prepositions show whether something is moving or stays in one place.

This is an important distinction in German.

How do you use two-way prepositions?

Ask yourself:

Where to? (Wohin) → movement → accusative

Where?(wo) → location → dative

Examples:

Ich gehe in das Hotel.

I am going into the hotel.

Ich bin im Hotel.

I am in the hotel.

Die wichtigsten Wechselpräpositionen

• an

• auf

• hinter

• in

• neben

• über

• unter

• vor

• zwischen

The most important two-way prepositions

• an = at / on

• auf = on

• hinter = behind

• in = in / into

• neben = next to

• über = above / over

• unter = under

• vor = in front of

• zwischen = between

Easy rule

Where to? = Accusative

Where? = Dative

Ich gehe in das Café.

I am going into the café.

Ich bin im Café.

I am in the café.

Wir setzen uns auf die Bank.

We are sitting down on the bench

Wir sitzen auf der Bank.

We are sitting on the bench.

Der Koffer steht neben dem Bett.

The suitcase is next to the bed.

Wir gehen in das Restaurant und essen dort zusammen zu Abend.

We are going into the restaurant and having dinner there together.

Mein Reisepass ist in meinem Rucksack.

My passport is in my backpack.

Ich stelle meinen Koffer neben die Tür.

I put my suitcase next to the door.

Unser Hotel liegt am Strand in Italien.

Our hotel is at the beach in Italy.

Wir setzen uns zwischen unsere Freunde und sprechen über Australien.

We sit down between our friends and talk about Australia.