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Understanding Two-way Prepositions in German
In German, some prepositions can be used in two different ways. These prepositions are called two-way prepositions. They are special because they can show either where something is or where something is going.
Important Points
an
auf
hinter
in
neben
über
unter
vor
zwischen
Two-way prepositions can be tricky because they change the case of the noun that follows them. They use the accusative case when they show movement or direction (where something is going), and they use the dative case when they show location (where something is).
Let's look at some examples to understand how these prepositions work.
Examples
Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch. (The book is on the table.)
Ich lege das Buch auf den Tisch. (I put the book onto the table.)
Der Hund schläft unter dem Bett. (The dog is sleeping under the bed.)
In the first example, 'auf dem Tisch' uses the dative case because the book is just sitting there, showing location. In the second example, 'auf den Tisch' uses the accusative case because the book is being moved to the table, showing direction.
Remember, when you talk about where something is, use the dative case. When you talk about where something is going, use the accusative case. Practice with these prepositions, and soon you'll be using them like a pro!
Ready to test your knowledge about German Two-way Prepositions?