Prepositions

Most prepositions take the dative: e.g. aus, bei, gegenüber, mit, nach, seit, von , zu

But it is important to learn the exceptions.

1. The following always take the accusative: e.g. für, um, durch, gegen, ohne

2. Some take either the accusative or dative dependant upon whether or not movement from one place to another is involved. If movement is involved then use the accusative, however, if the action occurs in one place then use the dative:

e.g. Ich bin in die Stadt gegangen (acc)

Ich bin in der Stadt (dat)

The following prepositions can therefore take the dative or accusative: e.g. an, auf, hinter, in, neben, unter, über, vor, zwischen