prepositions

Question 1

What mnemonic can be used to remember which prepositions take the accusative case?

Answer 1

Prepositions taking the Accusative Case

• F für for
• U um around
• D durch through
• G gegen against
• E entlang along
• B bis until
• O ohne without
• W wider against

Question 2

What mnemonic can be used to remember which prepositions take the dative case?

Answer 2

Prepositions taking the Dative Case

• M mit with
• A ab from
• V von of
• S seit since
• “N” nach after
• B bei at the house of, with
• A aus from, out of
• G gegenüber opposite
• Z zu to

Question 3

What mnemonic can be used to remember which prepositions take the genitive case?

Answer 3

Prepositions taking the Genitive Case

• W während during
• A außerhalb outside of
• I innerhalb within
• T trotzin spite of
• W wegen because of
• A anstatt instead of
• S statt instead​

Question 4

Some prepositions take either the accusative or the dative. What determines the required case?

Answer 4

If the clause involves movement the accusative is required, otherwise the dative is required.

Ich fliege auf die Insel (accusative)

I am flying to the island

Ich bin auf der Insel (dative)

I am on the Island