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GermanVerbs

German Verbs with Prepositions

Verben mit Präpositionen

Verbs that require a specific preposition and case (accusative or dative).

In German grammar, many verbs are linked to a specific preposition, which determines the case of the following noun or pronoun. This grammatical feature is known as prepositional verbs (Verben mit Präpositionen). Since the prepositions do not always translate literally from other languages (like English or Polish), learning which preposition goes with which verb is essential for correct sentence structure and natural expression.

Additionally, students must memorize whether the preposition demands the dative or the accusative case. For example, the verb 'warten auf' (to wait for) always takes the accusative case, while 'träumen von' (to dream of) always requires the dative case. Mastering these combinations prevents common errors and greatly improves the natural flow of your German speech, allowing you to speak and write with confidence.

Examples

Wir warten seit einer Stunde auf den Bus.

We have been waiting for the bus for an hour.

Er träumt oft von einem Urlaub am Meer.

He often dreams of a vacation by the sea.

Ich freue mich auf das Wochenende.

I am looking forward to the weekend.

Related terms

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