Why chunks matter

The preposition is not freely interchangeable:

• Ich denke an dich.
• Ich warte auf den Bus.
• Wir freuen uns auf das Wochenende.

Case follows the preposition

Whatever case the preposition requires (often accusative or dative) applies to the following phrase.

Learning strategy

Flashcards with verb + Präp. + minimal example beat isolated verb lists.

Practice

Pick five verbs from your last reading text and write whether they use an, auf, mit, über, zu … with one new noun each.

Practical Examples

1. Wartest du auf den Bus?

Do you wait for the bus? Usage Note: "Warten" always takes "auf" + accusative when meaning "to wait for".

1. Ich denke oft an dich.

I often think of you. Usage Note: "Denken" uses "an" + accusative to express "to think about/of someone/something".

1. Wir freuen uns schon auf den Urlaub.

We are already looking forward to the holiday. Usage Note: "Sich freuen auf" + accusative means "to look forward to" (a future event).

1. Sie ärgert sich über das schlechte Wetter.

She is annoyed about the bad weather. Usage Note: "Sich ärgern über" + accusative means "to be annoyed/angry about" something.

1. Hast du dich für den neuen Kurs interessiert?

Were you interested in the new course? Usage Note: "Sich interessieren für" + accusative means "to be interested in".

1. Der Arzt kümmert sich um seine Patienten.

The doctor takes care of his patients. Usage Note: "Sich kümmern um" + accusative means "to take care of" or "to look after".

1. Wir müssen über das Problem sprechen.

We need to talk about the problem. Usage Note: "Sprechen über" + accusative means "to talk about" a specific topic.

1. Ich habe mich um die Stelle beworben.

I applied for the job. Usage Note: "Sich bewerben um" + accusative means "to apply for" a position or opportunity.

1. Er bat mich um Hilfe.

He asked me for help. Usage Note: "Bitten um" + accusative means "to ask for" something.

1. Warum antwortest du nicht auf meine Frage?

Why don't you answer my question? Usage Note: "Antworten auf" + accusative means "to answer" a question or letter.

1. Viele Leute nehmen an dem Marathon teil.

Many people participate in the marathon. Usage Note: "Teilnehmen an" + dative means "to participate in" an event.

1. Konzentrier dich auf deine Arbeit!

Concentrate on your work! Usage Note: "Sich konzentrieren auf" + accusative means "to concentrate on".

1. Sie freut sich über das Geschenk.

She is happy about the present. Usage Note: "Sich freuen über" + accusative means "to be happy about" something that has happened or is present. (Contrast with "sich freuen auf").

1. Ich frage nach dem Weg zum Bahnhof.

I'm asking for directions to the train station. Usage Note: "Fragen nach" + dative means "to ask about" or "to inquire about" something (often directions or information).

1. Wir sprechen mit dem Lehrer.

We are talking with the teacher. Usage Note: "Sprechen mit" + dative means "to talk with" a person.