Examples

• das Interesse an + Dativ
• die Angst vor + Dativ
• die Freude über + Akkusativ (varies by noun — verify each)

Why it matters

Errors here sound “almost right” but mark non-native writing.

Practice

Make flashcards for ten noun+preposition pairs from one essay topic (work, health, environment).

Practical Examples

1. German: Sie hat großes Interesse an nachhaltiger Mode.

English: She has great interest in sustainable fashion. Note: "Interesse" (interest) always pairs with "an" (in) when referring to a subject or topic.

1. German: Viele Menschen haben Angst vor der Zukunft.

English: Many people are afraid of the future. Note: "Angst" (fear) is always followed by "vor" (of/before) to indicate what one is afraid of.

1. German: Hast du heute Abend Lust auf einen Film?

English: Do you feel like watching a movie tonight? Note: "Lust" (desire/craving) combines with "auf" (for) to express a desire for something.

1. German: Wir setzen große Hoffnung auf die neue Technologie.

English: We place great hope in the new technology. Note: "Hoffnung" (hope) is always followed by "auf" (on/in) when referring to what one hopes for.

1. German: Er hat eine enge Beziehung zu seinen Geschwistern.

English: He has a close relationship with his siblings. Note: "Beziehung" (relationship) uses "zu" (to) to indicate the person or group one has a relationship with.

1. German: Die Regierung äußerte Sorge um die wirtschaftliche Entwicklung.

English: The government expressed concern about the economic development. Note: "Sorge" (concern/worry) is paired with "um" (about/for) to specify the object of concern.

1. German: Ich habe großen Respekt vor ihrer Leistung.

English: I have great respect for her achievement. Note: "Respekt" (respect) is always followed by "vor" (for) to indicate whom or what one respects.

1. German: Leider gab es noch keine Antwort auf meine E-Mail.

English: Unfortunately, there has been no answer to my email yet. Note: "Antwort" (answer) always takes "auf" (to) when referring to the subject of the answer.

1. German: Haben Sie eine Frage nach dem Weg zum Bahnhof?

English: Do you have a question about the way to the train station? Note: "Frage" (question) combines with "nach" (about/for) to specify what the question is about.

1. German: Er zeigte viel Verständnis für meine Situation.

English: He showed a lot of understanding for my situation. Note: "Verständnis" (understanding) is paired with "für" (for) to indicate what one understands.

1. German: Wir haben volles Vertrauen in seine Fähigkeiten.

English: We have full trust in his abilities. Note: "Vertrauen" (trust) is followed by "in" (in) when referring to the person or thing one trusts.

1. German: Es gab eine hitzige Diskussion über die neuen Regeln.

English: There was a heated discussion about the new rules. Note: "Diskussion" (discussion) uses "über" (about) to specify the topic of discussion.

1. German: Mein größter Wunsch nach dem Urlaub ist es, auszuschlafen.

English: My biggest wish after the holiday is to sleep in. Note: "Wunsch" (wish) is paired with "nach" (for) to express what one wishes for.

1. German: Die Firma zeigte Bereitschaft zu weiteren Verhandlungen.

English: The company showed willingness for further negotiations. Note: "Bereitschaft" (willingness) is always followed by "zu" (for/to) when indicating what one is willing to do.

1. German: Es gab viel Kritik an der neuen Marketingstrategie.

English: There was a lot of criticism of the new marketing strategy. Note: "Kritik" (criticism) is always paired with "an" (of/on) to specify the object of criticism.