Overview

Several connectors and prepositions take genitive in formal writing; spoken German sometimes replaces them with paraphrases using von + Dativ.

Examples

• anlässlich der Konferenz
• infolge des Unwetters
• innerhalb eines Jahres
• trotz des Regens

Listening and reading

Articles and prepared speech keep genitive after these items more often than casual conversation.

Practice

Take three nouns you already use (Beruf, Familie, Stadt) and write two clauses: one with trotz + genitive, one rewritten colloquially with obwohl + main clause.

Practical Examples

1. Aufgrund der jüngsten Entwicklungen wird eine Neubewertung der Strategie erforderlich sein.

• English: Due to the latest developments, a re-evaluation of the strategy will be necessary.
• Note: Used to state a formal reason or cause.

1. Anlässlich des 50-jährigen Firmenjubiläums fand eine feierliche Gala statt.

• English: On the occasion of the company's 50th anniversary, a festive gala took place.
• Note: Indicates the special event or reason for an action or gathering.

1. Infolge des Systemausfalls waren die Online-Dienste für mehrere Stunden nicht verfügbar.

• English: As a result of the system failure, the online services were unavailable for several hours.
• Note: Expresses a formal consequence or outcome, often of an undesirable event.

1. Ungeachtet der anfänglichen Schwierigkeiten konnte das Projekt erfolgreich abgeschlossen werden.

• English: Regardless of the initial difficulties, the project was successfully completed.
• Note: Used to emphasize that something happened despite obstacles or reservations.

1. Zwecks Optimierung der internen Abläufe wurde eine Arbeitsgruppe eingerichtet.

• English: For the purpose of optimizing internal processes, a working group was established.
• Note: States the specific aim or purpose of an action in a formal context.

1. Abzüglich der bereits geleisteten Anzahlung beträgt der Restbetrag 1.500 Euro.

• English: Minus the deposit already paid, the remaining amount is 1,500 Euros.
• Note: Indicates a formal deduction or subtraction, common in financial or administrative contexts.

1. Zuzüglich der Versandkosten belaufen sich die Gesamtkosten auf 79,99 Euro.

• English: Plus the shipping costs, the total costs amount to 79.99 Euros.
• Note: Indicates a formal addition, also common in financial or administrative contexts.

1. Mangels ausreichender Beweise musste die Anklage fallen gelassen werden.

• English: Due to a lack of sufficient evidence, the charges had to be dropped.
• Note: Explains a formal reason based on the absence or insufficiency of something.

1. Trotz der widrigen Wetterbedingungen wurde die Veranstaltung nicht abgesagt.

• English: Despite the adverse weather conditions, the event was not cancelled.
• Note: Expresses that something happened contrary to expectations or difficulties.

1. Während des gesamten Verhandlungsprozesses wurde höchste Diskretion gewahrt.

• English: Throughout the entire negotiation process, utmost discretion was maintained.
• Note: Specifies the duration or period during which an action occurred in a formal manner.

1. Wegen des hohen administrativen Aufwands wird eine Digitalisierung der Akten in Betracht gezogen.

• English: Because of the high administrative effort, a digitalization of the files is being considered.
• Note: Provides a formal reason or cause for an action.

1. Zugunsten einer schnellen Einigung wurden einige Forderungen modifiziert.

• English: In favor of a quick agreement, some demands were modified.
• Note: Indicates that an action was taken to benefit or support something.

1. Anstelle einer direkten Konfrontation wurde ein Mediationsverfahren vorgeschlagen.

• English: Instead of a direct confrontation, a mediation process was proposed.
• Note: Expresses a formal alternative or substitution for something else.

1. Unweit des Stadtzentrums befindet sich das neue Forschungszentrum.

• English: Not far from the city center, the new research center is located.
• Note: Specifies a location relative to another point in a formal or descriptive context.

1. Beiderseits der Autobahn sind neue Lärmschutzwände geplant.

• English: On both sides of the highway, new noise barriers are planned.
• Note: Indicates a position or action affecting two sides of something.