Ask where something is
A preposition is a small word before a noun phrase, such as , , or . With these words, use the dative to describe a location and answer : , . The article shows the case. This rule is about a location; it does not mean that every moving action needs a different case.
| Gender | Nominative | Dative location |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine | ||
| Feminine | ||
| Neuter | ||
| Plural |
combines and : . In the dative plural use and usually add n to the noun: becomes . A plural already ending in n or s does not take another n. You will practise destinations later; for now every example here says where something is.
Show the relationship
means on, means under, and means next to. The article depends on the noun, not on the preposition’s English translation: , and all use .
Die Tassen stehen auf dem Tisch.The cups are on the table.
Mikesch liegt unter dem Sofa.Mikesch is lying under the sofa.
Der Koffer steht neben der Tür.The suitcase is next to the door.
Ask and answer
Start a location question with , then put the conjugated verb: A short answer can be . In a complete statement the conjugated verb stays second: .
Practice 1/5 · Finding words
Notice the useful forms
Tap the complete location phrases.
.
Mikesch is lying under the sofa.
.
The cups are on the table.
.
The bed is next to the door.
.
The lamp is in the bathroom.
Practice 2/5 · The right form
The noun chooses the dative article
Choose the right word for the gap.
Die Tasse steht auf Tisch.
The cup is on the table.
Das Sofa steht in Küche.
The sofa is in the kitchen.
Mikesch liegt unter Bett.
Mikesch is lying under the bed.
Der Koffer steht neben Tür.
The suitcase is next to the door.
Die Lampe steht neben Stühlen.
The lamp is next to the chairs.
Das Sofa ist Badezimmer.
The sofa is in the bathroom.
Ask for a location
Choose the right word for the gap.
ist meine Tasse?
Where is my cup?
Auf dem Tisch die Lampe.
The lamp is on the table.
Neben der Tür die Stühle.
The chairs are next to the door.
Café gibt es noch Tische.
There are still tables in the café.
Practice 3/5 · Fill the gaps
Complete the conversation
Fill the gaps with the words from the box.
Der Tisch steht in Küche. Die Tassen stehen auf Tisch.
The table is in the kitchen. The cups are on the table.
Mikesch liegt unter Sofa. Die Lampe steht neben Tür.
Mikesch is lying under the sofa. The lamp is next to the door.
Neben Stühlen steht eine Lampe. Sie ist grün.
A lamp stands next to the chairs. It is not green.
ist dein Koffer? Badezimmer.
Where is your suitcase? In the bathroom.
Practice 4/5 · Building sentences
Put the message together
Put the words in order.
The suitcase is next to the door.
Mikesch is lying under the bed.
Where are the cups?
The chairs are in the kitchen.
Practice 5/5 · In situations
Respond to the situation
Choose the right words for the situation.
Greta is laying the table but cannot find the cups. They are already on the table.
You say:
You tell her where the missing cups are.
Greta is laying the table but cannot find the cups. They are already on the table.
You say:
You tell her where the missing cups are.
You can hear purring but cannot see Mikesch. You look underneath the sofa and find him.
You say:
Unter expresses the relationship you have just discovered.
You can hear purring but cannot see Mikesch. You look underneath the sofa and find him.
You say:
Unter expresses the relationship you have just discovered.
Unit complete
