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Two-way prepositions

A2

Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch. Ich lege das Buch auf den Tisch. Two-way prepositions like in, auf, an and unter take either dative or accusative — depending on whether you mean a location or movement. The key to describing positions and paths correctly.

  • Two-way prepositions

Grammar → Two-way prepositions

Wo? — location with dative

Nine prepositions can take either the dative or the accusative: an, auf, hinter, in, neben, über, unter, vor and zwischen. They are called two-way prepositions.

If you ask about a location with Wo?, the dative follows. Nothing is moving — something is simply in a place:

Wo ist das Buch? — Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch.
Wo bist du? — Ich bin in der Schule.

In the dative the articles are dem (m/n), der (f) and den (plural): unter dem Stuhl, an der Wand.

QuestionPreposition + dativeExample
Wo?in dem / imIch bin im Park.
Wo?auf demDas Glas steht auf dem Tisch.
Wo?an derDas Bild hängt an der Wand.
Wo?unter demDie Katze schläft unter dem Bett.

Find words

Wohin? — direction with accusative

Find words

Wo? or Wohin?

Dative or accusative?

Put sentences in order

Fill in the blanks

Grammar in context

Read these texts to consolidate what you learned. They fit this grammar lesson especially well.

StoryDas Paket

The Package

Das Paket

Lena orders online for the first time. Will the package arrive?

StoryMirko zieht um

Mirko is Moving

Mirko zieht um

City or country? Mirko is looking for a new apartment.

StoryOmas Geschichten

Grandma's Stories

Omas Geschichten

Siberia or Slovenia? Grandma talks about her travels.

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