German Grammar (Prepositions and Directions)

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This first lesson teaches many important aspect of German like prepositions, vocabulary list about directions and finally common phrases about how to introduce yourself. I will try to give examples using both vocabulary and grammar. That way it will be easy for you to see the words when they are separate and when they are in a sentence. Going through the whole page should take about 30 min. Make sure to read the pronunciation and hear the audio as well. If you have any question about this course, Contact us from the page German Classes.

Prepositions

Prepositions are used in almost every sentence. They can be a great tool to link words with each other. For example by simply knowing how to use “to”, “with”, “from”, “after” you can expand your conversation scope. In short, a preposition describes a relationship between words in a sentence, for example: I agree with you.

Below is a list of 27 prepositions that you might come across or use very often. The table contains 3 columns (English, German, and Audio). Make sure you repeat each word after hearing it by either clicking on the audio button or by reading the pronunciation. That should help with memorization as well as improving your pronunciation.

Prepositions List in German

Prepositions German Audio
In front of vor
Behind hinter
Before vor
After nach
Inside innerhalb
With mit
Without ohne
Outside außerhalb
On top of oben auf
Under unter
About (in regards to) über
Against gegen
And und
As (similar to) wie
Between zwischen
But aber
For für
From von
In in
Instead of statt
Near in der Nähe von
Of von
Or oder
Since seit
So also
To zu
Until bis

Now we will try to implement some of the prepositions above into full German sentences. That way you will be able to use the word not only by itself but embedded in a structure.

German Prepositions in a Sentence

English German Audio
Can I practice Italian with you? Kann ich mit dir Italienisch üben?
I speak French but with an accent Ich spreche Französisch, aber mit einem Akzent
I was born in Miami Ich wurde in Miami geboren
I’m from Japan Ich komme aus Japan
The letter is inside the book Der Brief ist im Buch
The pen is under the desk Der Stift ist unter dem Schreibtisch
Directions
Can I help you? Kann ich Ihnen helfen?

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact me If you simply want to ask a question, please German contact form on the header above.

Vocabulary List about Directions

Below is a list of 28 words and sentences related to directions that you might need when lost or asking for help. If you can memorize them by heart, you will be able to travel from point A to point B by following directions.

Giving Directions in German

Directions German Audio
Can you help me? Können Sie mir helfen?
Can you show me? Können Sie mir zeigen?
Come with me! Komm mit mir!
Downtown (city center) Innenstadt
Excuse me! (to ask someone) Entschuldigung!
Go straight Fahren/Gehen Sie geradeaus
How can I get to the museum? Wie komme ich zum Museum?
How long does it take to get there? Wie lange dauert es, um dorthin zu gelangen?
I’m lost ich hab mich verirrt
I’m not from here ich bin fremd
It’s far from here es ist weit
It’s near here es ist nah
One moment please! Einen Moment bitte!
Turn left links abbiegen
Turn right rechts abbiegen
Far weit
Here hier
Left links
Right rechts
Near nah
Straight geradeaus
There dort
To drive fahren
To turn abbiegen
To walk gehen
Traffic light Ampel
Transportation Transport

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Daily Conversation in German

Finally, a couple sentences to help you know how to introduce yourself in German. For a complete list of commonly used sentences, please visit our German Phrases page. Enjoy!

Common Expressions in German

English German Audio
Do you speak English? Sprechen Sie Englisch?
Just a little Nur ein bisschen
What’s your name? Wie heisst du?
My name is (John Doe) Ich heisse (John Doe)
Mr… / Mrs. … / Miss… Herr / Frau / Fräulein
Nice to meet you! Schön, Sie kennen zu lernen!
You’re very kind! Sie sind sehr freundlich!

Fun Facts

Language Quote: The language of a society changes slowly but steadily with the result that an educated person will not be able to read or understand words in his language written 500 years ago. Do you feel like you can’t talk to your parents? Maybe it’s because you belong to the Niger-Congo family. More than 1,400 languages are spoken by different members of this family from Africa..

Congratulations! You finished your 4th lesson in German about prepositions, and directions. Are you ready for the next lesson? We recommend German Lesson 5. You can also simply click on one of the links below or go back to our Learn German homepage.

Lessons
German Lessons

Linguistic
German Vocabulary

Culture
German Phrases

Structure
German Grammar