Master German Genitive prepositions like a pro!
Learning German can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the cases. But don't let this intimidate you! Take a look at the prepositions that are used with Genitive in this article for some helpful guidance.
German Genitive prepositions
Learning prepositions in German may seem even more difficult since every preposition requires an object following it, and you must choose the appropriate case. However, the good news is - there are specific, consistent patterns that make learning easier over time!
For example, did you know German has specific prepositions that always introduce a Genitive object? This means that once you learn these essential phrases, such as "wegen", followed by Genitive objects, changing articles or using different pronouns will no longer pose any confusion.
So take heart and keep practicing – before long, all those tricky nuances will become second nature! I've got your back with this list of the most commonly used genitive-preceding propositions below:
Recommended study materials on the topic:
A-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)
B-Grammar: Practice German grammar German (incl. answers)
German self-study book for A1-B1 (incl. answers)
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The preposition “statt / anstatt”
Whether you opt for "statt" or "anstatt" in German, both of these prepositions are interchangeable and convey the same meaning as "instead of" in English. Therefore, feel free to use either one without any hesitation!
For example:
Statt der Pizza kaufe ich einen Salat. → Instead of the pizza I buy a salad.
Ich fahre in den Park anstatt ins Schwimmbad. → I'm going to the park instead of the pool.
2. The German preposition “trotz”
It's imperative to note that the preposition "trotz" translates to "despite" in English and is constantly trailed by the Genitive case. It's worth noting that where exactly you place “trotz” within a sentence can greatly impact its emphasis on certain parts of speech.
For example:
Ich war trotz des schlechten Wetters joggen. → I went jogging despite the bad weather.
3. The Genitive preposition “während”
The third preposition in this series can be rendered as "while" in English, signifying a period of time. Allow me to convince you that it denotes the length or span of an event.
For example:
Während des Gewitters bin ich zu Hause geblieben! → I stayed home during the thunderstorm!
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4. The meaning of “wegen”
It's common for individuals to feel perplexed when constructing a sentence with "wegen" due to its similarity with other causal connectors like "weil". However, it's important to note that these two connections differ greatly. Besides, Germans nowadays often use “wegen” with Dative; however, it still is a Genitive preposition!
For example:
Ich bleibe heute wegen meiner Erkältung zu Hause. → I'm staying home today because of my cold.
5. The prepositions “innerhalb & außerhalb”
“Innerhalb” means inside or within, and “außerhalb” means outside of something in English. These words can be utilized similarly as you would use their English counterparts.
For example:
Innerhalb der Stadt darf man 50 km/h fahren. → Within the city you can drive 50 km/h.
Außerhalb der Stadt darf man 80 km/h fahren. → Outside the city you can drive 80 km/h.
6. The meaning of “oberhalb & unterhalb”
“Oberhalb” means above, and “unterhalb” means below in English. You can employ these terms just like their English equivalents.
For example:
Oberhalb der Mühle gibt es einen Wald. → There is a forest above the mill.
Das Kinn befindet sich unterhalb der Nase. → The chin is below the nose.
7. The preposition “anlässlich”
Have you ever heard of the preposition that means "on the occasion of" in English? It's not commonly used, but it adds elegance and sophistication to your language. In German, this particular preposition is also mostly reserved for formal contexts only.
For example:
Anlässlich des 25. Hochzeitstages gibt es eine große Party! → There's a big party on the occasion of the 25th wedding anniversary!
8. The meaning of “laut”
It's common for Germans to use the preposition "laut" when they want to reference a source that provided them with information and these days, it is also often used with Dative. According to Duden, the preposition is used according to "with dative, also with genitive". The dative is always plural if the genitive is not recognizable, e.g. B. when used without an article. It can be translated as "according to" in English, and it makes perfect sense given its usage.
For example:
Laut Wetterbericht soll es heute regnen! → According to the weather forecast, it's supposed to rain today!
9. The preposition “bezüglich”
In formal settings, Germans often employ the preposition "bezüglich." This term conveys a sense of relevance or pertinence to a particular matter. An object in the Genitive case always accompanies it and can be translated as "regarding" or "concerning."
For example:
Ich schreibe Ihnen bezüglich des Arbeitsvertrags. → I am writing to you regarding the employment contract.
10. The last Genitive preposition “aufgrund”
If you're searching for an alternative to the English words "due to" or "because of," look no further than the German term “aufgrund.” While it can be substituted with “wegen” (listed at number four), using this word will add a touch of sophistication and class. That said, opting for something simpler might be more appropriate if you chat casually with friends.
For example:
Aufgrund des Unfalls auf der Autobahn gab es einen langen Stau! → Due to the accident on the highway, there was a long traffic jam!
Mastering German Genitive prepositions
After reading this article, things became more apparent.
You should also check out the German Dative and Accusative prepositions!
Bis bald!
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