Prepositions in German: Prepositions of specific tense

Capítulo 118

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

+ Exercise
Audio Icon

Listen in audio

0:00 / 0:00

German Prepositions of Time

Prepositions in German are words that link two concepts and indicate the relationship between them. In the context of time, prepositions of time in German are used to indicate when something happens. Specific time prepositions are used to indicate a specific moment in time, such as a specific day, a specific time, or a specific period of time.

Prepositions of specific tense

The tense-specific prepositions in German are "um", "am", "im", "ab", "bis", "von...bis", "seit", "nach", "vor" , "über" and "während". Each has a specific use and a specific way to be used.

"One"

The preposition "um" is used to indicate a specific time of day. For example, "Ich gehe um acht Uhr ins Bett" (I go to bed at eight o'clock).

"Am"

The preposition "am" is used to indicate a specific day or a specific date. For example, "Ich habe am 15. Mai Geburtstag" (I have a birthday on the 15th of May).

"Im"

The preposition "im" is used to indicate a specific month or season. For example, "Ich gehe im Juli in den Urlaub" (I'm going on vacation in July).

Continue in our app.
  • Listen to the audio with the screen off.
  • Earn a certificate upon completion.
  • Over 5000 courses for you to explore!
Or continue reading below...
Download App

Download the app

"Ab" and "Bis"

The prepositions "ab" and "bis" are used to indicate a period of time. "Ab" is used to indicate the beginning of a time period, while "bis" is used to indicate the end of a time period. For example, "Ich arbeite ab Montag bis Freitag" (I work from Monday to Friday).

"Von...Bis"

The preposition "von...bis" is used to indicate a time interval. For example, "Ich bin von Montag bis Freitag in Berlin" (I'm in Berlin from Monday to Friday).

"Seit"

The preposition "seit" is used to indicate a period of time that began in the past and continues into the present. For example, "Ich wohne seit zwei Jahren in Berlin" (I have lived in Berlin for two years).

"Nach" and "Vor"

The prepositions "nach" and "vor" are used to indicate a relative time. "Nach" is used to indicate a time after an event, while "vor" is used to indicate a time before an event. For example, "Ich gehe nach der Arbeit ins Kino" (I'm going to the movies after work).

"Über" and "Während"

The prepositions "über" and "während" are used to indicate a period of time during which something happens. "Über" is used to indicate a period of time during which something happens repeatedly, while "während" is used to indicate a period of time during which something happens once. For example, "Ich gehe über das Wochenende nach Hause" (I'm going home for the weekend).

Conclusion

German prepositions of time are an important part of German grammar and are essential for expressing when something happens. When learning these prepositions, it is important to remember that each one has a specific use and must be used in a specific way. With practice and study, the correct use of these prepositions will become natural and intuitive.

Now answer the exercise about the content:

Which of the following statements about prepositions of time in German is true?

You are right! Congratulations, now go to the next page

You missed! Try again.

The preposition seit is indeed used to indicate a period of time that began in the past and continues into the present.

Next chapter

Prepositions in German: Prepositions of Indeterminate Time

Arrow Right Icon
Free Ebook cover Basic German course
86%

Basic German course

3.75

(4)

137 pages

Download the app to earn free Certification and listen to the courses in the background, even with the screen off.