Mastering prepositions in any language is crucial to effective communication, and German is no exception. Prepositions of time in German are especially important, as they allow you to express when an event occurs. This chapter of our Basic German e-book course will focus on helping you understand and correctly use German prepositions of time.
Prepositions of Time in German
Prepositions of time in German are words that express the relationship of an event to time. They can indicate when, for how long or how often an event occurs. The most common prepositions of time in German include 'an', 'auf', 'in', 'um', 'von...bis', 'seit', 'während', 'bis', 'nach', ' vor', 'zu' and 'ab'.
An, Auf, In, Um
'An' is used for days of the week and parts of the day, except evening. For example, 'an dem Tag' (on the day) or 'am Montag' (on Monday). 'Auf' is used to express 'at the weekend', which is 'auf das Wochenende' in German. 'In' is used for months, seasons, years and parts of the day, including night. For example, 'in der Nacht' (at night) or 'im Sommer' (in summer). 'One' is used for exact times. For example, 'um acht Uhr' (at eight o'clock).
Von...Bis, Seit, Während, Bis
'Von...bis' means 'from...to' and is used to indicate a period of time. For example, 'von Montag bis Freitag' (Monday to Friday). 'Seit' is used to indicate a period of time that started in the past and continues into the present. For example, 'seit 2010' (since 2010). 'Während' means 'during' and is used to indicate when an event occurs within a specific period of time. For example, 'während der Ferien' (during holidays). 'Bis' means 'until' and is used to indicate the end of a period of time. For example, 'bis morgen' (see you tomorrow).
Nach, Vor, Zu, Ab
'Nach' is used to indicate 'after' in terms of time. For example, 'nach der Schule' (after school). 'Vor' is used to indicate 'before' in terms of time. For example, 'vor dem Essen' (before the meal). 'Zu' is used to indicate 'to' in terms of time. For example, 'zu Ostern' (for Passover). 'Ab' is used to indicate 'from' in terms of time. For example, 'ab nächster Woche' (from next week).
Example Sentences
Here are some examples of sentences using prepositions of time in German:
- Ich gehe um acht Uhr ins Bett. (I go to bed at eight o'clock.)
- Wir haben von Juni bis August Ferien. (We have holidays from June to August.)
- Ich warte seit zwei Stunden auf dich. (I've been waiting for you for two hours.)
- Er arbeitet während der Woche. (He works during the week.)
- Sie kommt nach dem Mittagessen. (She comes after lunch.)
- Er geht vor dem Abendessen joggen. (He will run before dinner.)
- Wir fahren zu Weihnachten nach Deutschland. (We're going to Germany for Christmas.)
- Ab nächstem Jahr werde ich Deutsch lernen. (From next year I will learn German.)
We hope this chapter has helped clarify the use of prepositions of time in German. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing and you'll soon become proficient at using prepositions of time in German.
