Prepositions (Leaving Cert German): Revision Notes
Prepositions
Overview
Prepositions are small but essential connecting words that show relationships between different parts of a sentence. In German, they indicate location, direction, time, and cause. Just like in English, German prepositions appear frequently in everyday speech and writing, making them crucial building blocks for effective communication.
Understanding German prepositions requires more than simple memorisation - their meanings often depend heavily on context and the words they combine with. Many German prepositions serve multiple functions and can have quite different meanings depending on how they're used in a sentence.
Common German prepositions
Here are the most frequently encountered German prepositions with their primary English meanings:
| German | English | German | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| an | at | nach | to (with place names), after, according to |
| (an)statt | instead of | neben | next to |
| auf | up, on | ohne | without |
| aus | out of, from | seit | since, for (with time) |
| außer | except | trotz | in spite of |
| bei | with, in the case of, at | über | over, about, concerning |
| durch | through, by means of | um | around, at (with time) |
| entlang | along | unter | under, among |
| für | for (on behalf of) | von | from, of, by (means of) |
| gegen | against, towards | vor | in front of, before, ago |
| gegenüber | opposite | während | during |
| gemäß | according to | wegen | on account of, because of |
| hinter | behind | wider | against |
| in | in | zu | to |
| mit | with | zwischen | between |
Use this table as a reference point, but remember that these are primary meanings only. The actual translation will depend on the specific context in which each preposition appears.
How German prepositions work
Unlike English prepositions, German ones don't have direct one-to-one translations. The same German preposition can mean several different things in English, and context plays a vital role in determining the correct meaning. This flexibility makes German prepositions both challenging and interesting to master.
When you encounter prepositions in German texts, resist the urge to translate them immediately. Instead, read the entire sentence first to understand the overall meaning and relationship between the words. The surrounding context will guide you to the most appropriate English equivalent.
Never attempt to translate German prepositions in isolation. Always consider the complete sentence context first to avoid mistranslations.
Special preposition combinations
Some German prepositions form fixed combinations with specific verbs or adjectives, creating meanings that might not be obvious from the individual words. These combinations are particularly important to learn as complete units:
Common Verb-Preposition Combinations:
- denken an = to think of or about
- glauben an = to believe in
- stolz auf = proud of
- gierig nach = greedy for
- warten auf = to wait for
- sich fürchten vor = to be afraid of
When you look up verbs in a dictionary, pay close attention to any prepositions mentioned in the entry. The dictionary will show you which prepositions commonly pair with specific verbs and how these combinations affect meaning.
Translation strategies
The most effective approach to translating sentences with prepositions is to work from the whole to the parts. Start by understanding what the entire phrase or sentence means, then find the best way to express that meaning in English.
Key Translation Principle: Consider the complete construction and choose English prepositions that make the sentence flow naturally whilst preserving the original meaning. Don't try to translate each preposition in isolation - this often leads to awkward or incorrect translations.
For example, comparing dictionary entries for bestehen + aus versus bestehen + auf shows how the same verb can have completely different meanings depending on its preposition partner.
Common mistakes and tips
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Direct translation: Avoid trying to match German prepositions directly with English ones. The same German preposition often translates differently depending on context.
- Ignoring verb combinations: Don't overlook fixed verb-preposition pairs. Learn these as complete units rather than separate words.
- Translating prepositions first: Resist translating prepositions before understanding the whole sentence structure and meaning.
Tips for Success:
- Memorise the basic preposition list as these words appear constantly in German
- Always check dictionary entries for verb-preposition combinations
- Practice reading German sentences for overall meaning before focusing on individual word translations
- Build up your knowledge of common preposition-verb partnerships gradually
Summary
Key Points to Remember:
- German prepositions are context-dependent and rarely have direct English equivalents
- Many prepositions form fixed combinations with verbs that must be learned as units
- Always translate prepositions last, after understanding the complete sentence meaning
- The same German preposition can have multiple English translations depending on usage
- Regular exposure and practice with prepositions in context is the key to mastering them