Want more exercices from this lesson ? »

I. Theory and definitions: Two-way prepositions for Dative and Accusative case German

Position verbs

I put the book on the bookshelf.

His familly goes to the sea.

Ms. Maya places the lamp between the table and the sofa.

I sit down next to the taxi driver.

We hang the pictures on the couch

She's sitting down in front of the computer

We put the toys under the bed.

I put the mirror on the table

The train station is between the cinema and the shopping center.

The children are sitting at the table.

My house is behind the school.

The picture hangs over the desk.

You are sitting under the bridge

My grandma is sitting next to the bookshelf

The cat is standing on the chair.

I lay on the beach.

Accusative position verbs + two way prepositions:

Movement positions ⇢  •

• Ich lege den Spiegel auf den Tisch

• Wir stellen die Spielwaren unter das Bett

• Sie setzt sich vor den Computer.

• Wir hängen die Bilder über die Couch.

• Ich setze mich neben den Taxifahrer. 

• Frau Maya stellt die Lampe zwischen den Tich und das Sofa.

• Seine Familie geht ans Meer.

• Ich stelle das Buch in das Bücherregal.

• Ich liege am Strand.

• Die Katze steht auf dem Stuhl.

• Meine Oma sitzt neben dem Bücherregal

• Sie sitzen unter der Brücke

• Das Bild hängt über dem Schreibtisch.

• Mein Haus liegt hinter der Schule.

• Die Kinder sitzen am Tisch.

• Der Bahnhof liegt zwischen dem Kino und dem Einkaufszentrum.

For a better understanding of these two - way prepositions you should also learn the position verbs. Let’s break down the next sentences:

✔️  Ich setze mich neben den Computer.

Wohin? Where to?   >  Next to the computer

I’m taking a seat next to the computer.   

Accusative:  Movement ⇢  •   

✔️  Ich sitze neben dem Computer. 

Wo? Where?  > Next to the computer

I'm sitting next to the computer. 

Dative: Static position    •

1.The nine german dual prepositions

These are positions verbs. Their forms differ depending on the case they are used with.

We know it may seem confusing, wondering how you will use them actively in a sentence, do not worry about it!

It's like using the article A or AN in English, depending on the vowel of the next word. They'll come naturally as we practice. The Reading section will come in hand for this one.

Oh, and let's translate them!

Stellen, liegen = To put

Setzen = to place (something)

Stehen, sitzen = to stay/ sit down

Hängen = to hang

Mr. Puddle gives you tips:

*If this table doesn't display right, please turn your phone horrizontaly !

*If this table doesn't display right, please turn your phone horrizontaly !

Meine Mutter geht in die Stadt - “Gehen” indicates movement, so it’s Accusative

My mother goes to the city.

Meine Mutter lebt in der Stadt - “Leben” indicates a static position, so it’s Dative

My mother lives in the city. 

Position verbs

In German there are nine dual prepositions:

✔️  How do these prepositions really work, thogh?

IN is a two - way preposition.

 Let’s break down the next sentences:

• Two-way prepositions are exactly the opposite: 

They indicate both cases (Accusative or Dative)

They switch the case according to the context of :

•  MOVEMENT ⇢  • Accusative

•  STATIC POSITION • Dative

*If this table doesn't display right, please turn your phone horrizontaly !

Mr. Puddle: Die Wohnung liegt zwischen dem Einkaufszentrum und dem Bahnhof because it doesn’t change its position. When we use position verbs we pay attention whether they are  accusative or dative.

Take your chance and try to guess what these  sentences mean !

Mrs. Purrplexed wants to play!

Dative position verbs + two way prepositions:

Static positions •

V. Let's practice! -  Two-way prepositions for Dative and Accusative case

Mr. Puddle: Congrats! “Ich ziehe nächsten Monat nach Deutschland”.

Mr. Puddle: Kein Problem! You made a mistake though… if you’re taking a seat next to me that’s a change in your movement, so the correct form is “Ich setze mich neben dich” by using the Accusative!

Mr. Kitty Hawk: Entschuldigung! Meow!

Mr. Kitty Hawk: Die Wohnung liegt zwischen das Einkaufszentrum und den Bahnhof!

Mr. Kitty Hawk: Oh… Ich verstehe… Next month I’m going to move to Germany! How do I say that?

Mr. Kitty Hawk:  Ich setze mich neben dir!!

IV. Purrrfection explained! -   Two-way prepositions for Dative and Accusative case

You can use these mnemonics:

• For Accusative : #fudgo (für - um - durch - gegen - ohne)

• For Dative : #Ab-Mn-Sz-V (aus - bei - mit - nach - seit - zu – von)

• For two-way prepositions:  #aah-inü-uvz   (an, auf, hinter, in, neben, über, unter, vor, zwischen)

When you try memorising the position verbs: 

• Learn them in pairs: liegen - legen, sitzen - setzen, stehen - stellen 

• “hängen” doesn’t change at all

III.  Tips & Tricks : How to learn them easily?  Two-way prepositions for Dative and Accusative case

II.  Practical examples - Two-way prepositions for Dative and Accusative case

✔️  We previously learned about the Accusative prepositions (für - um - durch - gegen - ohne) and the Dative prepositions (aus - bei - mit - nach - seit - zu – von), which always indicate either Accusative or Dative , “never switching sides”.

Cats are lovely and may prove to be a good company for you while learning or struggling with German.

Here's the perfect place for animal lovers and German learners!

2020, L2D

Two way: Prepositions for Dative and Accusative case

Lessons (Vocabulary & Grammar)

Listening exercices

Reading exercices

Speaking exercices

Extra exercices for grammar

Donation page

Dashboard

Events on L2D

Planned features

Report a bug & Suggest a feature

Contact for marketing & partnerships

Go to L2D Blog

Follow us & be updated!             

Get where you need fast

Site menu

© 2023 Copyright Learn2Deutsch. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy(GDPR) . Terms and conditions