Question 1

How do I know whether to use accusative or dative with two-way prepositions?

Accepted Answer

Ask yourself: is there movement or a change of location? If yes, use accusative (e.g., 'Ich lege das Buch auf den Tisch' – I put the book onto the table). If it's a static location, use dative (e.g., 'Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch' – The book is lying on the table). Verbs like 'legen', 'stellen', 'setzen' indicate movement, while 'liegen', 'stehen', 'sitzen' indicate position.

Question 2

What are the most common German prepositions I need to know for GCSE?

Accepted Answer

For AQA GCSE, focus on: accusative: 'durch', 'für', 'gegen', 'ohne', 'um'; dative: 'aus', 'bei', 'mit', 'nach', 'seit', 'von', 'zu'; two-way: 'in', 'auf', 'an', 'unter', 'über', 'vor', 'hinter', 'neben', 'zwischen'; genitive: 'trotz', 'während', 'wegen' (though 'wegen' is often used with dative in speech, use genitive in writing). Also learn contractions like 'im', 'am', 'zum', 'zur'.

Question 3

Do I need to learn genitive prepositions for Higher tier?

Accepted Answer

Yes, genitive prepositions like 'trotz' (despite), 'während' (during), and 'wegen' (because of) are expected at Higher tier. They are less common but can boost your grade when used correctly. For example, 'Während des Films' (during the film) or 'Trotz des Regens' (despite the rain). Remember that after these, the noun takes the genitive case, so articles and adjective endings change accordingly.

Question 4

How can I remember which case each preposition takes?

Accepted Answer

Create mnemonics or group them. For accusative: 'durch, für, gegen, ohne, um' – think 'DFGOU' (sounds like 'DFG-oh-you'). For dative: 'aus, bei, mit, nach, seit, von, zu' – remember the song 'Aus bei mit nach seit von zu, all take dative – that's the clue!' For two-way prepositions, practice with pairs of sentences. Flashcards with example sentences are very effective.

Question 5

What are prepositional contractions and when do I use them?

Accepted Answer

Contractions are combinations of a preposition and a definite article, e.g., 'in + das = ins', 'an + dem = am', 'bei + dem = beim'. They are used in everyday German and in exam texts to sound natural. You must use them when the article is definite and the preposition allows it. For example, 'Ich bin im Kino' (not 'in dem Kino' unless emphasizing 'that cinema'). Common ones: 'im' (in dem), 'am' (an dem), 'ins' (in das), 'ans' (an das), 'zum' (zu dem), 'zur' (zu der), 'beim' (bei dem), 'vom' (von dem).

Question 6

How do prepositions affect adjective endings?

Accepted Answer

The preposition determines the case of the noun phrase, which in turn dictates the adjective ending. For example, after 'mit' (dative), you use dative adjective endings: 'mit einem großen Hund'. After 'für' (accusative), you use accusative endings: 'für einen großen Hund'. So you must know both the preposition's case and the correct adjective declension table for that case.

Grammar (Higher): Prepositions

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Related Topics in AQA GCSE German

Communication strategies

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General vocabulary: Access

How to Revise Grammar (Higher): Prepositions — AQA GCSE German

Examiner Tips for Grammar (Higher): Prepositions

Common Mistakes in Grammar (Higher): Prepositions

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