Verbs with Prepositions in German

Learning verb-preposition combinations in German is crucial because they often determine the case of the noun or pronoun that follows. Mastering these combinations will enhance your fluency and understanding of the language.

Introduction

In German, many verbs are followed by specific prepositions, and these combinations can significantly alter the meaning of the verb. Here are the 20 most common German verb-preposition combinations that beginners should familiarize themselves with.

Common Verb-Preposition Combinations

1. abhängen von (to depend on)
2. achten auf (to pay attention to)
3. anfangen mit (to begin with)
4. arbeiten an (to work on)
5. aufpassen auf (to look after)
6. bitten um (to ask for)
7. denken an (to think of)
8. diskutieren über (to discuss)
9. einladen zu (to invite to)
10. erzählen von (to talk about)
11. fragen nach (to ask about)
12. glauben an (to believe in)
13. hoffen auf (to hope for)
14. lachen über (to laugh about)
15. sprechen mit (to speak with)
16. teilnehmen an (to participate in)
17. warten auf (to wait for)
18. warnen vor (to warn about)
19. zufrieden sein mit (to be satisfied with)
20. zweifeln an (to doubt)

How to Use Them in Sentences

• abhängen von
  Es hängt vom Wetter ab, ob wir grillen können.
  (It depends on the weather if we can barbecue.)

• achten auf
  Bitte achte auf den Verkehr.
  (Please pay attention to the traffic.)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Case Confusion:
  Some verb-preposition combinations require specific cases (accusative or dative). For example, "warten auf" requires the accusative case.
  Correct: Ich warte auf den Bus.
  Incorrect: Ich warte auf dem Bus.

• Incorrect Preposition:
  Ensure you use the correct preposition associated with the verb. For example, use "bei" with "helfen" (to help), not "zu".

Tips and Tricks

• Memorization Technique:
  Create flashcards with the verb on one side and the correct preposition(s) and case(s) on the other.

• Practice in Context:
  Try to use these combinations in sentences you create. Repetition will help solidify your understanding.

• Group Similar Verbs:
  Group verbs by their prepositions to help you remember them better. For instance, both "denken an" and "glauben an" use "an" and require the accusative case.

By focusing on these combinations, you'll find your comprehension and speaking abilities improving significantly. Keep practicing and incorporating these tips into your learning routine!