German Nominative Prepositions – 10 Useful examples

Introduction:

In German grammar, prepositions are crucial for constructing meaningful sentences. Prepositions indicate the relationship between two elements in a sentence, and they must be used correctly to avoid miscommunication. The nominative prepositions are a subset of prepositions that take the nominative case; they are essential in constructing grammatical and meaningful sentences in German. In this article, we will explore German nominative prepositions, provide examples of sentences, and provide English translations for a better understanding of their use.

What are German Nominative Prepositions?

German Nominative prepositions are prepositions that always take the nominative case, regardless of their position in the sentence. The nominative case is when a noun serves as the subject of the sentence; it indicates who or what is performing the action of the verb. German has several nominative prepositions, including:

• mit (with)
• nach (after/ to)
• seit(since)
• von (from)

Using “mit” as a nominative preposition:

The preposition “mit” usually means “with” in English. It’s used to indicate when someone is accompanying someone else or when someone is doing something with the help of another person or thing. Here are some examples of sentences with “mit” as a nominative preposition:

• Ich gehe mit einem Freund ins Kino. (I’m going to the movies with a friend.)
• Der Schüler arbeitet mit einem Computer. (The student is working with a computer.)
• Wir trinken Kaffee mit Milch. (We’re having coffee with milk.)

Using “von” as a nominative preposition:

The preposition “von” is often translated as “from.” It indicates the source of something or where something originates. Here are some examples of sentences with “von” as a nominative preposition:

• Ich komme von der Arbeit. (I’m coming from work.)
• Das Geschenk ist von meiner Mutter. (The present is from my mother.)
• Das Buch ist von einem berühmten Autor. (The book is by a famous author.)

Using “nach” as a nominative preposition:

The preposition “nach” has several meanings, including “to,” “after,” and “according to.” Here are some examples of sentences with “nach” as a nominative preposition:

• Ich fliege nach Spanien. (I’m flying to Spain.)
• Der Film beginnt nach der Pause. (The movie starts after the intermission.)
• Laut meiner Uhr ist es nach drei Uhr. (According to my watch, it’s after three o’clock.)

Using “seit” as a nominative preposition:

The preposition “seit” is often translated as “since.” It indicates when an action started. Here are some examples of sentences with “seit” as a nominative preposition:

• Ich lerne seit einem Jahr Deutsch. (I’ve been learning German for a year.)
• Sie arbeitet seit drei Wochen dort. (She has been working there for three weeks.)
• Er besucht uns seit gestern. (He has been visiting us since yesterday.)

Conclusion:

Nominative prepositions are essential in constructing meaningful sentences in German. It’s vital to use prepositions correctly to convey the intended meaning and avoid miscommunication. By understanding the meaning and usage of nominative prepositions, including “mit,” “von,” “nach,” and “seit,” you can construct grammatically correct sentences that accurately convey your message. Remember, practice is key to mastering German prepositions, and with continued effort, you can become proficient in using them in no time.

Example sentences with German Nominative Prepositions:

• Ich trinke Kaffee mit Zucker. (I’m drinking coffee with sugar.)
• Das Buch ist von Kafka. (The book is by Kafka.)
• Wir fliegen nach Berlin. (We’re flying to Berlin.)
• Sie wohnt seit einem Jahr in Deutschland. (She has been living in Germany for a year now.)
• Ich arbeite mit großer Konzentration. (I’m working with great concentration.)
• Das Restaurant ist von meinem Freund. (The restaurant belongs to my friend.)
• Ich gehe nach Hause. (I’m going home.)
• Er ist seit gestern krank. (He’s been sick since yesterday.)
• Wir spielen mit einem Ball. (We’re playing with a ball.)
• Das Lied ist von Beethoven. (The song is by Beethoven.)

English translations:

• I’m drinking coffee with sugar.
• The book is by Kafka.
• We’re flying to Berlin.
• She has been living in Germany for a year now.
• I’m working with great concentration.
• The restaurant belongs to my friend.
• I’m going home.
• He’s been sick since yesterday.
• We’re playing with a ball.
• The song is by Beethoven.

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