Die Präpositionen mit Dativ: mit, an, zu, bei, in

By /

5 Easy German Prepositions with the Dative Case (A1)

Do you want to speak simple German? You need prepositions. Prepositions are words like with, in, or at. Today, we learn five important prepositions. They all use the Dative case.

Here is your simple guide with examples and English translations.

1. Mit (With)

Use mit when you do something together with a person, or when you use a transport (like a bus or car).

  • German: „Ich gehe mit meinem Freund spazieren.“

  • English: I go for a walk with my friend.

  • German: „Ich fahre mit dem Bus.“

  • English: I travel by bus.

2. Bei (At / With a person)

Use bei when you are at a person’s house, or when you work at a specific company.

  • German: „Ich bin bei meiner Familie.“

  • English: I am with my family.

  • German: „Er arbeitet bei Siemens.“

  • English: He works at Siemens.

3. Zu (To)

Use zu when you go towards a specific place or person. Note: zu + dem = zum, and zu + der = zur.

  • German: „Ich gehe zum Supermarkt.“

  • English: I am going to the supermarket.

  • German: „Sie kommt zu uns nach Hause.“

  • English: She is coming to our house.

4. In (In / Inside — Location)

Use in with the Dative case when you are already inside a place and not moving to a new destination.

  • German: „Ich bin in der Stadt.“

  • English: I am in the city.

  • German: „Er sitzt in einem Café.“

  • English: He is sitting in a café.

5. An (On / At / Next to — Location)

Use an with the Dative case when you are very close next to something, like a wall, a window, or water.

  • German: „Das Bild hängt an der Wand.“

  • English: The picture hangs on the wall.

  • German: „Ich stehe an der Haltestelle.“

  • English: I am standing at the bus stop.

Summary Table for A1 Learners

German Preposition English Meaning Short A1 Example
mit with mit dem Hund (with the dog)
bei at / with bei Arzt (at the doctor’s)
zu to zur Schule (to school)
in in in der Küche (in the kitchen)
an at / on am Bahnhof (at the station)

A1 Grammar Tip: Short Forms

Germans love to combine prepositions with articles. Remember these three short words:

  • zu + dem = zum

  • zu + der = zur

  • an + dem = am

Scroll to Top