Prepositions in combination with verbs can specify things like position, time, possession or the way something is done. German verbs with prepositions can have fixed meanings, or a verb can take various prepositions to express different things.
In English and in German there are a number of verbs that use prepositions to convey a very specific meaning. In English, we refer to such verbs as “phrasal verbs”.
For example, the verb “to run” is used to describe the motion or activity of running. I can run in the park, or I can go running, etc.
But we can change the meaning of the verb “to run” slightly by adding different prepositions.
Examples:
to run into (s.o.) – to meet someone by accident
to run out of (s.th) – to finish or use something up
to run for s.th – to campaign for an elected office
to run with – to take full advantage of something
These are just a few examples, but they demonstrate the point. By adding a preposition, we change the meaning of the verb, and we will always need to use a specific preposition to convey that specific meaning. For example, I cannot say “I ran for paper towels”, to express that I have used up all my paper towels. Similarly, I cannot say “He decided to run into office.” if I want to express that he decided to campaign for an elected position.
Verbs with Prepositions in German
In German, too, there are a number of verbs that can be used by themselves, and verbs that can be used with a variety of prepositions to convey a different meaning. However, it is important to keep in mind that whenever we are using prepositions in German, we are also going to be dealing with cases and the gender of nouns.
Some prepositions always take the dative case, some always take the accusative case, and some can take either (Wechselpräpositionen), and it is important to pay close attention to what case is triggered.
1. Verbs with “über“
There are a number of verbs that use the preposition “über”. It is an example of a “two-way” preposition, so in general it can be followed by a noun or pronoun in the accusative or dative. With verbs, however, the case is fixed: verbs with “über” (e.g. sich beschweren über, sich aufregen über) take the accusative.
Examples:
Wir werden uns über den Brief beschweren.
We are going to complain about the letter.
Ich rege mich über ihn auf. I’m upset about him.
2. Verbs with “auf“
“auf” is another example of a two-way preposition. Here are a few examples of verbs that require “auf”. With verbs, “auf” almost always takes the accusative (e.g. sich vorbereiten auf, warten auf).
Examples:
Ich bereite mich auf den Umzug vor.
I’m preparing myself for the move.
Wir warten auf den Bus.
We are waiting for the bus.
3. Verbs with “an”
Another two-way preposition, “an” can be followed by an accusative or dative noun. With verbs, the case is fixed for each verb: denken an and glauben an take the accusative, while e.g. teilnehmen an takes the dative.
Here are some examples of verbs that use “an”.
Examples:
Ich denke oft an ihn.
I think about him often.
Ich glaube nicht an Schicksal.
I don’t believe in fate.
4. Verbs with “mit“
The preposition “mit” always triggers the dative case. Whenever we use a verb with the preposition “mit”, the noun that follows will have to be in the dative case.
Examples:
Er unterhält sich gerne mit seinem Kollegen.
He likes to talk to his colleague.
Ich fange mit dem Projekt morgen an.
I am starting (with) the project tomorrow.
5. Verbs with “um“
“um” is an example of an accusative preposition, and all nouns following “um” need to be in the accusative.
Examples:
Er kümmert sich gut um mich.
He takes good care of me.
Sie bitten um Ruhe.
They are asking for quiet/silence.
Prepositional verbs are verbs that are typically used with specific prepositions, for example “wait for” or “talk about” in English. Most German prepositional verbs are also prepositional verbs in English, but the prepositions used with the verbs are not always analogous. Thus “wait FOR” is “warten AUF” (not “warten FÜR”) in German, “believe IN” is “glauben AN” (not “glauben IN”).