Aus or Von
Both 'aus' and 'von' can mean 'from', but they are used in different contexts and cannot be used interchangeably.
Understanding when to use each preposition is essential for correct German.
This lesson explains the differences and provides clear guidelines for usage.
Explanation
'Aus' is used when coming from inside something (out of): 'aus dem Haus' (out of the house), 'aus Deutschland' (from Germany - as origin).
'Von' is used for movement from a place or person: 'von Berlin' (from Berlin), 'von meinem Freund' (from my friend).
'Aus' is used with countries, cities, and places you come from (origin): 'Ich komme aus Deutschland' (I come from Germany).
'Von' is used with people (from someone): 'Das Geschenk ist von meiner Mutter' (The gift is from my mother).
'Von' is also used for 'from...to': 'von Berlin nach München' (from Berlin to Munich).
'Aus' is used with materials: 'aus Holz' (made of wood), 'aus Glas' (made of glass).
Aus vs Von - Usage Guide
| Use | Preposition | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin (countries/cities) | aus | Ich komme aus Deutschland | I come from Germany |
| Coming out of (inside) | aus | aus dem Haus | out of the house |
| Materials | aus | aus Holz | made of wood |
| From a person | von | von meinem Freund | from my friend |
| From...to | von | von Berlin nach München | from Berlin to Munich |
| From a place (movement) | von | von der Arbeit | from work |
Examples
Ich komme aus Deutschland.
I come from Germany. (origin)
Ich komme aus dem Haus.
I come out of the house. (from inside)
Der Tisch ist aus Holz.
The table is made of wood.
Das Geschenk ist von meiner Mutter.
The gift is from my mother. (from a person)
Ich fahre von Berlin nach München.
I travel from Berlin to Munich.
Ich komme von der Arbeit.
I come from work. (from a place)
Common Mistakes
Ich komme von Deutschland
Ich komme aus Deutschland
Origin (countries/cities) uses 'aus', not 'von'. 'Aus Deutschland'.
Das Geschenk ist aus meiner Mutter
Das Geschenk ist von meiner Mutter
From a person uses 'von', not 'aus'. 'Von meiner Mutter'.
Der Tisch ist von Holz
Der Tisch ist aus Holz
Materials use 'aus', not 'von'. 'Aus Holz'.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with interactive exercises. Practice makes perfect!
Start Exercises →Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which article to use?
German articles (der, die, das) depend on the gender of the noun. While there are some patterns, many nouns must be memorized. Practice and exposure to German will help you learn them naturally.
What's the difference between definite and indefinite articles?
Definite articles (der, die, das) mean 'the' and refer to specific things. Indefinite articles (ein, eine) mean 'a/an' and refer to non-specific things. Both must match the noun's gender: use 'ein' for masculine/neuter and 'eine' for feminine.
Are there rules for determining noun gender?
While there are some helpful patterns (e.g., words ending in -ung are usually feminine), there are many exceptions. The best approach is to learn nouns with their articles from the beginning.
What happens if I use the wrong article?
While using the wrong article is a common mistake, native speakers will usually still understand you. However, using the correct article is important for sounding natural and fluent in German.