Prepositions of Time
Prepositions of time express when something happens or how long something lasts.
These prepositions are essential for talking about schedules, dates, and time relationships.
This lesson covers the most common prepositions of time and their specific uses.
Explanation
Common prepositions of time include: um (at - for clock time), am (on - for days), im (in - for months/seasons), vor (before/ago), nach (after), während (during), seit (since/for).
'Um' is used with clock times: 'um acht Uhr' (at eight o'clock).
'Am' is used with days: 'am Montag' (on Monday), 'am Wochenende' (on the weekend).
'Im' is used with months and seasons: 'im Januar' (in January), 'im Sommer' (in summer).
'Vor' can mean 'before' (time) or 'ago': 'vor dem Essen' (before the meal), 'vor einem Jahr' (a year ago).
'Nach' means 'after': 'nach dem Essen' (after the meal).
'Während' means 'during' and takes genitive (or dative in spoken German): 'während des Tages' (during the day).
'Seit' means 'since' or 'for' (duration) and takes dative: 'seit einem Jahr' (for a year/since a year ago).
Prepositions of Time
| Preposition | Usage | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| um | clock time | um acht Uhr | at eight o'clock |
| am | days | am Montag | on Monday |
| im | months/seasons | im Januar | in January |
| vor | before/ago | vor dem Essen | before the meal |
| nach | after | nach dem Essen | after the meal |
| während | during | während des Tages | during the day |
| seit | since/for | seit einem Jahr | for a year |
Examples
Um acht Uhr beginnt der Film.
At eight o'clock the movie starts.
Am Montag habe ich frei.
On Monday I have free time.
Im Januar ist es kalt.
In January it is cold.
Vor dem Essen wasche ich mir die Hände.
Before the meal I wash my hands.
Nach dem Essen gehe ich spazieren.
After the meal I go for a walk.
Während des Tages arbeite ich.
During the day I work.
Seit einem Jahr lerne ich Deutsch.
I have been learning German for a year.
Common Mistakes
um der acht Uhr
um acht Uhr
'Um' with clock time doesn't take an article. Just 'um acht Uhr'.
in Montag
am Montag
Days use 'am', not 'in'. 'Am Montag', not 'in Montag'.
in Januar
im Januar
Months use 'im' (in + dem), not just 'in'. 'Im Januar'.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with interactive exercises. Practice makes perfect!
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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.