German grammar: Verben mit Präpositionen

What this grammar point covers

In German, some verbs always go together with a specific preposition. This is called 'Verben mit Präpositionen'. The preposition often changes the meaning of the verb, and you must learn which preposition goes with each verb.

When to use it

You use this grammar when you want to say what you are waiting for, talking about, thinking about, or interested in. The verb and preposition always go together, and the object after the preposition is in a specific case (Akkusativ or Dativ).

Key forms

• Verb + Präposition + Objekt
• Ich warte auf den Bus.
• Sie interessiert sich für Musik.

Examples

Tips

• Always learn the verb together with its preposition (for example: warten auf, sprechen über).
• The case (Akkusativ or Dativ) after the preposition depends on the preposition, not the verb.
• Do not translate word-for-word from your language; the preposition may be different in German.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some verbs can be used with different prepositions, changing the meaning (e.g., sprechen von vs. sprechen über).