German grammar: Verben mit festen Präpositionen

What this grammar point covers

In German, some verbs always need a specific preposition to connect with another word. These are called 'verbs with fixed prepositions'. You have to learn which preposition goes with each verb.

When to use it

Use these structures when you want to express an action that always requires a particular preposition in German, even if your language might use a different preposition or none at all.

Key forms

• Verb + feste Präposition + Nomen oder Pronomen
• zum Beispiel: warten auf, sich interessieren für, sprechen über

Examples

Tips

• Always learn the verb together with its preposition.
• The preposition can change the meaning of the verb.
• Do not translate prepositions directly from your language; German uses its own rules.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some verbs can use different prepositions with different meanings, for example: sprechen über (to talk about) vs. sprechen mit (to talk with).