Temporal Prepositions 2 (seit, vor, nach, während, in, bei)
Temporale Präpositionen 2 • B1 • 16 Karten
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Beispielsätze
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seit (Dativ)
since / for (Dative)
📌 Grammatiknotiz
The preposition 'seit' indicates the starting point of an action or state that began in the past and continues up to the present moment. It always takes the Dative case. It answers the question 'Seit wann?' (Since when?).
Beispielsatz
Ich wohne seit drei Jahren in Berlin.
I have been living in Berlin for three years.
vor (Dativ) - Point in the past
ago / before (Dative) - Point in the past
📌 Grammatiknotiz
The preposition 'vor' indicates a specific point in time in the past, meaning 'ago'. It always takes the Dative case. It answers the question 'Wann?' (When?) or 'Vor wann?' (Before when?).
Beispielsatz
Ich habe ihn vor zwei Tagen getroffen.
I met him two days ago.
vor (Dativ) - Duration in the past
for (Dative) - Duration in the past
📌 Grammatiknotiz
While 'vor' primarily indicates a point in time 'ago', it can also express a duration that was completed in the past. This usage is less common than 'vor' for a point in time, but still valid. It takes the Dative case.
Beispielsatz
Er hat vor langer Zeit hier gewohnt.
He lived here for a long time ago.
Kontrast: seit vs. vor (Dativ)
Contrast: since/for (ongoing) vs. ago/before (completed)
📌 Grammatiknotiz
Both 'seit' and 'vor' take the Dative case and relate to time. 'Seit' describes an action or state that started in the past and continues into the present (e.g., 'seit drei Jahren' = for three years and still). 'Vor' describes an action or state that happened and was completed at a specific point in the past (e.g., 'vor drei Jahren' = three years ago).
Beispielsatz
Ich lerne seit zwei Jahren Deutsch. / Ich habe vor zwei Jahren mit Deutsch angefangen.
I have been learning German for two years. / I started German two years ago.
nach (Dativ)
after (Dative)
📌 Grammatiknotiz
The preposition 'nach' indicates a temporal sequence, meaning 'after' an event or a specific time. It always takes the Dative case. It answers the question 'Wann?' (When?) or 'Nach wann?' (After when?).
Beispielsatz
Nach der Arbeit gehe ich einkaufen.
After work, I go shopping.
während (Genitiv)
during (Genitive)
📌 Grammatiknotiz
The preposition 'während' indicates simultaneity, meaning 'during' or 'while' an event or period is happening. It formally requires the Genitive case. It answers the question 'Wann?' (When?) or 'Während welcher Zeit?' (During what time?).
Beispielsatz
Während des Konzerts durfte man nicht fotografieren.
During the concert, one was not allowed to take photos.
während (Dativ) - Informal usage
during (Dative) - Informal usage
📌 Grammatiknotiz
Although 'während' formally takes the Genitive case, in colloquial and informal spoken German, it is very common to use it with the Dative case, especially when the Genitive form is unclear or sounds awkward (e.g., with plural nouns without an article). For B1, it's important to recognize this usage but aim for Genitive in formal writing.
Beispielsatz
Während dem Essen sprechen wir nicht über Politik.
During the meal, we don't talk about politics.
in (Akkusativ) - Future point in time
in (Akkusative) - Future point in time
📌 Grammatiknotiz
The preposition 'in' is used with the Akkusativ case to indicate a point in time in the future, meaning 'in X time' or 'X time from now'. It answers the question 'Wann?' (When?) or 'In welcher Zeit?' (In what time?).
Beispielsatz
Ich komme in zehn Minuten.
I'll be there in ten minutes.
in (Dativ) - Specific periods
in (Dative) - Specific periods
📌 Grammatiknotiz
The preposition 'in' is used with the Dative case to refer to specific, defined periods of time like seasons, months, or parts of the day. This indicates 'within' or 'during' that period. It answers 'Wann?' (When?).
Beispielsatz
Im Sommer fahren wir oft ans Meer.
In the summer, we often go to the sea.
Kontrast: in (Akkusativ) vs. nach (Dativ)
Contrast: in (future point) vs. nach (after an event)
📌 Grammatiknotiz
Both 'in' (Akkusativ) and 'nach' (Dativ) can refer to future events, but their meanings differ. 'In' + Akkusativ specifies a point in time in the future (e.g., 'in zwei Stunden' = two hours from now). 'Nach' + Dativ specifies an event happening after another completed event (e.g., 'nach dem Unterricht' = after class).
Beispielsatz
Ich rufe dich in einer Stunde an. / Ich rufe dich nach dem Meeting an.
I'll call you in an hour. / I'll call you after the meeting.
bei (Dativ) - Simultaneity with an event/activity
at / during / while (Dative) - Simultaneity with an event/activity
📌 Grammatiknotiz
The preposition 'bei' indicates simultaneity with an ongoing event, activity, or a specific situation. It always takes the Dative case. It often translates to 'while doing X' or 'at the time of X'. It answers 'Wann?' (When?) or 'Bei welcher Gelegenheit?' (On what occasion?).
Beispielsatz
Beim Essen darf man nicht telefonieren.
While eating, one is not allowed to make phone calls.
bei (Dativ) - With specific nouns (e.g., 'bei Nacht', 'bei Tag')
at / during (Dative) - With specific nouns (e.g., 'at night', 'during the day')
📌 Grammatiknotiz
In some fixed expressions, 'bei' is used with the Dative case to indicate a general time of day or condition, similar to 'in der Nacht' but with a slightly different nuance. These are often idiomatic and should be learned as fixed phrases.
Beispielsatz
Bei Nacht ist es hier sehr ruhig.
At night, it's very quiet here.
Kontrast: bei (Dativ) vs. während (Genitiv)
Contrast: at/during (activity) vs. during (period)
📌 Grammatiknotiz
Both 'bei' and 'während' express simultaneity, but with subtle differences. 'Bei' (Dativ) often refers to an action or specific event that is ongoing (e.g., 'beim Kochen' - while cooking). 'Während' (Genitiv) typically refers to a broader period or a more defined event (e.g., 'während des Urlaubs' - during the holiday). 'Bei' can also imply 'in the presence of'.
Beispielsatz
Beim Lesen schlafe ich oft ein. / Während der Vorlesung habe ich Notizen gemacht.
While reading, I often fall asleep. / During the lecture, I took notes.
Übersicht: Temporale Präpositionen und ihre Fälle
Overview: Temporal Prepositions and their Cases
📌 Grammatiknotiz
This card provides a quick summary of the cases required by the temporal prepositions covered in this topic. Mastering these case assignments is crucial for correct German grammar. Always remember the question words associated with each preposition to help determine its function.
Beispielsatz
Seit (Dativ), Vor (Dativ), Nach (Dativ), Während (Genitiv), In (Akkusativ für Zukunft, Dativ für Perioden), Bei (Dativ).
Since (Dative), Ago/Before (Dative), After (Dative), During (Genitive), In (Accusative for future, Dative for periods), At/During (Dative).
Häufige Fehler: Falsche Präpositionswahl
Common Errors: Incorrect Preposition Choice
📌 Grammatiknotiz
Learners often struggle with choosing the correct temporal preposition due to similar meanings or direct translation from their native language. Pay close attention to the specific nuance (ongoing, completed, future point, sequence, simultaneity) each preposition conveys. Avoid direct translation and focus on the German rules.
Beispielsatz
Falsch: Ich wohne für drei Jahre in Berlin. Richtig: Ich wohne seit drei Jahren in Berlin.
Wrong: I live for three years in Berlin. Right: I have been living in Berlin for three years.
Temporale Präpositionen mit Wochentagen und Tageszeiten
Temporal Prepositions with Days of the Week and Times of Day
📌 Grammatiknotiz
While 'an' (am) is typically used for days of the week and 'in' (in der/im) for parts of the day/seasons, the prepositions covered here can also interact with these. 'Vor' and 'nach' are straightforward. 'Seit' can be used with specific days. 'Bei' can be used with 'Tag'/'Nacht' in specific expressions. 'In' is used for future points relative to these.
Beispielsatz
Seit Montag habe ich viel zu tun. / Vor dem Wochenende muss ich noch arbeiten.
Since Monday, I have a lot to do. / Before the weekend, I still have to work.
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