When should I use the dative case and the accusative case with the preposition "in"?

The accusative case is used when there is movement from one point to another. For example, in the sentence, "Ich gehe in die Stadt" which means "I'm going into town" we use the accusative case, as this implies the person has moved from one location to another. However, in the sentence "Ich bin in der Stadt" "I am in town/ in the city", we use the dative case, as the person is saying they are in a certain location, and no movement is implied.

SH
Answered by Susannah H. German tutor

1579 Views

See similar German A Level tutors

Related German A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the point of cases in German? What is the difference between them?


Convert the German phrase Die Polizei verhaftet einen Mann to passive


What is the subjunctive?


Was hast du gestern gemacht?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences