When is the dative case used?

The most frequent instance in which the dative case is used in is to show that something is the indirect object of a verb. Secondly, the dative case is used with certain verbs (helfen, geben, antworten). These must be learned separately! Thirdly, after certain prepositions (an, auf, hinter, in neben etc.) where a position is indicated, rather than movement. Finally, in lieu of the possessive adjective.