Modal Prepositions

Modal prepositions in German describe the way or manner in which something happens, often indicating how an action is performed. They can be used to express means, method, or conditions. Here are some common modal prepositions in German:

1) mit (with, by) + Dative:

• It describes the tool or instrument used.
  • Er schreibt mit einem Stift (He writes with a pen)
  • Ich komme jeden Tag mit dem Bus zur Arbeit (I come to work by bus every day)

2) ohne (without) + Accusative:

• Indicates something lacking or missing in the situation.
  • Er ging ohne Jacke hinaus (He went out without a jacket)
  • Er kann ohne Brille nicht lesen (He can't read without glasses.)
  • Das Kind sprang ohne Angst ins Wasser (The child jumped into the water without fear)

3) durch (through, by means of) + Accusative

• It describes the method or medium by which something happens.
  • Er lernte Deutsch durch Musik (He learned German through music)
  • Wir haben das Problem durch Zusammenarbeit gelöst (We solved the problem through cooperation)

4) gegen (against) + Akkusative

• Shows opposition or resistance.
  • Sie ist gegen den Plan (She is against the plan)
  • Sie kämpft gegen die Zeit (She is fighting against time)

5) per (via, by) + Akkusative

• Refers to a mode of communication or transport.
  • Sie hat mir die Dokumente per E-Mail geschickt (She sent me the documents by email)
  • Er schickte die Einladung per Post (He sent the invitation by mail)
  • Wir haben das Problem per Anruf gelöst

(We solved the problem by phone call.)

Created: 04 Oct 2022

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