Accusative prepositions
A2 · Elementary · Cases & Verbs
The rule
durch, für, gegen, ohne, um always take accusative.
How it works
Durch (through), für (for), gegen (against), ohne (without) and um (around, at a time) always take the accusative. The fixed list helps you choose the right case without thinking, because the meaning of the preposition does not change the case. Um also introduces time expressions such as um acht Uhr.
When to use it
Use durch, für, gegen, ohne and um, which always take the accusative.
Use cases
- Describing purpose or recipients: Das Geschenk ist für dich
- Saying what you do without something: Ich komme ohne Auto
- Describing movement through a place: Wir gehen durch den Park
Examples
- Das Geschenk ist für dich – The gift is for you
- Der Brief ist für meinen Chef. – The letter is for my boss.
- Wir kämpfen gegen den Müll. – We fight against the rubbish.
- Sie geht um den See. – She walks around the lake.
Common mistake
Using the dative after für or ohne, for example "für dem Mann" instead of "für den Mann".
Memory tip
Think "DOGFU": durch, ohne, gegen, für, um — all accusative.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Cases Explained: Nominative, Accusative, Dative and Genitive.