Genitive replacement with von
C1 · Advanced · Mastery
The rule
In speech: von + dative.
How it works
In everyday speech, Germans often replace the genitive with von plus the dative: das Auto von meinem Vater instead of das Auto meines Vaters. This is common for family and possession. Formal writing keeps the genitive, so choose the form according to the register.
When to use it
Use von + dative instead of the genitive in speech: "das Haus von meinem Vater" instead of "das Haus meines Vaters".
Use cases
- Talking about family possessions: Das ist das Haus von meinen Eltern
- Describing a book or work: Das Buch von dem Autor ist gut
- Describing the source of something in conversation: Die Idee von Anna ist super
Examples
- das Auto von meinem Vater – my father's car
- Das ist die Katze von meiner Schwester. – That is my sister's cat.
- Die Meinung von vielen Leuten ist negativ. – The opinion of many people is negative.
- Das ist der Schlüssel von dem Auto. – That is the key to the car.
Common mistake
Using von in formal writing where the genitive is expected.
Memory tip
Use von in speech, the genitive in writing.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Cases Explained: Nominative, Accusative, Dative and Genitive.