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Learn how prepositions merge with definite articles in the dative case to form contractions like "am" (an + dem) and "zur" (zu + der). Practice useful phrases such as "Der Staubsauger ist am Herd" and "Die Frau geht zur Reparatur."
  1. The feminine dative form der only merges with the preposition to form (zu+der = zur); with other prepositions, the article and the preposition remain separate.
Präposition + Artikel (Preposition + Article)Beispiel (Example)
an + dem = amDer Staubsauger ist am Herd. (The vacuum cleaner is at the stove.)
an + das = ansIch stelle mich ans Bügeleisen.  (I stand by the ironing board.)
bei + dem = beimDie Reparatur ist beim Hausmann. (The repair is at the househusband.)
in + dem = imDas Glas steht im Kühlschrank. (The glass is in the fridge.)
in + das = insIch bringe die Mikrowelle ins Haus. (I bring the microwave into the house.)
von + dem = vomDas Problem kommt vom Herd. (The problem comes from the stove.)
zu + dem = zumDer Hausmann geht zum Trockner. (The househusband goes to the dryer.)
zu + der = zurDie Hausfrau geht zur Reparatur. (The housewife goes to the repair.)

Exceptions!

  1. The preposition mit does not merge with the article.

Exercise 1: Verschmelzung von Präposition und Artikel im Dativ

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

am, in der, zum, mit dem, vom, im

1. Zu:
Ich gehe ... Trockner.
(Ich gehe zum Trockner.)
2. Zu:
Ich gehe ... Herd, um zu kochen.
(Ich gehe zum Herd, um zu kochen.)
3. Mit:
Der Hausmann arbeitet ... Ofen.
(Der Hausmann arbeitet mit dem Ofen.)
4. In:
Das Glas ist ... Kühlschrank.
(Das Glas ist im Kühlschrank.)
5. An:
Der Staubsauger steht ... Herd.
(Der Staubsauger steht am Herd.)
6. Von:
Das Problem kommt ... Herd.
(Das Problem kommt vom Herd.)
7. In:
Die Wäsche trocknet ... Waschmaschine.
(Die Wäsche trocknet in der Waschmaschine.)
8. In:
Der Löffel liegt ... Besteckkasten.
(Der Löffel liegt im Besteckkasten.)

Exercise 2: Dialogue completion

Instruction: Complete the dialogue with the correct solution

1. Ich stelle den Toaster _______ Kühlschrank.

( I put the toaster _______ refrigerator.)

2. Der Staubsauger steht _______ Schrank.

( The vacuum cleaner is _______ cabinet.)

3. Die Lampe hängt _______ Tisch.

( The lamp hangs _______ table.)

4. Die Frau geht _______ Waschmaschine.

( The woman goes _______ washing machine.)

5. Ich repariere das Radio _______ Technikraum.

( I repair the radio _______ technical room.)

6. Das Geschirr spült die Hausfrau _______ Spülmaschine.

( The housewife washes the dishes _______ dishwasher.)

Understanding the Merging of Prepositions and Articles in the Dative Case

This lesson focuses on a common feature in German grammar where certain prepositions combine with the definite articles in the dative case to form contractions. These contractions simplify speech and writing by merging two words into one, making sentences sound more natural and fluent.

Key Concepts

  • Preposition + Dative Article Contractions: In German, some prepositions merge with the dative articles "dem" (masculine/neuter) and "der" (feminine) to form new combined words.
  • Examples of Contractions: an + dem = am (e.g., Der Staubsauger ist am Herd.) or zu + der = zur (e.g., Die Hausfrau geht zur Reparatur.)
  • Exceptions: Not all combinations merge. For example, the preposition "mit" does not contract with the article, so "mit der" remains separate.

Important Examples to Remember

  • am (an + dem) – next to the (masculine/neuter)
    Example: Der Staubsauger ist am Herd.
  • ans (an + das) – to the (neuter)
    Example: Ich stelle mich ans Bügeleisen.
  • beim (bei + dem) – at the (masculine/neuter)
    Example: Die Reparatur ist beim Hausmann.
  • im (in + dem) – in the (masculine/neuter)
    Example: Das Glas steht im Kühlschrank.
  • ins (in + das) – into the (neuter)
    Example: Ich bringe die Mikrowelle ins Haus.
  • vom (von + dem) – from the (masculine/neuter)
    Example: Das Problem kommt vom Herd.
  • zum (zu + dem) – to the (masculine/neuter)
    Example: Der Hausmann geht zum Trockner.
  • zur (zu + der) – to the (feminine)
    Example: Die Hausfrau geht zur Reparatur.

Notes on Usage and Differences from English

In German, the articles change depending on the case (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive), gender, and number. The dative is often used to indicate the indirect object or location. English typically uses prepositions without merging articles, and articles remain separate words (e.g., "to the repair" vs. German "zur Reparatur").

Useful German phrases featuring these contractions include:

  • am Tisch – at the table
  • im Kühlschrank – in the fridge
  • zum Haus – to the house
  • beim Arzt – at the doctor
These highlight how German expressions can be more concise by combining preposition and article, which is important for fluent communication.

Summary

This lesson helps you recognize and use the common contractions formed by prepositions and dative articles in German. Understanding these will improve your comprehension and speaking ease in everyday contexts such as describing locations and movements.

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Sophie Schmidt

International Administration Management

Würzburger Dolmetscherschule

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Last Updated:

Thursday, 17/07/2025 22:52