German Prepositions AB and AUßERHALB explained in detail (1) - with examples | A1 - B1

Introduction

This tutorial focuses on understanding the German prepositions "AB" and "AUßERHALB." These prepositions are essential for forming correct sentences in different contexts. By mastering their usage, you'll improve your German language skills significantly, especially if you are at the A1 to B1 level.

Step 1: Understanding the Prepositions

• AB: This preposition translates to "from" or "as of" in English. It is often used to indicate a starting point in time or space.
• AUßERHALB: This translates to "outside of" and is used to describe something that is beyond the boundaries of a particular area or time frame.

Practical Tips

• Pay attention to whether the context is temporal (time) or spatial (place) when using these prepositions.
• Remember that both prepositions require different grammatical cases.

Step 2: Cases Required by Each Preposition

• AB: This preposition typically takes the dative case.
• AUßERHALB: This preposition requires the genitive case.

Common Pitfalls

• Ensure to use the correct article forms that correspond with the cases. For instance, the article may change based on whether you are using the dative or genitive case.

Step 3: Examples and Usage

Example Sentences

• AB:

  • "Ich komme ab Montag." (I come from Monday.)
  • "Die Schule beginnt ab 8 Uhr." (School starts from 8 o'clock.)

• AUßERHALB:

  • "Außerhalb der Stadt gibt es viele Wälder." (Outside of the city, there are many forests.)
  • "Außerhalb der Öffnungszeiten kann ich nicht helfen." (I cannot help outside of opening hours.)

Practical Advice

• Create your own sentences using "AB" and "AUßERHALB" to practice their usage in context.

Step 4: Changing Articles

• When using these prepositions, be aware of how articles change based on the case:
  • Dative case usually alters the definite articles (der, die, das) to (dem, der, dem).
  • Genitive case changes (der, die, das) to (des, der, des).

Example of Article Changes

• Dative: "AB dem Montag" (from the Monday)
• Genitive: "AUßERHALB des Hauses" (outside of the house)

Conclusion

In summary, mastering "AB" and "AUßERHALB" involves understanding their meanings, the cases they require, and practicing with example sentences. Moving forward, consider revising other German prepositions to enhance your language skills further. Don't hesitate to create your own examples and engage with interactive resources to reinforce your learning.