This key facts covers Key rules at a glance within The dative case and key prepositions for GCSE German. Revise The dative case and key prepositions in Core Grammar Toolkit for GCSE German with 10 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 3 of 4 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📌 Key rules at a glance
- Dative articles: dem (masculine), der (feminine), dem (neuter), den + n on the noun (plural).
- Always-dative: mit, nach, aus, bei, seit, von, zu.
- Contractions: zum, zur, im, am, beim.
- Two-way prepositions: dative for position ("wo?"), accusative for movement ("wohin?").
- Plural dative adds an -n to the noun: den Kindern.
Practice questions for The dative case and key prepositions
Which phrase correctly means 'I am going into the city' (movement)?
Which contraction correctly fills the gap? 'Ich gehe ___ Bahnhof.' (I'm going to the station — masc.)
Quick recall flashcards
zu (+ dative)
to (a place or person) -- zum Bahnhof (zu + dem), zur Schule (zu + der), zu meiner Oma. Always dative, and usually contracts to zum/zur.
mit (+ dative)
with / by (transport) -- mit dem Bus (by bus), mit der Bahn (by train), mit meinen Freunden (with my friends). Always followed by the dative.