When to add a Preposition to your question?
If the answer to your question is a prepositional phrase, the question must also contain a preposition.
There are two different ways to do that, depending on if the answer involves a person or a thing.
Asking for a Person (Nach Personen Fragen)
When the answer will include a preposition + person combination, the question word becomes: Preposition + wen/wem („wem“ for Accusative, „wem“ for Dative).
Asking for a Thing (Nach Dingen Fragen)
When the answer will include preposition + thing combination, the question word becomes: wo + (r) + preposition.
For prepositions that start with a vowel (a,e,i,o,u), we have to include an „r“ after „wo“.
There is also a second version you can use, but it's very informal and some people think it sounds a bit "dumb".
Special offer: 5 Ebooks for Free!
Do you like EasyDeutsch? When you buy my Ebooks, you get exercises and even more simple, easy-to-understand explanations, and you also actively support me. Right now there is an offer where you get all 10 EasyDeutsch ebooks for the price of 5 ebooks! Get my ebooks today at a special price: Yes, I want the ebooks and over 100 bonus lessons!
Summary
- If the answer is a prepositional phrase, you have to include the preposition in the question.
- When asking for a person, put the preposition in front of the question word.
- When asking for a thing, use the form „wo“ + (r) + Preposition.
Gramato: Your German Grammar Coach
Try Gramato now!
Powered by EasyDeutsch AI
This is how Gramato can help you!
Gramato helps you with all your German grammar questions – fast, to the point, and always based on the trusted content from https://easy-deutsch.com.
Gramato offers fill-in-the-blank exercises on a variety of grammar topics, tailored to your level so you can practice exactly what you need.
Get answers in multiple languages – German, English, Spanish, French, and more. That way, you can understand grammar in the language you feel most comfortable with.
Clear and simple grammar explanations – so you can learn faster and smarter with Gramato.
Ask your questions or practice anytime with Gramato – no wait, just results!
Related Topics:
Entire lesson in German only: Fragen mit Präpositionen
Here you will find an overview of all topics related to Präpositionen (Prepositions):
- Lokale Präpositionen (Local Prepositions)
- Temporale Präpositionen (Temporal Prepositions)
- Wechselpräpositionen (Two-way Prepositions)
- Zweiteilige Präpositionen (Two-Part Prepositions)
- Präpositions mit Artikeln (Prepositions with Articles)
- Präpositionen mit Akkusativ (Prepositions with Accusative)
- Präpositionen mit Dativ (Prepositions with Dative)
- Präpositionen mit Genitiv (Prepositions with Genitive)
- Verben mit Präpositionen (Verbs with Prepositions)
You can find an overview of all topics under German Grammar.
Recommendation: Free video lessons every Tuesday & Thursday
Sign up now: Email German Grammar course