Prepositions of Time

Temporal prepositions are related to time and answer questions like "When?" (point in time) and "For how long?"

Most of these prepositions are used only with a certain case.

Prepositions of Time with Accusative

Rule 1: Here are frequent prepositions of time followed by the accusative case:

1. um: we use it to specify the time

2. bis: indicates that something happens until a certain time

3. für: indicates that something happens within a time span

4. über: indicates that something takes longer than a time span

5. bei: to make a simultaneous process more clear

Prepositions of Time with Dative

Rule 2: Frequent prepositions of time followed by the dative case are:

1. an/am: indicate days of the week and times of the day

2. in/im: indicate future or a period of time

3. vor/nach: indicate a time before or after a certain point in time or event

4. seit: indicates when something started in the past (starting point and time span)

5. bei: indicates when something happens at the same time

6. ab /von...an: indicate when something is starting in the future

Prepositions of Time with Genitive

Rule 3: Here are the prepositions of time followed by the genitive case:

1. während: we use it when two things happen simultaneously

2. innerhalb: indicates that something happens in a certain time period

3. außerhalb: indicates that something happens outside of a certain time period