Contracted Preposition-Article Forms

Level 2

In German, prepositions often merge with the definite article (the). These contractions are the standard, natural way to speak and write. Using the full form (e.g., 'in dem') instead of the contraction ('im') usually sounds robotic or implies you are pointing at a very specific object.

How It Works

Contracted prepositions, or Verschmelzungen, are not just optional shortcuts like 'don't' in English; in many cases, they are grammatically required for natural German.

1. Dative Contractions (-m and -r)
These are the most common and are mandatory in almost all contexts:

  • am (an + dem): am Montag (on Monday)
  • beim (bei + dem): beim Essen (during the meal)
  • im (in + dem): im Haus (in the house)
  • vom (von + dem): vom Chef (from the boss)
  • zum (zu + dem): zum Bahnhof (to the station)
  • zur (zu + der): zur Schule (to the school)

2. Accusative Contractions (-s)
These fuse with the neuter article das. While ins and ans are the most frequent, others are also standard in written German:

  • ans (an + das): ans Meer (to the sea)
  • ins (in + das): ins Kino (into the cinema)
  • ums (um + das): ums Haus (around the house)
  • durchs (durch + das): durchs Fenster (through the window)
  • aufs (auf + das): aufs Dach (onto the roof)
  • fürs (für + das): fürs Kind (for the child)

3. When NOT to contract
You must use the full, separate words if:

  • You want to emphasize that specific one (demonstrative use): In dem Haus (da) wohne ich. (I live in THAT house there.)
  • The article introduces a relative clause: In dem Haus, das dort steht...

Examples (5)

  1. Wir gehen heute Abend ins Kino.

    We are going to the cinema tonight.

    Word by Word: We go today evening into-the cinema.

    'ins' is the contraction of 'in' + 'das'. It is the standard way to say you are going to the cinema.

  2. Ich bin am Montag beim Arzt.

    I am at the doctor's on Monday.

    Word by Word: I am on-the Monday at-the doctor.

    'am' (an dem) is used for days, and 'beim' (bei dem) is used for locations involving people or businesses.

  3. Das ist ein Geschenk zum Geburtstag.

    That is a gift for the birthday.

    Word by Word: That is a gift to-the birthday.

    'zum' (zu dem) is a fixed part of many expressions involving events or purposes.

  4. Sie fährt jeden Tag zur Arbeit.

    She drives to work every day.

    Word by Word: She drives every day to-the work.

    'zur' is the contraction of 'zu' + 'der' (feminine dative). It is very common with feminine nouns like 'Arbeit' or 'Schule'.

  5. Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch.

    The book is lying on the table.

    Word by Word: The book lies on the table.

    Note that 'auf dem' is NOT usually contracted in formal writing, though you might hear 'aufm' in very casual speech.

Common Mistakes

  • Using contractions with feminine nouns in the accusative.

    Ich gehe in die (ins) Bäckerei.
    Ich gehe in die Bäckerei.

    Contractions like 'ins' or 'ans' only work with neuter nouns (das). Feminine accusative 'die' never contracts with prepositions.

  • Trying to contract with indefinite articles (a/an).

    Ich wohne im (in einem) Hotel.
    Ich wohne in einem Hotel.

    'im' specifically means 'in THE hotel'. If you mean 'in A hotel', you must use the full indefinite article 'in einem'.

  • Avoiding contractions to sound 'more formal'.

    Ich bin in dem Haus.
    Ich bin im Haus.

    Unlike English, where 'do not' is more formal than 'don't', using 'in dem' instead of 'im' sounds unnatural and suggests you are pointing at a specific house.

How It Connects

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Contracted Preposition-Article FormsLevel 2

Learn This First

To understand contracted prepositions, you must first be familiar with the definite articles in the accusative and dative cases, as these forms (dem, der, das) are what fuse with the prepositions. Additionally, knowing the basic prepositions that trigger these cases is essential.

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zuransvom