Dative After Seit

Level 2

seit + Dative = 'since' or 'for'.
Used for ongoing actions in the present tense.

How It Works

The preposition seit is essential for talking about time. Here are the key rules:

1. The Dative Requirement
Every noun following seit must be in the dative case:

  • Masculine/Neuter: seit einem Monat (for a month)
  • Feminine: seit einer Woche (for a week)
  • Plural: seit zwei Jahren (for two years) — Note the extra -n on the plural noun! This applies to all nouns except those already ending in -n or -s.

2. Tense Usage: Ongoing Actions
Because the action started in the past but is still happening, German uses the present tense.
Example: Ich wohne seit einem Jahr hier. (I have been living here for a year — and I still do).

3. 'Seit' vs. 'Für'
English speakers often use "for" for both completed and ongoing durations. In German, use seit for actions that started in the past and continue now. Use für (followed by the accusative case) for a specific, intended duration.
Example: Ich bleibe für eine Woche. (I am staying for a week — a planned duration).

4. 'Seit' vs. 'Vor'
Use seit for actions that continue into the present. Use vor (ago) for actions that were completed in the past.
Example: Ich bin vor einem Jahr umgezogen. (I moved a year ago).

5. 'Seit' vs. 'Ab'
Use seit for points or durations starting in the past. Use ab for starting points in the future.
Example: Ab Montag arbeite ich wieder. (Starting Monday, I am working again).

6. Spelling Trap
Do not confuse the preposition seit (time) with the verb seid (you all are). They sound identical but have completely different meanings.

Examples (4)

  1. Ich lerne seit einem Monat Deutsch.

    I have been learning German for a month.

    Word by Word: I learn since a month German.

    Uses 'seit' + dative masculine 'einem'. The present tense 'lerne' shows the action is ongoing.

  2. Wir wohnen seit der Grundschule in dieser Stadt.

    We have lived in this city since primary school.

    Word by Word: We live since the primary school in this city.

    Uses 'seit' + dative feminine 'der'. It marks a specific starting point in the past.

  3. Er arbeitet seit drei Jahren bei dieser Firma.

    He has been working at this company for three years.

    Word by Word: He works since three years at this company.

    Note the dative plural ending '-n' added to 'Jahre' to become 'Jahren'.

  4. Seit wann bist du hier?

    Since when have you been here?

    Word by Word: Since when are you here?

    'Seit wann' is the standard way to ask 'Since when' for ongoing states.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the past tense for ongoing actions.

    Ich habe seit zwei Jahren hier gewohnt.
    Ich wohne seit zwei Jahren hier.

    In German, if you still live there, you must use the present tense. Using the Perfekt implies the action is finished, which contradicts 'seit'.

  • Using 'für' to express duration of an ongoing action.

    Ich lerne Deutsch für drei Monate.
    Ich lerne seit drei Monaten Deutsch.

    Learners often translate the English 'for' literally as 'für'. However, 'für' is for planned periods, mostly in the future. For time already elapsed and still continuing, use 'seit'.

  • Forgetting the dative plural -n.

    seit zwei Jahre
    seit zwei Jahren

    In the dative plural, most German nouns that don't already end in -n or -s must add an -n.

How It Connects

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Dative After SeitLevel 2

Learn This First

Using dative time expressions with 'seit' requires a solid grasp of the dative case system, specifically how articles change for masculine, feminine, and neuter nouns. It also builds upon the basic understanding of 'seit' as a preposition that always triggers the dative case.

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seit