For You! German Accusative Preposition (für)
für is a strictly Accusative preposition used for recipients, time duration, price, and specific purposes.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
The preposition 'für' always forces the following noun into the Accusative case, meaning masculine articles change from 'der' to 'den'.
- Use 'für' to express purpose or benefit: 'Das Geschenk ist für {den|m} Vater.'
- Always use the Accusative case after 'für': 'Ich kaufe das für {die|f} Mutter.'
- Only masculine nouns change their article: 'der' becomes 'den', while feminine/neuter stay the same.
Overview
German prepositions serve as essential linguistic connectors, establishing relationships between various sentence components, including nouns, pronouns, and verbs. They articulate concepts such as direction, location, time, and abstract connections. For learners, mastering prepositions is fundamental because they dictate the grammatical case of the noun or pronoun they introduce.
This interaction is a cornerstone of German grammar.
Among the array of German prepositions, für (for) stands out due to its unambiguous case governance. Unlike many prepositions that can govern either the Dative or Accusative case depending on the context of motion or location, für is an Accusative-only preposition. This means that any noun or pronoun directly following für must consistently be in the Accusative case, without exception.
This straightforward rule significantly simplifies its application for A1 learners, providing a reliable grammatical anchor.
Understanding für is crucial for expressing core concepts. It allows you to indicate a beneficiary (who receives something), a purpose (what something is intended for), a duration (for how long), and an exchange (what something costs or is traded for). Grasping this rule early on provides a solid foundation for constructing grammatically correct German sentences, moving beyond simple word-for-word English translations.
For example, in Ich kaufe ein Geschenk für den Freund (I buy a gift for the friend), den Freund correctly applies the Accusative to Freund because of für.
How This Grammar Works
Für exclusively governs the Accusative case. This means that when you use für, the article (definite or indefinite) and any accompanying adjective of the noun that follows it must be in their Accusative forms. Similarly, if a personal pronoun follows für, it must take its Accusative form.der and an indefinite article is ein. In the Accusative case, these change to den and einen respectively.-en ending is a clear marker of the masculine Accusative. Consider der Stuhl (the chair, Nominative) becoming für den Stuhl (for the chair, Accusative). Notice the distinct change in the article.die|f, das|n, die|pl) and indefinite articles (eine|f, ein|n) do not visibly change form between Nominative and Accusative. While they are grammatically in the Accusative case due to für, their written appearance remains identical to their Nominative forms. This can make them seem simpler to A1 learners, but it's crucial to internalize that they are indeed in the Accusative case, even without a visible alteration.für:der | den | ein | einen |die | die | eine | eine |das | das | ein | ein |die | die | (no indefinite article) | (no indefinite article) |for the car (neuter), you say für das Auto. If it's for the woman (feminine), you say für die Frau. The key principle is that für consistently demands this Accusative declension pattern for the entire noun phrase that follows it.Formation Pattern
für adheres to a consistent and unwavering pattern: the preposition für is invariably followed by a noun or pronoun that must be in the Accusative case. This pattern is rigid; there are no exceptions where für would govern another case. Your mastery of this pattern depends on memorizing the Accusative forms of articles, personal pronouns, possessive determiners, and eventually, adjective endings.
für + Accusative Noun Phrase (Article + Adjective (optional) + Noun)
für + Accusative Personal Pronoun
für, follow these steps:
für.
Ich kaufe das Buch für den Lehrer. (I buy the book for the male teacher. Lehrer is masculine, so der becomes den.)
Sie backt einen Kuchen für die Familie. (She bakes a cake for the family. Familie is feminine, die remains die in Accusative.)
Wir sparen Geld für ein neues Handy. (We save money for a new mobile phone. Handy is neuter, ein remains ein in Accusative.)
Das ist für die Kinder. (That is for the children. Kinder is plural, die remains die in Accusative.)
I vs. me, he vs. him).
ich (I) | mich |
du (you, sg. informal) | dich |
er (he) | ihn |
sie (she) | sie |
es (it) | es |
wir (we) | uns |
ihr (you, pl. informal) | euch |
sie (they) | sie |
Sie (you, formal) | Sie |
Dieses Geschenk ist für dich. (This gift is for you, informal singular.)
Er hat das Brot für uns gekauft. (He bought the bread for us.)
Ich mache das für ihn. (I am doing that for him.)
Das ist nicht für euch. (That is not for you, informal plural.)
mein, dein, sein, ihr, unser, euer, ihr, Ihr) are used before a noun, they function like articles and must also decline according to the gender and case of the noun. For für, this means they will take Accusative endings.
mein) | Accusative (mein) |
mein | meinen |
meine | meine |
mein | mein |
meine | meine |
Ich suche meinen Schlüssel für das Auto. (I am looking for my key for the car. Schlüssel is masculine, mein becomes meinen.)
Sie kauft ein Buch für ihre Mutter. (She buys a book for her mother. Mutter is feminine, ihre remains ihre.)
Wir haben Geschenke für eure Freunde. (We have gifts for your friends. Freunde is plural, eure remains eure.)
für, it also takes an Accusative ending. The specific ending depends on whether a definite article (der), indefinite article (ein), or no article precedes it. For A1, focus on the most common scenario with articles (weak declension): masculine nouns will take an -en ending on the adjective. For other genders/numbers, the adjective ending will often be -e or -en depending on the article type. This is a more advanced topic, but be aware that adjectives do change.
Ich habe einen Kaffee für den müden Mann. (I have a coffee for the tired man. Masculine Mann, definite article den, so adjective müde takes -en.)
When To Use It
für is employed in several distinct contexts, primarily indicating a benefit, purpose, duration, exchange, representation, or opinion. Understanding these core meanings is key to its correct and idiomatic application.- 1To Indicate a Recipient or Beneficiary: This is arguably the most common use, signifying for whom or for what an action is performed, or who benefits from something. This usage directly answers the question
Für wen?(For whom?).
Das Geschenk ist für dich.(The gift is for you.) – Here,dichis the beneficiary.Ich koche Abendessen für meine Eltern.(I am cooking dinner for my parents.) –meine Elternare the recipients.Er arbeitet hart für seine Familie.(He works hard for his family.) – His family benefits from his work.
- 1To Express Purpose or Intention:
Fürcan specify the aim or reason behind an action or object. This often answers the questionWofür?(What for?).
Wir brauchen mehr Geld für die Reise.(We need more money for the trip.) – The purpose of the money is the trip.Diese App ist für das Lernen von Sprachen.(This app is for learning languages.) – The app's intention/purpose is language learning.Das ist ein Mittel für alle Probleme.(That is a solution for all problems.) – It serves as a solution.
- 1To Specify a Duration or Period of Time: When indicating a fixed, usually definite, period of time,
füris used. This answersWie lange?(How long?). Be careful not to confuse this with ongoing durations (see "When Not To Use It").
Ich fahre für zwei Wochen in den Urlaub.(I'm going on vacation for two weeks.) – A fixed duration of two weeks.Wir haben das Zimmer für eine Nacht reserviert.(We reserved the room for one night.) – A specific period.Er bleibt nur für kurze Zeit.(He's only staying for a short time.) – Indicates a brief, defined period.
- 1To Express Exchange or Price:
Füris used to state the price at which something is bought, sold, or exchanged.
Ich habe das Buch für zwanzig Euro gekauft.(I bought the book for twenty euros.) – The price paid in exchange.Sie hat ihr altes Handy für ein neues Modell eingetauscht.(She traded her old phone for a new model.) – Indicates an exchange.Kannst du das für einen Moment halten?(Can you hold that for a moment?) – Though not monetary, it implies a momentary exchange of effort.
- 1To Mean 'Instead of' or 'On Behalf of' (Representation/Substitution):
Fürcan convey that someone is acting as a substitute or representative for another.
Ich spreche für das ganze Team.(I am speaking for the whole team.) – Representing the team.Kannst du heute für mich arbeiten?(Can you work for me today?) – Substituting for me.Er hat eine Entscheidung für alle getroffen.(He made a decision for everyone.) – On behalf of everyone.
- 1To Express an Opinion or Stance ('In Favor Of'): When you want to state that you are in favor of something or someone,
füris the correct preposition.
Bist du für den Vorschlag oder dagegen?(Are you for the proposal or against it?) – Expressing a stance.Ich bin immer für die Wahrheit.(I am always for the truth.) – Indicating support.
- 1To Indicate Suitability or Appropriateness:
Fürcan describe what something is suitable or appropriate for.
Dieses Wetter ist perfekt für einen Spaziergang.(This weather is perfect for a walk.) – Suitable for a walk.Das ist nichts für mich.(That is nothing for me. / That's not my thing.) – Indicates unsuitability for oneself.
When Not To Use It
für translates to "for" in English, German uses other prepositions or constructions in several contexts where English might use "for." Misusing für in these situations is a common learner error.- 1For Ongoing Duration (Since/For): When expressing a duration that started in the past and continues into the present, German uses
seitwith the Dative case, notfür.
- Incorrect:
Ich warte für eine Stunde. - Correct:
Ich warte seit einer Stunde.(I've been waiting for an hour.) –seitalways triggers Dative, soeiner(feminine Dative) is used. - Incorrect:
Er lebt für zehn Jahre in Berlin. - Correct:
Er lebt seit zehn Jahren in Berlin.(He has been living in Berlin for ten years.)
- 1For a Reason or Cause: To express a reason, German typically uses prepositions like
wegen(because of, Genitive/Dative),aus(from, out of, Dative), orvor(before, from, Dative) depending on the nuance.
- Incorrect:
Sie weint für Freude. - Correct:
Sie weint vor Freude.(She cries for joy.) - Incorrect:
Er konnte für Krankheit nicht kommen. - Correct:
Er konnte wegen Krankheit nicht kommen.(He couldn't come because of illness.)
- 1For Waiting or Expecting Something/Someone: The verb
warten(to wait) is typically followed byauf(on, for) with the Accusative case.
- Incorrect:
Ich warte für dich. - Correct:
Ich warte auf dich.(I am waiting for you.) - Incorrect:
Sie wartet für den Bus. - Correct:
Sie wartet auf den Bus.(She is waiting for the bus.)
- 1For Inviting Someone to Something: The verb
einladen(to invite) takeszu(to) with the Dative case.
- Incorrect:
Ich lade dich für Abendessen ein. - Correct:
Ich lade dich zum Abendessen ein.(I invite you to dinner.zu+dem=zum.)
- 1For Asking/Requesting Something: The verb
bitten(to ask/request) is typically followed byum(around, for) with the Accusative case.
- Incorrect:
Ich bitte dich für Hilfe. - Correct:
Ich bitte dich um Hilfe.(I ask you for help.)
Common Mistakes
für is straightforward due to its consistent Accusative governance, yet several common errors arise, primarily from interference from English or confusion with other German prepositions.- 1Using Dative Instead of Accusative: This is the most frequent and fundamental error. Learners often forget that
füralways demands the Accusative case and mistakenly use Dative articles or pronoun forms, especially after seeingzuormit.
- Mistake:
Das ist für dem Mann.(Using Dativedemfor masculine noun.) - Correction:
Das ist für den Mann.(Mannis masculine, Accusativeden.) - Mistake:
Ich mache das für ihm.(Using Dativeihmfor personal pronoun.) - Correction:
Ich mache das für ihn.(Accusativeihnforer.)
- 1Confusing
fürwithseitfor Duration: As discussed,füris for a fixed, often completed, duration, whileseit(Dative) is for a duration that began in the past and continues to the present.
- Mistake:
Ich lerne Deutsch für drei Jahre.(Implies you finished learning after three years, or will learn for exactly three years.) - Correction:
Ich lerne Deutsch seit drei Jahren.(I have been learning German for three years – ongoing action.) - Correction (for fixed future period):
Ich werde für drei Jahre in Deutschland leben.(I will live in Germany for three years – a defined future period.)
- 1Forgetting Accusative Personal Pronouns: Learners sometimes use Nominative pronouns when Accusative forms are required after
für.
- Mistake:
Dieses Geschenk ist für ich. - Correction:
Dieses Geschenk ist für mich. - Mistake:
Das ist für er. - Correction:
Das ist für ihn.
- 1Incorrect Adjective Endings: While more advanced, forgetting to apply the correct Accusative adjective endings (especially
-enfor masculine nouns afterden/einen) is common.
- Mistake:
Ich habe einen Tee für den neu Kollegen. - Correction:
Ich habe einen Tee für den neuen Kollegen.
- 1Misinterpreting Unchanging Articles: For feminine, neuter, and plural nouns, the articles (
die,das) do not change between Nominative and Accusative. Learners might incorrectly assume that because the article didn't change, the noun phrase is still Nominative, failing to recognize it's grammatically Accusative due tofür.
- While not a direct error in form, it reflects a misunderstanding of the underlying grammar principle. Always remember
fürmeans Accusative, even if the article looks the same.
für.Common Collocations
für enhances your fluency and makes your speech sound more natural. These are phrases where für is an integral part, often with meanings that might not be immediately obvious from a literal translation.für:für mich/dich/ihn/sie/uns/euch/sie/Sie– for me/you/him/her/us/you/them/you (formal)Das ist doch nichts für dich!(That's not for you at all! / That's not your kind of thing!)für immer– foreverWir bleiben für immer Freunde.(We'll be friends forever.)für einen Moment/einen Augenblick– for a momentWarte bitte für einen Moment!(Please wait for a moment!)für eine kurze/lange Zeit– for a short/long timeSie hat nur für eine kurze Zeit dort gearbeitet.(She only worked there for a short time.)für etwas sein / gegen etwas sein– to be for something / to be against somethingBist du für den Plan oder dagegen?(Are you for the plan or against it?)danke für + Accusative– thanks for (something)Danke für deine Hilfe!(Thanks for your help!Hilfeis feminine,deine Hilferemainsdeine Hilfein Accusative.)gut für + Accusative– good for (someone/something)Sport ist gut für die Gesundheit.(Sport is good for your health.)schlecht für + Accusative– bad for (someone/something)Rauchen ist schlecht für die Lunge.(Smoking is bad for the lungs.)wichtig für + Accusative– important for (someone/something)Das Meeting ist wichtig für unsere Zukunft.(The meeting is important for our future.)Zeit für + Accusative haben– to have time for somethingIch habe keine Zeit für so etwas.(I don't have time for something like that.)sich für etwas interessieren– to be interested in something (herefüris part of the verb's fixed preposition,sich interessieren für)Interessierst du dich für Kunst?(Are you interested in art?)für sich (allein)– for oneself (alone)Er lebt ganz für sich allein.(He lives entirely by himself.)
Contrast With Similar Patterns
für or translate as "for" in English. However, their precise meanings and grammatical implications differ significantly. Understanding these contrasts is vital for accurate usage.- 1
für(for) vs.seit(since/for): Duration
für+ Accusative: Used for a fixed, often completed, or future duration. It answersWie lange?(How long?).Ich habe das Auto für drei Jahre gemietet.(I rented the car for three years. – The rental period is defined.)seit+ Dative: Used for a duration that began in the past and continues into the present. It answersSeit wann?(Since when?).Ich wohne seit drei Jahren in Deutschland.(I have been living in Germany for three years. – The living continues.)- Key Distinction:
fürmarks a boundary or a total period;seitmarks a starting point from which an action continues.
- 1
für(for) vs.durch(through): Accusative Prepositions
- Both govern the Accusative case, but their meanings are distinct.
für: Indicates beneficiary, purpose, exchange, duration, etc. No implied movement through something.Das ist ein Brief für meinen Vater.(That is a letter for my father.)durch: Implies movement through an obstacle, medium, or space; also indicates means or cause.Wir gehen durch den Park.(We walk through the park.)Der Erfolg kam durch harte Arbeit.(The success came through hard work.)- Key Distinction:
fürindicates intention/beneficiary,durchindicates passage/method.
- 1
für(for) vs.um(around, at): Accusative Prepositions
- Both are Accusative prepositions but serve different functions.
für: As covered, its main uses are beneficiary, purpose, duration, etc.um: Primarily used for specific times (um 8 Uhr), approximate locations (um den Tisch), quantities (um 10 Euro), or in certain verbal expressions (sich kümmern um– to take care of).Der Film beginnt um acht Uhr.(The movie starts at eight o'clock.)Ich bat ihn um Hilfe.(I asked him for help.)- Key Distinction:
umis precise for time/approximation;füris more about intention/recipient.
- 1
für(for) vs.ohne(without): Accusative Prepositions
- Both are always followed by the Accusative.
für: Expresses inclusion, benefit, or purpose (positive connotation).ohne: Expresses exclusion or absence (negative connotation).Ich kann nicht ohne meinen Kaffee leben.(I can't live without my coffee.)- Key Distinction:
füris 'with' or 'for';ohneis 'without'. They are semantic opposites.
- 1
für(for) vs. Two-Way Prepositions (an,in,auf,über,unter,vor,hinter,neben,zwischen)
- Two-way prepositions take Accusative when indicating motion toward a place (answering
Wohin?– Where to?), and Dative when indicating static location (answeringWo?– Where?). für: Always Accusative, regardless of motion.- Example (Two-way):
Ich gehe in die Küche.(Motion:in+ Accusativedie.)Ich bin in der Küche.(Location:in+ Dativeder.)- Key Distinction:
fürsimplifies case choice; two-way prepositions require you to analyze motion vs. location.
für's specific role in the German case system.Quick FAQ
für.- Is
füralways Accusative?
Für is a fixed Accusative preposition, meaning the noun or pronoun following it will always be in the Accusative case. There are no exceptions.- How do I know the gender of a noun to use the correct article?
der Tisch, die Tür, das Haus). There are some patterns (e.g., nouns ending in -ung are usually feminine), but rote memorization is key at A1.- Does
fürchange its position in a sentence?
Für always precedes the noun phrase or pronoun it governs. It introduces the Accusative object or phrase. It doesn't move around like some verbs or adverbs.- Can
fürbe used withda-words?
da- compound dafür (for it/that). This replaces für + noun phrase. For people, you would still use für + personal pronoun.Ich brauche das Geld. – Wofür? – Dafür.(I need the money. – What for? – For that.)
- What about adjective endings after
für?
der alte Mann), it must also take an Accusative ending. For masculine nouns with definite articles, the adjective will end in -en (e.g., für den alten Mann). For other genders and numbers, the endings are typically -e or -en depending on the article type and specific declension rules.- **Is
fürused for all instances of
Articles after 'für' (Accusative)
| Gender | Nominative | Accusative after 'für' |
|---|---|---|
|
Masculine
|
der
|
den
|
|
Feminine
|
die
|
die
|
|
Neuter
|
das
|
das
|
|
Plural
|
die
|
die
|
Common Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction |
|---|---|
|
für das
|
für's (colloquial)
|
Meanings
The preposition 'für' is used to indicate the beneficiary or the purpose of an action.
Beneficiary
Doing something for the benefit of a person or entity.
“Das ist für {die|f} Frau.”
“Ich arbeite für {die|f} Firma.”
Duration
Indicating a period of time.
“Ich bleibe für {den|m} Tag.”
“Das reicht für {die|f} Woche.”
Exchange
Trading one thing for another.
“Danke für {die|f} Hilfe.”
“Was kostet das für {den|m} Kunden?”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
für + Accusative
|
Das ist für {den|m} Mann.
|
|
Negative
|
für + kein + Accusative
|
Das ist für {keinen|m} Mann.
|
|
Question
|
Für + wen/was + Verb + Subj?
|
Für wen ist das?
|
|
Pronoun
|
für + Accusative Pronoun
|
Das ist für mich.
|
|
Plural
|
für + die + Plural
|
Das ist für {die|f} Kinder.
|
|
Duration
|
für + Accusative Time
|
Ich bleibe für {den|m} Tag.
|
Formality Spectrum
Dies ist ein Geschenk für Sie. (Giving a gift)
Das ist ein Geschenk für dich. (Giving a gift)
Das ist für dich. (Giving a gift)
Ist für dich, Digga. (Giving a gift)
The 'für' Concept Map
Purpose
- Geschenk gift
Beneficiary
- Freund friend
Duration
- Woche week
Article Changes
Examples by Level
Das ist für {den|m} Vater.
This is for the father.
Ein Apfel für {die|f} Mutter.
An apple for the mother.
Das Buch ist für {das|n} Kind.
The book is for the child.
Ich habe Zeit für {den|m} Freund.
I have time for the friend.
Ich bleibe für {die|f} Woche hier.
I am staying here for the week.
Danke für {das|n} Geschenk!
Thanks for the gift!
Das ist für {den|m} Lehrer.
That is for the teacher.
Wir planen das für {den|m} Tag.
We are planning that for the day.
Ich arbeite für {die|f} Firma.
I work for the company.
Was ist der Preis für {das|n} Auto?
What is the price for the car?
Das ist für mich.
That is for me.
Er macht das für {den|m} Erfolg.
He does that for the success.
Es gibt keine Entschuldigung für {das|n} Verhalten.
There is no excuse for the behavior.
Wir suchen jemanden für {die|f} Stelle.
We are looking for someone for the position.
Das ist ein Gewinn für {die|f} Gesellschaft.
That is a gain for society.
Ich habe das für {den|m} Notfall gekauft.
I bought that for the emergency.
Die Entscheidung ist für {die|f} Zukunft wichtig.
The decision is important for the future.
Er steht für {die|f} Freiheit ein.
He stands up for freedom.
Das ist ein Argument für {den|m} Plan.
That is an argument for the plan.
Wir brauchen eine Lösung für {das|n} Problem.
We need a solution for the problem.
Das ist ein Meilenstein für {die|f} Wissenschaft.
That is a milestone for science.
Er opferte alles für {das|n} Ziel.
He sacrificed everything for the goal.
Das ist bezeichnend für {den|m} Stil.
That is characteristic of the style.
Es ist ein Plädoyer für {die|f} Gerechtigkeit.
It is a plea for justice.
Easily Confused
Both can express cause/purpose, but they take different cases.
Both can imply purpose, but 'zu' is often directional.
Learners mix up cases after prepositions.
Common Mistakes
für der Mann
für {den|m} Mann
für dem Kind
für {das|n} Kind
für ein Mann
für {einen|m} Mann
für mein Vater
für {meinen|m} Vater
Ich gehe für {den|m} Supermarkt
Ich gehe zum Supermarkt
Das ist für mich
Das ist für mich
für die Woche
für {die|f} Woche
für wegen des Wetters
wegen des Wetters
für ihm
für ihn
für das ich
für mich
für diejenige Person
für diejenige Person
für das, was er sagte
für das, was er sagte
für denjenigen, der...
für denjenigen, der...
für das, dass...
für das, dass...
Sentence Patterns
Das ist für ___.
Ich bleibe für ___ in Berlin.
Was ist der Preis für ___?
Ich kämpfe für ___.
Real World Usage
Ich suche ein Geschenk für {den|m} Bruder.
Ein Bier für {den|m} Gast.
Das ist für {die|f} Community.
Ich bin für {die|f} Stelle motiviert.
Ich buche das für {die|f} Woche.
Vielen Dank für {die|f} Hilfe.
Focus on Masculine
Don't use Dative
Use Pronouns
Be Polite
Smart Tips
Always check if the noun is masculine; if so, change 'der' to 'den'.
Memorize the Accusative pronouns as a block.
Use 'für' for planned duration.
If you see 'für', stop and think 'Accusative'.
Pronunciation
Vowel length
The 'ü' in 'für' is a rounded front vowel. Keep your lips rounded while saying 'ee'.
Statement
Das ist für {den|m} Vater. ↘
Falling intonation for declarative sentences.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Für is a 'Four-letter' word that forces the Accusative case.
Visual Association
Imagine a gift box with a big 'für' tag on it. Inside the box, the 'der' turns into a 'den' because the box is so heavy it squashes the 'r' into an 'n'.
Rhyme
Für is the key, it makes der into den, you see!
Story
Hans buys a gift for his friend. He says, 'Das ist für {den|m} Freund.' He also buys a cake for his mother. He says, 'Das ist für {die|f} Mutter.' He realizes that only the friend's article changed!
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences using 'für' and different nouns (masculine, feminine, neuter, plural) in the next 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
Germans are very precise about cases. Using the wrong case can sound like a child speaking.
Austrians use 'für' similarly, but often use more formal address.
Swiss German speakers often use 'für' in the same way, though dialectal variations exist.
The preposition 'für' comes from the Old High German 'furi', meaning 'before' or 'in front of'.
Conversation Starters
Für wen ist das Geschenk?
Wie lange bleibst du?
Was ist der Preis für das Auto?
Was ist das Argument für den Plan?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Das ist für ___ (der) Mann.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich kaufe das für dem Kind.
für / das / ist / Vater / den
This is for the friend (masc).
Answer starts with: Das...
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Für ___ (das) Auto.
Ich arbeite für ___ (die) Firma.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesDas ist für ___ (der) Mann.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Ich kaufe das für dem Kind.
für / das / ist / Vater / den
This is for the friend (masc).
für + ich
Für ___ (das) Auto.
Ich arbeite für ___ (die) Firma.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesIch lerne Deutsch für ____ (my) Job.
This is for you (informal).
für / ist / das / mich / .
Match them:
I'm going away for a week.
Was hast du für dem Vater gekauft?
Das Ticket ist für ____ (the) Bus.
Step by step.
The pizza is for them.
Ist das Wasser für ____ (the) Hund?
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
Yes, 'für' is strictly an Accusative preposition.
Because it is in the Accusative case, which marks direct objects or objects of certain prepositions.
No, 'die' remains 'die' in the Accusative.
Never. Using Dative with 'für' is a common mistake.
Yes, it can indicate duration, e.g., 'für eine Woche'.
You say 'für mich'.
It is neutral and used in all registers.
'Für' is for beneficiaries (Accusative), 'wegen' is for reasons (Genitive).
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
para
German requires article changes (Accusative), while Spanish does not.
pour
German requires article changes (Accusative), while French does not.
no tame ni
German is a preposition; Japanese is a postposition.
li-
German uses a separate word; Arabic uses a prefix.
wèi
German has case inflection; Chinese is an isolating language.
for
German requires case inflection; English does not.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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