A1 Prepositions 16 min read Easy

Using 'gegen': Against & Around (gegen)

Always follow gegen with the Accusative case to express opposition, physical contact, or approximate time.

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

The preposition 'gegen' always takes the Accusative case and means 'against' or 'around' (time/place).

  • Use 'gegen' to show opposition: Ich bin gegen {den|m} Plan (I am against the plan).
  • Use 'gegen' for approximate time: Wir treffen uns gegen 8 Uhr (We meet around 8 o'clock).
  • Use 'gegen' for physical impact: Er läuft gegen {die|f} Wand (He runs into/against the wall).
gegen + [Accusative Object] = Collision or Approximation

Overview

The German preposition gegen is fundamental for expressing notions of opposition, directionality, and approximation. At its core, gegen signifies 'against' or 'towards a confrontation,' applicable in both literal and figurative senses. This includes physical contact, competition, disagreement, and even the efficacy of remedies.

Crucially, gegen belongs to a specific category of prepositions that always govern the Accusative case. Understanding this immutable grammatical requirement is your first and most vital step toward mastering its usage. While its primary meaning is 'against,' you will also encounter gegen conveying 'around' or 'approximately' when referring to time, adding a layer of nuance essential for natural communication.

From a linguistic perspective, gegen originates from Old High German gagan, meaning 'opposite' or 'towards.' Its consistent Accusative usage reflects its inherent association with direction or purpose toward an object, a characteristic often linked to Accusative prepositions. This consistent behavior simplifies its application, removing the ambiguity associated with two-way prepositions that can take either Dative or Accusative depending on context. For A1 learners, gegen provides a clear, rule-bound entry point into German prepositional grammar, offering a robust foundation for more complex constructions later.

How This Grammar Works

German prepositions like gegen act as case-assigners. This means they dictate the grammatical case of the noun phrase that follows them. For gegen, the rule is absolute: it always requires the Accusative case.
This consistency makes gegen easier to master than some other prepositions. The Accusative case primarily marks the direct object of a verb or, in this context, the object of a preposition that denotes direction, motion towards something, or an abstract opposition. It represents the entity directly affected by the action or the preposition's relation.
When a noun phrase follows gegen, its articles, adjectives, and pronouns must inflect according to the Accusative case. For instance, masculine nouns exhibit a visible change in their definite article from der (Nominative) to den (Accusative). Feminine, neuter, and plural definite articles remain unchanged from their Nominative forms, but they are nonetheless grammatically in the Accusative.
This is a common point of confusion; while the article might look the same, the underlying grammatical relationship is Accusative. For indefinite articles, ein becomes einen, eine remains eine, and ein stays ein. For plurals with indefinite meaning (e.g., 'some books'), no indefinite article is used.
Consider the following table illustrating article changes in the Accusative:
| Case | Masculine | Feminine | Neuter | Plural |
|:-----------|:------------|:------------|:------------|:------------|
| Nominative | der Tisch | die Tür | das Haus | die Leute |
| Accusative | den Tisch | die Tür | das Haus | die Leute |
This table highlights why masculine nouns often stand out to learners: they are the only gender where the definite article overtly signals the Accusative case. This shift from der to den is a key indicator for gegen and other Accusative-only prepositions. For example, you would say gegen den Baum (against the tree, masculine) but gegen die Wand (against the wall, feminine), even though die appears in both Nominative and Accusative forms for feminine nouns.
The inherent Accusative nature of gegen dictates this usage, irrespective of whether the article visibly changes.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming sentences with gegen is straightforward once you internalize its Accusative requirement. The basic structure involves placing gegen immediately before the noun or pronoun that is its object, ensuring that object is in the Accusative case. This pattern applies uniformly across all its meanings.
2
Basic Sentence Structure:
3
Subject + Verb + gegen + Accusative Object
4
Let's break down the formation with examples demonstrating various noun genders and pronouns:
5
Masculine Noun: The article der changes to den. If the object is a personal pronoun, er changes to ihn.
6
Das Kind rennt gegen den Zaun. (The child runs against the fence.)
7
Wir spielen heute Abend gegen ihn. (We are playing against him tonight.)
8
Feminine Noun: The article die remains die. If the object is a personal pronoun, sie remains sie (accusative form).
9
Sie lehnt das Fahrrad gegen die Mauer. (She leans the bicycle against the wall.)
10
Ich habe nichts gegen sie. (I have nothing against her.)
11
Neuter Noun: The article das remains das. If the object is a personal pronoun, es remains es.
12
Der Ball fliegt gegen das Fenster. (The ball flies against the window.)
13
Was hast du gegen es? (What do you have against it? - referring to a neuter object/concept)
14
Plural Noun: The article die remains die. If the object is a personal pronoun, sie remains sie.
15
Die Demonstranten protestieren gegen die Regierung. (The demonstrators protest against the government.)
16
Man kann nichts gegen sie tun. (One can do nothing against them.)
17
This consistent pattern allows you to apply gegen correctly across various contexts, solidifying your understanding of Accusative usage. The key is always to identify the object of gegen and ensure its article or pronoun is inflected for the Accusative case, even if the change isn't always visually obvious.

When To Use It

Gegen serves several distinct functions in German, each revolving around the core concepts of opposition, contact, or approximation. Mastering these applications is crucial for comprehensive understanding.
  1. 1Physical Contact or Collision (Against):
  • Use gegen when describing physical impact, leaning, or motion directed into or against something. This implies a forceful or purposeful interaction with an object, often an obstacle or support. It signifies touching an external surface with some degree of pressure or momentum.
  • Example: Das Auto fuhr gegen den Baum. (The car drove against the tree.) Here, gegen denotes the impact with the tree.
  • Example: Er stellte die Leiter gegen die Wand. (He placed the ladder against the wall.) This shows the ladder leaning with support from the wall.
  1. 1Opposition, Antagonism, or Competition (Against/Versus):
  • This is a very common usage, expressing disagreement, conflict, or rivalry. It can be literal, such as in sports, or figurative, in arguments or political stances.
  • Example: Deutschland spielt heute Abend gegen Spanien. (Germany plays against Spain tonight.) — A clear instance of competition.
  • Example: Ich bin absolut gegen diesen Vorschlag. (I am absolutely against this proposal.) — Expressing strong disagreement.
  1. 1Remedies or Protection (Against/For):
  • When discussing medication or protective measures, gegen indicates what the item is intended to combat or prevent. While translated as 'for' in English, the German implies fighting 'against' an ailment or problem.
  • Example: Hast du etwas gegen Kopfschmerzen? (Do you have something for headaches? Literally: against headaches.) — Seeking a remedy.
  • Example: Dieses Spray schützt gegen Mücken. (This spray protects against mosquitoes.) — Indicating a preventative measure.
  1. 1Approximate Time or Quantity (Around/Approximately):
  • When you are not precise about a time or quantity, gegen offers a convenient way to express approximation. This is less formal than stating an exact time with um.
  • Example: Wir treffen uns gegen acht Uhr. (We'll meet around eight o'clock.) — Indicates a flexible timeframe.
  • Example: Es waren wohl gegen hundert Leute da. (There were probably around a hundred people there.) — Estimating a quantity.
  1. 1Exchange or Countervalue (In Exchange For):
  • Less frequent but present, gegen can also express an exchange. This usage implies that one thing is given in opposition or in return for another.
  • Example: Ich tausche mein Buch gegen dein Fahrrad. (I'll exchange my book for your bike.) — A trade-off.
These varied applications demonstrate gegen's versatility, all while consistently demanding the Accusative case for its object. Recognizing these contexts will help you apply gegen accurately in your German communication.

When Not To Use It

Understanding when gegen is inappropriate is as important as knowing when to use it. Misusing gegen can lead to awkward or incorrect phrasing. Avoid gegen in the following scenarios:
  1. 1Exact Time: Never use gegen when you mean an exact point in time. For precise times, the preposition um is mandatory.
  • Incorrect: Der Zug fährt gegen 10:00 Uhr ab.
  • Correct: Der Zug fährt um 10:00 Uhr ab. (The train departs at 10:00 AM.)
  • If you say gegen 10:00 Uhr, a native speaker will understand you mean approximately 10 AM, which might cause confusion if punctuality is expected.
  1. 1Spatial Location (At, On, In): Gegen denotes movement towards or into something with impact or opposition, not static location. For descriptions of where something is located, other prepositions, often Dative, are used.
  • Incorrect: Das Bild hängt gegen die Wand. (Unless the picture is literally pushed against the wall, falling off.)
  • Correct: Das Bild hängt an der Wand. (The picture hangs on the wall.) — an here implies a fixed position.
  1. 1General Direction (Towards): While gegen can imply direction with impact, for simple, non-confrontational direction, particularly when referring to people or places, zu (Dative) or nach (often with countries/cities) are more appropriate.
  • Incorrect: Ich gehe gegen den Bahnhof. (This would imply you're bumping into the station.)
  • Correct: Ich gehe zum Bahnhof. (I am going to the train station.) or Ich gehe nach Hause. (I am going home.)
  1. 1With certain verbs that already imply opposition: Some German verbs inherently carry a sense of 'against' or 'oppose' and therefore do not require gegen to be explicitly stated, or they take a different preposition entirely.
  • The verb widersprechen (to contradict, to object) already contains the 'against' meaning (wider).
  • Correct: Er widerspricht mir. (He contradicts me.)
  • Incorrect: Er widerspricht gegen mich.
By carefully considering the intended meaning—exactness versus approximation, static location versus dynamic opposition—you can avoid common pitfalls and use gegen with greater precision.

Common Mistakes

Even with its clear Accusative rule, learners frequently encounter specific challenges when using gegen. Being aware of these patterns can help you avoid them.
  1. 1Dative After gegen: This is by far the most prevalent error for A1 learners. Because many other common prepositions (e.g., mit, aus, zu, von, bei) consistently take the Dative, there's a strong tendency to apply this pattern universally. However, gegen strictly adheres to the Accusative.
  • Incorrect: Ich bin gegen dem Plan.
  • Correct: Ich bin gegen den Plan. (I am against the plan.)
  • The temptation arises particularly with masculine nouns, where the Dative article dem sounds plausible but is grammatically incorrect after gegen.
  1. 1Confusing gegen with um for Time: While both deal with time, their meanings are distinct. um is for exact, precise times, whereas gegen denotes approximation.
  • Mistake: Using um for approximate time. Wir treffen uns um sieben. (We meet at exactly seven.) when you mean 'around seven.'
  • Mistake: Using gegen for a fixed appointment. Der Arzttermin ist gegen zehn Uhr. (The doctor's appointment is around ten o'clock.) This could imply you might be late or early, which is usually not acceptable for appointments. Always use um for fixed times.
  1. 1Overuse of gegen for 'Towards': Gegen implies a degree of impact or opposition. For simply moving in a direction, especially without necessarily hitting something, other prepositions are more natural.
  • Incorrect: Ich fahre gegen die Stadt. (This would suggest you are about to collide with the city.)
  • Correct: Ich fahre in die Stadt. (I am driving into the city.) or Ich fahre nach Berlin. (I am driving to Berlin.)
  1. 1Literal Translation of English 'Against': Not all instances of 'against' in English translate directly to gegen. For example, 'against the law' is often wider das Gesetz (formal) or illegal (more common), not typically gegen das Gesetz in everyday speech, though gegen ein Gesetz verstoßen (to violate a law) uses gegen.
  • While gegen das Gesetz is understandable, more idiomatic expressions exist. The key is to learn the specific German phrasing rather than relying on direct translation.
These common mistakes often stem from transfer errors from English or overgeneralization of other German prepositional rules. Consistent practice with Accusative case identification and context-specific usage will help overcome them.

Common Collocations

German, like any language, features frequent pairings of gegen with specific verbs, nouns, and adjectives, forming idiomatic expressions. Learning these collocations will significantly enhance your fluency and naturalness in spoken and written German. These phrases often don't have direct, word-for-word English equivalents but convey nuanced meanings.
Here are some essential collocations with gegen:
  • Verbs with gegen:
  • kämpfen gegen (to fight against): Sie kämpfen gegen die Ungerechtigkeit. (They fight against injustice.)
  • sich wehren gegen (to defend oneself against): Man muss sich gegen Mobbing wehren. (One must defend oneself against bullying.)
  • protestieren gegen (to protest against): Die Studenten protestieren gegen die Studiengebühren. (The students are protesting against the tuition fees.)
  • verstoßen gegen (to violate/act against): Er hat gegen das Gesetz verstoßen. (He has violated the law.)
  • austauschen gegen (to exchange for): Ich möchte mein altes Handy gegen ein neues austauschen. (I want to exchange my old phone for a new one.)
  • Nouns/Adjectives with gegen:
  • ein Mittel gegen (a remedy for/against): Gibt es ein Mittel gegen Erkältung? (Is there a remedy for a cold?)
  • eine Impfung gegen (a vaccination against): Die Impfung gegen Grippe ist wichtig. (The vaccination against flu is important.)
  • freundlich/nett/gemein gegen (friendly/nice/mean towards someone): Sei nicht so gemein gegen ihn. (Don't be so mean towards him.)
  • allergisch gegen (allergic to): Ich bin allergisch gegen Nüsse. (I am allergic to nuts.)
  • vorsichtig gegen (careful with/against): Sei vorsichtig gegen den Hund. (Be careful with the dog.)
These collocations demonstrate how gegen integrates into fixed expressions, often modifying the verb or adjective to specify the object of the action or state. Incorporating these into your vocabulary will make your German sound much more natural and sophisticated.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

To truly grasp gegen, it is helpful to differentiate it from other prepositions or structures that might appear similar but carry distinct meanings or grammatical requirements. This comparative analysis clarifies its unique role.
  1. 1gegen vs. um (Time):
  • As noted, this is a frequent point of distinction. um specifies an exact point in time, while gegen indicates an approximation.
| Preposition | Meaning | Example (Accusative) |
|:------------|:----------------|:-------------------------------|
| um | at (exact time) | Der Laden öffnet um neun Uhr. |
| gegen | around (approx.)| Der Laden öffnet gegen neun Uhr. |
Using um for an approximate time is incorrect and will be perceived as stating a precise time. Conversely, using gegen for a fixed appointment can be seen as impolite or unclear.
  1. 1gegen vs. an (Physical Contact/Position):
  • an is a two-way preposition, meaning it can take either Dative (for location/position) or Accusative (for direction to a surface). gegen, however, is exclusively Accusative and implies a more forceful or direct opposition/contact.
  • an (Dative - position): Das Bild hängt an der Wand. (The picture hangs on the wall – static location.)
  • an (Accusative - direction): Ich hänge das Bild an die Wand. (I hang the picture onto the wall – motion to a surface.)
  • gegen (Accusative - impact/leaning): Der Stuhl stößt gegen den Tisch. (The chair bumps against the table – impact/opposition.)
The critical difference is that an describes contact on a surface (which can be static or involve motion to that surface), while gegen describes motion into or against a solid object, often with an implication of resistance or impact.
  1. 1gegen vs. für (Opinion/Purpose):
  • Both gegen and für (for) are Accusative prepositions, but they express diametrically opposed ideas when it comes to opinions or support.
| Preposition | Meaning | Example (Accusative) |
|:------------|:----------------------|:---------------------------------|
| für | for, in favor of | Ich bin für deine Idee. |
| gegen | against, opposed to | Ich bin gegen deine Idee. |
These are clear antonyms in contexts of agreement or disagreement, making their distinction straightforward.
  1. 1gegen vs. wider:
  • While both translate to 'against,' wider is significantly more formal, archaic, and less common in everyday German. It appears in fixed expressions, especially legal or literary contexts, and also takes the Accusative. For general use, gegen is always the preferred choice.
  • wider Erwarten (contrary to expectations)
  • wider besseres Wissen (against one's better judgment)
For A1 learners, focusing exclusively on gegen is sufficient. You will rarely encounter wider in contemporary informal communication.

Quick FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about using gegen:
  • Q: Does gegen ever take the Dative case?
  • A: No, never. Gegen is an Accusative-only preposition. If you see it with a Dative noun, it is grammatically incorrect in standard German.
  • Q: Can I use gegen for people?
  • A: Yes, absolutely. Gegen can refer to people when expressing opposition, competition, or an adverse relationship. For example: Er hat etwas gegen mich. (He has something against me.) or Ich spiele gegen meinen Bruder. (I play against my brother.)
  • Q: How do I say "against the" for neuter nouns with gegen?
  • A: You use gegen das for neuter singular nouns. For instance, gegen das Fenster (against the window). There are no common contractions like gegens in standard German, so always use the full form gegen das.
  • Q: Is gegen used for abstract concepts or only physical objects?
  • A: Gegen is used for both. You can be gegen das System (against the system), gegen den Krieg (against the war), or have ein Argument gegen eine Idee (an argument against an idea). Its versatility extends beyond the physical realm to encompass abstract opposition and disagreement.
  • Q: If I'm unsure whether to use um or gegen for time, what's a safe bet?
  • A: If the exact time is important (e.g., appointments, train schedules, precise deadlines), always use um. If you are providing a casual estimate and flexibility is acceptable, gegen is appropriate. When in doubt, prioritize clarity with um if precision matters.
  • Q: Are there regional differences in gegen usage?
  • A: While the core grammatical rule (Accusative only) remains constant, some regional dialects might use gegen in slightly different idiomatic ways or might have their own preferred expressions. However, for standard A1 German, the rules outlined here are universally applicable and understood across German-speaking regions. Stick to these guidelines for clear and correct communication.
This comprehensive understanding of gegen will enable you to use this vital German preposition accurately and confidently in diverse contexts, from everyday conversation to more formal expressions.

Gegen + Accusative Case

Article Type Nominative Accusative (after gegen)
Masculine
{der|m}
{den|m}
Feminine
{die|f}
{die|f}
Neuter
{das|n}
{das|n}
Plural
die
die

Common Contractions

Preposition Article Contraction
gegen
das
gegens (rare/informal)

Meanings

A preposition indicating physical contact, opposition, or approximate time.

1

Opposition

Being against an idea or person.

“Ich bin gegen {den|m} Vorschlag.”

“Sie kämpfen gegen {die|f} Ungerechtigkeit.”

2

Approximation (Time)

Around a specific time.

“Wir kommen gegen {den|m} Abend.”

“Das Konzert beginnt gegen 20 Uhr.”

3

Physical Contact

Moving into or hitting something.

“Er stößt gegen {die|f} Tür.”

“Der Ball fliegt gegen {das|n} Fenster.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Using 'gegen': Against & Around (gegen)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subj + gegen + Acc
Ich bin gegen {den|m} Plan.
Negative
Subj + nicht + gegen + Acc
Ich bin nicht gegen {die|f} Idee.
Question
Gegen + Acc + Subj + Verb?
Gegen {den|m} Plan bist du?
Time
Gegen + Time
Wir treffen uns gegen 8.
Collision
Subj + Verb + gegen + Acc
Er läuft gegen {die|f} Wand.
Posture
Subj + lehnt + gegen + Acc
Ich lehne gegen {den|m} Tisch.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Ich lehne den Plan ab.

Ich lehne den Plan ab. (Opinion)

Neutral
Ich bin gegen {den|m} Plan.

Ich bin gegen {den|m} Plan. (Opinion)

Informal
Ich bin voll gegen {den|m} Plan.

Ich bin voll gegen {den|m} Plan. (Opinion)

Slang
Der Plan? Bin ich voll dagegen!

Der Plan? Bin ich voll dagegen! (Opinion)

Uses of Gegen

Gegen

Opposition

  • gegen {den|m} Plan against the plan

Time

  • gegen 8 Uhr around 8 o'clock

Collision

  • gegen {die|f} Wand against the wall

Examples by Level

1

Ich bin gegen {den|m} Plan.

I am against the plan.

2

Wir treffen uns gegen 8 Uhr.

We meet around 8 o'clock.

3

Der Ball fliegt gegen {die|f} Tür.

The ball flies against the door.

4

Er läuft gegen {das|n} Auto.

He runs into the car.

1

Bist du gegen {den|m} Vorschlag?

Are you against the proposal?

2

Das Konzert endet gegen Mitternacht.

The concert ends around midnight.

3

Sie lehnt sich gegen {den|m} Stuhl.

She leans against the chair.

4

Wir kämpfen gegen {die|f} Kälte.

We fight against the cold.

1

Es gibt viele Argumente gegen {den|m} Bau.

There are many arguments against the construction.

2

Wir sollten gegen {das|n} Ende des Tages fertig sein.

We should be finished towards the end of the day.

3

Er ist gegen {die|f} neue Regelung.

He is against the new regulation.

4

Das Auto ist gegen {den|m} Baum geprallt.

The car crashed into the tree.

1

Die Stimmung im Team ist gegen {den|m} Chef gerichtet.

The mood in the team is directed against the boss.

2

Gegen {die|f} Erwartungen hat er gewonnen.

Contrary to expectations, he won.

3

Wir müssen gegen {das|n} Vergessen arbeiten.

We must work against forgetting.

4

Gegen {den|m} Abend wird es kühler.

Towards the evening, it gets cooler.

1

Gegen {den|m} Strom zu schwimmen ist oft schwierig.

Swimming against the current is often difficult.

2

Die Maßnahmen richten sich gegen {die|f} Inflation.

The measures are directed against inflation.

3

Er hat gegen {das|n} Gesetz verstoßen.

He violated the law.

4

Gegen {den|m} Willen der Eltern reiste sie ab.

Against the parents' will, she left.

1

Gegen {den|m} Lauf der Zeit ist kein Kraut gewachsen.

There is no remedy against the passage of time.

2

Die Klage richtet sich gegen {die|f} Entscheidung.

The lawsuit is directed against the decision.

3

Gegen {das|n} Ende des Jahrhunderts änderte sich alles.

Towards the end of the century, everything changed.

4

Er stemmt sich gegen {den|m} Widerstand.

He braces himself against the resistance.

Easily Confused

Using 'gegen': Against & Around (gegen) vs Gegen vs. Um

Both relate to time.

Using 'gegen': Against & Around (gegen) vs Gegen vs. Für

Both express stance.

Using 'gegen': Against & Around (gegen) vs Gegen vs. Wider

Both mean against.

Common Mistakes

Ich bin gegen der Plan.

Ich bin gegen {den|m} Plan.

Gegen requires Accusative, so der becomes den.

Wir treffen uns gegen 8 Uhr genau.

Wir treffen uns gegen 8 Uhr.

Gegen implies approximation, so 'genau' is contradictory.

Er läuft gegen das Wand.

Er läuft gegen {die|f} Wand.

Wand is feminine.

Ich bin gegen für den Plan.

Ich bin gegen {den|m} Plan.

Don't double up prepositions.

Gegen der Abend ist es kalt.

Gegen {den|m} Abend ist es kalt.

Abend is masculine.

Ich bin gegen an dem Plan.

Ich bin gegen {den|m} Plan.

Gegen is the only preposition needed.

Wir treffen uns gegen die 8.

Wir treffen uns gegen 8.

Don't use an article with time unless specified.

Er hat gegen das Gesetz gehandelt.

Er hat gegen {das|n} Gesetz gehandelt.

Correct, but ensure case consistency.

Gegen die Erwartung habe ich gewonnen.

Gegen {die|f} Erwartungen habe ich gewonnen.

Usually plural.

Ich bin gegen den Vorschlag nicht.

Ich bin nicht gegen {den|m} Vorschlag.

Word order.

Gegen den Willen des Vaters.

Gegen {den|m} Willen des Vaters.

Correct, but watch the genitive following it.

Er stemmt sich gegen der Widerstand.

Er stemmt sich gegen {den|m} Widerstand.

Accusative error.

Sentence Patterns

Ich bin gegen ___.

Wir treffen uns gegen ___ Uhr.

Er ist gegen ___ gelaufen.

Gegen ___ ist kein Kraut gewachsen.

Real World Usage

Social Media very common

Ich bin gegen {die|f} neue App-Änderung!

Texting constant

Treffen wir uns gegen 7?

Job Interview occasional

Ich bin nicht gegen {den|m} Vorschlag.

Travel common

Wir kommen gegen {den|m} Abend an.

Food Delivery occasional

Die Lieferung kommt gegen 20 Uhr.

Debate common

Gegen {die|f} Argumente habe ich nichts.

💡

Check the Gender

Always check the gender of the noun. If it's masculine, you MUST change 'der' to 'den'.
⚠️

Don't use Dative

Never use Dative after 'gegen'. It is strictly Accusative.
🎯

Time Approximation

Use 'gegen' for time when you aren't sure of the exact minute.
💬

Be Direct

Germans use 'gegen' to state their position clearly. It's not rude, it's efficient.

Smart Tips

Always change 'der' to 'den' after 'gegen'.

Ich bin gegen der Plan. Ich bin gegen {den|m} Plan.

If you aren't sure of the exact time, use 'gegen'.

Wir treffen uns um 8 Uhr (but you are late). Wir treffen uns gegen 8 Uhr.

Use 'gegen' to show the direction of impact.

Er ist an die Wand gelaufen. Er ist gegen {die|f} Wand gelaufen.

Use 'gegen' to be clear and direct.

Ich mag den Plan nicht. Ich bin gegen {den|m} Plan.

Pronunciation

/ˈɡeːɡən/

Gegen

The 'g' sounds are hard, like in 'go'. The 'en' at the end is a schwa sound.

Statement

Ich bin gegen {den|m} Plan. ↘

Falling intonation for a firm opinion.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Gegen is a 'G' word for 'Going against' or 'Getting close to' (time).

Visual Association

Imagine a person walking into a wall (collision) while looking at their watch (time) and shaking their head 'no' (opposition).

Rhyme

Gegen is the case we use, for the Accusative we choose!

Story

Hans was against the new rule. He walked against the wind to the meeting. He arrived around 5 o'clock and accidentally bumped against the door.

Word Web

gegenAccusativedenWandUhrPlan

Challenge

Write 3 sentences using 'gegen' about your day: one for time, one for an opinion, one for a physical object.

Cultural Notes

Germans value directness. Using 'gegen' to express disagreement is common and not necessarily rude.

Austrians might use 'gegen' similarly, but often prefer 'wider' in very formal legal contexts.

In spoken Swiss German, 'gegen' is often replaced by 'gäge'.

Derived from Old High German 'gagan', meaning 'towards' or 'against'.

Conversation Starters

Bist du gegen {den|m} neuen Plan?

Wann treffen wir uns? Gegen 8?

Was hältst du von dem Projekt?

Wie stehst du zu den neuen Regeln?

Journal Prompts

Write about a rule you don't like.
Describe a time you were late.
Argue for or against a new law.
Reflect on a conflict you had.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct


Incorrect

Correct

Test Yourself

Fill in the correct article.

Ich bin gegen ___ (der) Plan.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: den
Gegen requires Accusative, masculine becomes den.
Choose the correct preposition. Multiple Choice

Wir treffen uns ___ 8 Uhr.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: gegen
Gegen is used for approximate time.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Er läuft gegen der Wand.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er läuft gegen die Wand.
Wand is feminine.
Order the words. Sentence Building

gegen / bin / ich / den / Plan

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich bin gegen den Plan.
Standard word order.
Translate to German. Translation

I am against the idea.

Answer starts with: Ich...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich bin gegen die Idee.
Idee is feminine.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Around 8
Gegen means approximate.
Select the correct case. Multiple Choice

Er stößt gegen ___ (das) Fenster.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: das
Neuter in Accusative remains das.
Fill in the blank.

Wir kämpfen gegen ___ (die) Ungerechtigkeit.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: die
Feminine in Accusative remains die.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the correct article.

Ich bin gegen ___ (der) Plan.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: den
Gegen requires Accusative, masculine becomes den.
Choose the correct preposition. Multiple Choice

Wir treffen uns ___ 8 Uhr.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: gegen
Gegen is used for approximate time.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Er läuft gegen der Wand.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er läuft gegen die Wand.
Wand is feminine.
Order the words. Sentence Building

gegen / bin / ich / den / Plan

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich bin gegen den Plan.
Standard word order.
Translate to German. Translation

I am against the idea.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich bin gegen die Idee.
Idee is feminine.
Match the meaning. Match Pairs

Gegen 8 Uhr

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Around 8
Gegen means approximate.
Select the correct case. Multiple Choice

Er stößt gegen ___ (das) Fenster.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: das
Neuter in Accusative remains das.
Fill in the blank.

Wir kämpfen gegen ___ (die) Ungerechtigkeit.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: die
Feminine in Accusative remains die.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank Fill in the Blank

Bist du ___ diesen Vorschlag?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: gegen
Fix the pronoun Error Correction

Er ist gegen mir.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er ist gegen mich.
Put the words in order Sentence Reorder

gegen / wir / spielen / Profis / die

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wir spielen gegen die Profis.
Translate to German Translation

Around 10 o'clock.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Gegen 10 Uhr.
Match the German phrase to its use Match Pairs

Match the following:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Gegen 8 Uhr = Time
Which medicine phrase is right? Multiple Choice

Ich brauche ein Mittel ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: gegen Husten
Fill in the article Fill in the Blank

Das Kind drückt gegen ___ Fenster. (neuter)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: das
Find the case error Error Correction

Lehn dich nicht gegen den Tür.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Lehn dich nicht gegen die Tür.
Translate the sport context Translation

Germany plays against France.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Deutschland spielt gegen Frankreich.
Pronoun choice Fill in the Blank

Alle sind für den Plan, nur du bist gegen ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ihn

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Yes, it is strictly an Accusative preposition.

No, use 'um' for exact time.

Because it is in the Accusative case.

No, it is just a direct way to express opposition.

Yes, 'Ich bin gegen ihn' (I am against him).

Yes, to express disagreement with proposals.

'Wider' is archaic or very formal.

Think of 'G' for 'Going against'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish high

contra

No article declension in Spanish.

French high

contre

French uses different words for time and opposition.

German self

gegen

N/A

Japanese moderate

ni taishite

Postposition vs. Preposition.

Arabic moderate

didda

No temporal usage.

Chinese moderate

duì

No case declension.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!