A2 · GRAMMAR

Verbs with prepositions

Some verbs are always used with a specific preposition: warten auf (to wait for), denken an (to think of). The preposition and case are part of the verb; they cannot be guessed logically and must be memorized together. These prepositional structures also form question words like 'worauf? (what for?)' and short forms like 'darauf (it)'.

In this lesson

1. Verb + preposition together

warten auf + Akk, denken an + Akk, Angst haben vor + Dat.

Ich warte auf den Bus.

I am waiting for the bus.

2. freuen auf / über

auf = for something in the future, über = for something that has happened.

Ich freue mich auf den Urlaub.

I am looking forward to the vacation.

3. Question: wo(r) + preposition

For things: worauf? woran? wofür? For people: auf wen? an wen?

Worauf wartest du?

What are you waiting for?

4. Short form: da(r) + preposition

To avoid repeating a thing: darauf, daran, dafür.

Ich freue mich darauf.

I am looking forward to it.

💡 Write the verb on your flashcard with its preposition and case: warten auf + Akk. Learning verbs without prepositions makes it hard to fix them later.