In German

an

Meaning: at, on (a vertical surface or edge); to (with movement)

Example sentences

  • IchhängedasBildandieWand.

    I hang the picture on the wall.

  • DasBildhängtanderWand.

    The picture hangs on the wall.

  • WirtreffenunsamSee.

    We meet at the lake.

Grammar note

“An” is a two-way preposition: Akkusativ for movement (“wohin?” — where to?), Dativ for location (“wo?” — where?). “Am” is the contraction of “an + dem”.

Common mistake

Don't use Dativ for movement. “Ich hänge das Bild an der Wand” is wrong for the act of hanging it up — that's movement, so it needs Akkusativ: “an die Wand”.

Quick check

Which preposition means “at/on” a vertical surface and takes Akkusativ or Dativ depending on movement?

More words on this topic

aufon (top of a horizontal surface); at (an event)inin, intonebennext to, beside

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Frequently asked questions

What does “am” mean?

“Am” is the contraction of “an dem”, used for Dativ locations, like “am See” (at the lake).

How do I know which case “an” needs?

Ask “wohin?” for movement (Akkusativ) or “wo?” for location (Dativ).