In German

für

Meaning: for

Example sentences

  • DasGeschenkistfürdenMann.

    The gift is for the man.

  • IcharbeitefürdieFirma.

    I work for the company.

  • VielenDankfürdasBuch.

    Thank you for the book.

Grammar note

“Für” always takes Akkusativ, the same fixed group as “durch”, “gegen”, “ohne” and “um”. It's one of the first Akkusativ prepositions learners meet, often in “danke für” (thanks for).

Common mistake

Don't use Dativ after “für” by analogy with “danke” taking a Dativ object elsewhere — “danke für das Buch” is still Akkusativ, because “für” itself always governs Akkusativ.

Quick check

Which preposition means “for” and always takes Akkusativ?

More words on this topic

durchthroughgegenagainst; versusohnewithout

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Frequently asked questions

Is “für” always Akkusativ, even in “danke für”?

Yes — “für” is a fixed Akkusativ preposition no matter what verb comes before it.

What other prepositions are in the same fixed-Akkusativ group?

“durch”, “gegen”, “ohne” and “um”.