In German
von
Meaning: from, of (often a person or starting point)
Example sentences
DasGeschenkistvonmeinerFreundin.
The gift is from my girlfriend.
WirkommenvonderArbeit.
We're coming from work.
DasistdieTaschevondemMann.
That's the man's bag.
Grammar note
“Von” always takes Dativ. It marks origin from a person or starting point (“von meiner Freundin”), and in spoken German it often replaces the Genitiv for possession: “die Tasche von dem Mann” instead of “die Tasche des Mannes”.
Common mistake
Don't think “von” and “aus” are interchangeable. “Von” is for people or general starting points; “aus” is specifically for coming out of an enclosed place, like a city or building.
Quick check
Which preposition means “from” a person, and often replaces the Genitiv in speech?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Can “von” replace the Genitiv?
Yes, in everyday speech: “die Tasche von dem Mann” is common instead of the more formal “die Tasche des Mannes”.
What does “vom” mean?
“Vom” contracts “von dem”, as in “vom Arzt” (from the doctor).