This lesson focuses on the preposition ‘für’, one of the most commonly used in German language. Below, we outline its grammar, main uses and common mistakes.
Basic Grammar Rule
The preposition ‘für’ always governs the accusative case. This means that any noun or pronoun following it must be in the accusative case.
Main uses of the preposition ‘für’
The preposition has various meanings depending on the context:
The golden rule to remember is that ‘für’ is always followed by the accusative case. Its main functions are outlined below:
1. Recipient or purpose
It is used to indicate the person or object for whom or for which something is intended.
Description: It indicates who receives something or the purpose for which an object has been purchased.
Key examples:
Dieses Geschenk ist für dich
This gift is for you
Sie macht alles für ihre Familie
She does everything for her family
2. Benefit, Importance or Health
This usage indicates whether something is beneficial or relevant to someone or something.
Description: It is used to refer to a positive or negative impact on health or one’s career.
Examples:
Das Essen ist nicht gut für deine Gesundheit
Food isn’t good for your health
Das ist wichtig für meine Karriere
This is important for my career
3. Planned or Future Duration
It is used to refer to a period of time that is yet to come or has been scheduled.
Description: It is essential not to confuse this with periods of time that have already elapsed in the past, in which case the word ‘lang’ would be preferred.
Examples:
Ich bleibe für eine Wochein Berlin
I’m staying in Berlin for a week
Wir fahren für drei Tagenach Hamburg
We’re off to Hamburg for three days
4. Support, Favour or Agreement
It is used to show support for an idea, a law or a person.
Description: It indicates support or approval of something or someone.
Examples:
Ich bin für dieses neue Gesetz
I am in favour of this new law
Wer ist für die Idee?
Who is in favour of the idea?
5. Transactions, Prices and Exchanges
This is the standard preposition used when talking about money or exchanging one thing for another.
Description: It is used to specify the cost of a product or the item given in exchange for another.
Examples:
Ich habe das Auto für 10.000 €gekauft
I bought the car for €10,000
Ich habe meinen alten Laptop für einen neueneingetauscht
He sold the book for just €5
Mistakes to avoid
It is a common mistake to use ‘für’ when referring to a duration that has already been completed in the past.
Correct usage: For past durations, the preposition is usually omitted or the word lang is used at the end of the time expression.
Example: ‘Ich war drei Tage lang in Berlin’ (I was in Berlin for three days).
Contrast: Only use für if the event is a plan or a scheduled stay in the future: ‘Ich fahre für drei Tage nach Berlin’.