How to Say “By the” in German

Guten Tag! If you’re looking to learn how to say “by the” in German, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to express this concept formally or informally, we’ll guide you through the various ways to do so. While regional variations exist, we’ll focus on the standard German language. So, let’s dive in and explore the different phrases and tips for using “by the” in German!

Formal Ways

In formal German, there are a few ways to say “by the” depending on the context. Here are some commonly used phrases:

1. Mit Hilfe von – This phrase translates to “by means of” in English. It implies that something is accomplished or achieved through the assistance of someone or something. For example, “Das Projekt wird mit Hilfe von Experten umgesetzt” means “The project is implemented by means of experts.”
2. Durch – This preposition is often used when emphasizing a cause or agent that produces a specific result. For instance, you might say “Der Brief wurde durch den Kurier zugestellt” to mean “The letter was delivered by the courier.”
3. Von – While “von” usually means “from,” it’s occasionally used to express “by the” in formal contexts. For example, you might say “Die Entscheidung wurde von der Kommission getroffen” to mean “The decision was made by the commission.”

Informal Ways

When speaking informally, Germans often employ different phrases to express “by the.” Here are some commonly used ones:

1. Mit – In informal settings, “mit” is the most frequently used preposition to convey “by the.” It implies collaboration or assistance. For instance, you could say “Ich wurde mit dem Auto abgeholt” to mean “I was picked up by the car.”
2. Vom/Von dem – Informally, Germans often contract “von dem” to “vom” when expressing “by the.” For example, you might say “Ich wurde vom Arzt behandelt” to mean “I was treated by the doctor.”

Tips and Examples

To help you better understand how to use these phrases, here are some additional tips and examples:

Tip 1: Remember that German articles (der, die, das) change depending on the case (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive). Make sure to use the appropriate form when combining them with prepositions like “von,” “vom,” or “der.”

Let’s look at some example sentences to illustrate the use of these phrases:

1. Formal Examples:

• “Der Erfolg wurde mit Hilfe von moderner Technologie erreicht.” (The success was achieved by means of modern technology.)
• “Die Daten wurden durch den Computer analysiert.” (The data was analyzed by the computer.)
• “Das Gemälde wurde von einem bekannten Künstler gemalt.” (The painting was painted by a famous artist.)

2. Informal Examples:

• “Ich wurde mit deiner Hilfe fertig.” (I managed with your help.)
• “Das Essen wurde vom Chefkoch zubereitet.” (The food was prepared by the chef.)
• “Ich wurde vom Taxi abgeholt.” (I was picked up by the taxi.)

Remember, these are just a few examples, but they should give you a sense of how to use “by the” in German.

Conclusion

Now you know several ways to express “by the” in German, both formally and informally. Keep in mind that context plays an important role, so it’s essential to choose the appropriate phrase based on the situation. Practice using these phrases in conversations or writing to become more confident in your language skills. Viel Glück (Good luck) as you continue learning German!