an
/an/
In German, 'on' can be expressed as an. Wiktionary also lists bei.
Meaning: positioned at or resting against the outer surface of, attached to (prep)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| an | /an/ |
| bei | /baɪ̯/ |
an is a preposition used to describe something positioned at or resting against an outer surface, or something that is attached to something else. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'along' or 'forwards' to indicate the continuation of an action.
Which one should you use?
In German, the choice of preposition for 'on' depends on the orientation of the contact. Use an for vertical contact, such as a picture on a wall or for contact at a boundary or edge. In contrast, use auf for horizontal contact, such as a book on a table.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When an is used as a separable prefix in a verb, it often moves to the end of the sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/an/
Did you know?
- The word an can be used to express the idea of 'on' in a metaphorical sense, such as an der Macht meaning 'in power', treating power as a boundary or point of contact.
- The German word an shares a common linguistic ancestor with the English word 'on', both originating from Proto-Germanic roots.
- When an is used as a separable prefix in verbs, it can completely change the meaning to 'on' in the sense of 'switching on', as in anschalten.
Examples in context
- Sie zog sich an.She put on her clothes.This sentence shows how to use an when referring to putting on clothes.Tatoeba #2201767 by Espi, translation #7385882 by CH
- Tom zog sich an.Tom put on some clothes.This sentence demonstrates the use of an with clothing.Tatoeba #2924226 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2924228 by CK
- Ich rief sie an.I called her on the phone.This sentence illustrates using an in the context of making a phone call.Tatoeba #3128326 by samueldora, translation #2610563 by Amastan
- 3884 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix is helping Laura hang a picture in the living room.
- FelixSoll ich das Bild an die Wand hängen?Should I hang the picture on the wall?
- LauraJa, bitte häng es genau dort an die Wand.Yes, please hang it right there on the wall.
- FelixIst es jetzt gerade an der Wand?Is it straight on the wall now?
- LauraJa, das sieht perfekt aus!Yes, that looks perfect!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “on” translations and entries an, bei, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries an, bei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
