auf dem
/aʊ̯f dem/word by word
The English phrase "on the" is translated into German as auf dem.
auf dem is a prepositional phrase used to describe a position atop a surface.
Which one should you use?
auf dem describes a static position (where something is), whereas auf das describes a direction of movement (where something is being placed).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes to auf der when the noun following it is feminine and in the dative case. The phrase changes to auf das (or the contraction aufs) if the preposition is used with an accusative noun to indicate movement toward a surface.
How do you pronounce it?
/aʊ̯f dem/
Did you know?
- Certain idioms use auf dem in ways that defy physical logic, such as auf dem Schlauch stehen, which means to be clueless or stuck on a thought.
- The preposition auf is used in the phrase auf der Stelle, which literally means 'on the spot' but is used as a command meaning 'immediately'.
- The English word 'up' and the German auf share the same Proto-Germanic ancestor, even though 'up' usually implies a direction and auf often implies a fixed position.
Examples in context
- Er saß auf dem Kai.He was sitting on the quay.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase auf dem in the context of a location.Tatoeba #11529430 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #303258 by sundown
- Er saß auf dem Bett.He sat on the bed.This sentence shows how to use auf dem with a piece of furniture.Tatoeba #897769 by Esperantostern, translation #292659 by CK
- Sie ist auf dem Klo.She's on the loo.This sentence demonstrates the use of auf dem in an informal setting.Tatoeba #1812439 by pne, translation #6570795 by sundown
- Der Schreibtisch steht auf dem Boden.The desk is on the floor.
- Die Tasse steht auf der Kommode.The cup is on the dresser.
- Das Buch liegt auf der Bank.The book is on the bench.
- Die Blumen liegen auf den Tischen.The flowers are on the tables.
- Die Geschenke stehen auf den Stühlen.The gifts are on the chairs.
- Die Katze liegt auf'm Sofa.The cat is on the couch.
- Die Schilder hängen auf den Bäumen.The signs are hanging on the trees.
- 1543 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are in the living room looking for a remote.
- JulianWo ist die Fernbedienung?Where is the remote control?
- JuliaSie liegt auf dem Tisch.It is lying on the table.
- JulianIch sehe sie nicht.I don't see it.
- JuliaSchau mal genau hin, Julian.Look closely, Julian.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (auf, dem) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auf, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
