Präpositionalglied

Präpositionalglied is a term used in German grammar to describe a sentence element that is introduced by a preposition. It typically functions as an adverbial or as a complement within a sentence. A Präpositionalglied consists of a preposition followed by a noun or pronoun in a specific case, which is determined by the preposition itself. These prepositions often govern either the accusative or dative case, and in some instances, the genitive case.

The function of a Präpositionalglied can vary. It can provide information about time, place, manner, cause, or purpose. For example, in the sentence "Er wohnt in Berlin," the Präpositionalglied "in Berlin" indicates the location. In "Sie spricht mit Geduld," the phrase "mit Geduld" describes the manner of speaking. Some verbs require a specific Präpositionalglied as a complement to complete their meaning. For instance, the verb "warten" is often followed by the preposition "auf" and a noun in the accusative case, as in "Ich warte auf den Bus."

Identifying a Präpositionalglied involves looking for a preposition that connects to a noun or pronoun. The case of the noun or pronoun following the preposition is crucial for correct grammatical analysis and is dictated by the specific preposition used. The term is essential for understanding sentence structure and the relationships between different parts of a German sentence.