In vs. An
Learn the difference between "in" and "an" in German, two prepositions that are often confused but have different meanings and functions.
Prepositions can be tricky in any language, and German is no exception. In particular, the prepositions "in" and "an" can be confusing for learners. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the differences between these two prepositions and when to use them.
How to use "in"
"In" is used when something is inside a location or enclosed space.
I live in Berlin.
The book is in the bag.
The children are playing in the park.
How to use "an"
"An" is used when something is at the surface of something or connected to it.
The picture is hanging on the wall.
Somebody's at the door!
The price tag is still stuck to the mirror.
Differences between "in" and "an"
When describing location, "in" indicates being inside of something while "an" indicates being attached to the surface of something.
"In" is used for enclosed spaces while "an" is used for flat surfaces or edges.
The flowers are in the vase.
The cat is lying on the carpet.
The phone is in my pocket.
The poster is hanging on the door.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between "in" and "an" can take time, but practicing with different examples can make it easier. By learning the proper usage of these two prepositions, you can communicate more accurately in German.
