When should I use the dative case and the accusative case with the preposition "in"?

The accusative case is used when there is movement from one point to another. For example, in the sentence, "Ich gehe in die Stadt" which means "I'm going into town" we use the accusative case, as this implies the person has moved from one location to another. However, in the sentence "Ich bin in der Stadt" "I am in town/ in the city", we use the dative case, as the person is saying they are in a certain location, and no movement is implied.

SH
Answered by Susannah H. German tutor

1903 Views

See similar German A Level tutors

Related German A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is it "Ich wohne hier seit 4 Jahren" and not "Ich habe hier seit 4 Jahren gewohnt"?


How do I form the passive in different tenses?


When do you use the different cases?


Which adjective ending should I use for a masculine noun?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning