A1–A2 Cases Prepositions Reading

Practice German Prepositions of Place and the Dative - Free Game

Location Shooter

Read the phrase, find the duck that is really there.

What you're practicing

Words such as auf, unter and neben tell you where something is. In this game, the phrases describe a location and answer Wo? These two-way prepositions use the dative for that meaning: auf dem Baum, neben der Bank, zwischen den Blumen. For a destination, the same prepositions use the accusative: auf den Tisch. A verb involving movement does not by itself decide the case.

The more you play this game, the better you will be able to understand where an object or person is when someone describes a room, a picture or a meeting place. You can also use the completed phrases as models for describing things around you.

Try a round while you wait for something, or play after a daily habit. Keep the English hint available when you need it, and revisit familiar scenes on another day.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to learn German prepositions of place?

Use a phrase to find a place in a picture. This gives each preposition a clear meaning you can check. After a round, look around your room and try a phrase such as auf dem Tisch or neben der Tür.

Why do these prepositions take the dative here?

The phrases in this game answer Wo? and describe a location, so these two-way prepositions take the dative. A destination answers Wohin? and takes the accusative. Compare Die Ente ist auf dem Tisch with Die Ente springt auf den Tisch. Movement within a location can still use the dative.

Which prepositions does the game cover?

auf, hinter, in, neben, über, unter, vor and zwischen - the everyday two-way prepositions you need to describe where anything is. They come attached to real nouns, so you meet dem, der and den in context rather than in a table.

How is this different from a textbook exercise?

You use each phrase to choose a duck in a scene. This practises understanding the place the words describe. You can then use similar phrases to describe an object in your room or understand someone else's description.

What level is it for, and how often should I play?

The game is for A1–A2 learners and is also useful for reviewing familiar place phrases. Try a short round whenever it fits your day. Returning on different days gives you more chances to meet the same prepositions.

Do I need to understand cases before I start?

You can begin with the pictures and the optional English hint. Watch for repeated combinations such as auf dem and neben der. The examples help you get familiar with the dative forms as you play.

Is there help if I do not know a word yet?

Yes. You can switch on an English hint under each phrase from the menu. Use it for an unfamiliar word, then check how the German phrase matches the scene.