Erweiterter Genitivgebrauch
Genitiv erweitert — for English Speakers
Introduction
Beyond basic possession, the genitive case appears with formal prepositions (aufgrund, innerhalb, angesichts, infolge) and fixed expressions. These prepositions have English equivalents (due to, within, in view of, as a result of), but English never changes the article after them. German requires full genitive case marking. This level of formality is common in business German, news, and academic writing.
German vs English
In German
Aufgrund des schlechten Wetters (due to the bad weather)
In English
Due to the bad weather
Key Difference
Same meaning; German requires genitive article + adjective + noun endings after 'aufgrund'.
In German
Innerhalb eines Jahres (within a year)
In English
Within a year
Key Difference
English 'within' takes no case; German 'innerhalb' demands genitive: eines Jahres.
Common Mistakes for English Speakers
Aufgrund dem schlechten Wetter.
Using dative instead of genitive — 'aufgrund' requires genitive, not dative.
Innerhalb ein Jahr.
Forgetting genitive endings — English 'within a year' needs no endings, so learners skip them.
Practice Examples
Angesichts der Lage müssen wir handeln.
In view of the situation, we must act.
Innerhalb weniger Wochen hat sich viel verändert.
Within a few weeks, a lot has changed.
Aufgrund seines Alters konnte er nicht teilnehmen.
Due to his age, he couldn't participate.
Memory Tip
Formal prepositions + genitive = business German. If it sounds formal in English (due to, in view of), it takes genitive in German.
View Grammar Rule
Erweiterter Genitivgebrauch
Genitiv erweitert — B2
Practice Exercises
Erweiterter Genitivgebrauch Übungen
8 exercises
Other Languages
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