DativVerb with preposition

zweifeln an + Dativ

to doubt

The verb zweifeln an (to doubt) always goes with the preposition an, and here an takes the Dativ (dative). The preposition an can take the Akkusativ or the Dativ — with zweifeln it is the Dativ, so learn the case together with the verb. The article follows the case: der Plan → am Plan (an + dem contracts to am). To refer back to it, use daran. The question word is Woran: “Woran zweifelst du?”

At a glance

Case	Dativ
Preposition + article	am (masculine)an der (feminine)am (neuter)an den …-n (plural)
Thing → da-word	daran
Question about a thing	Woran …?

Example sentences

Ich zweifle an der Antwort.
Niemand zweifelt am Erfolg.
Manchmal zweifle ich an meiner Entscheidung.
Ich zweifle am Plan.
Niemand zweifelt an der Qualität.
Manchmal zweifle ich an meinem Deutsch.
Ich zweifle am Ergebnis.
Niemand zweifelt an seiner Ehrlichkeit.

Replacing the phrase: daran

Thing

Ich zweifle am Plan.

Ich zweifle daran.

Question: Woran zweifelst du?

Typical mistake

Learners often use in here. With zweifeln in this meaning the preposition is an + Dativ: Ich zweifle am Plan.

All verbs with prepositions Akkusativ vs Dativ

Drill zweifeln an until it sticks

The free preposition trainer asks for the preposition with its article in real sentences, then the da-word and the question word. Verbs you miss come back a few tasks later in a different sentence.