German Preposition Notebook Tricks and Tips

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Translating 'For' in Time Expressions

In time expressions, 'for' most often expresses duration; für is rarely acceptable, and never is the best translation in this meaning.

Example 1

'They have been here for three weeks.'

Situation

Action expressed by the verb started in the past and is still going on. English has for and present perfect.

Solution

Use (schon) seit and present tense.
Sie sind (schon) seit drei Wochen da.

 

Example 2

'Thomas travelled around in Germany for a month.'

Situation

Action took place entirely in the past.

Solution

Use "accusative of duration" with no preposition and appropriate past tense.
Thomas ist einen Monat in Deutschland herumgereist.

 

Example 3

'We are going to Switzerland for a week.'

Situation

Action takes place in the future.

Solution

Use "accusative of duration" with no preposition, or else auf + accusative, with present or future tense.
Wir fahren (auf) eine Woche in die Schweiz.

'For' also can express a deadline; bis 'by (a deadline) is most appropriate, although für is acceptable in some cases.

 

Example 4

'Please read Chapter 2 for Monday.'

Situation

A deadline is set for completing a task.

Solution

Use bis with accusative.
Lesen Sie bitte Kapitel 2 bis Montag.

For an occasion / holiday / meal

For a reason

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