Learning German verbs is only half the battle. To speak correctly, you need to know which preposition follows the verb and which case (Akkusativ or Dativ) that preposition demands.
Instead of memorizing a list of 200 verbs, focus on these essential combinations organized by your learning level.
Level A1: The Essentials (Survival German)
At the A1 level, you focus on personal information, hobbies, and basic needs.
| Verb + Preposition | Case | English | Example Sentence |
| warten auf | Akk. | to wait for | Ich warte auf den Bus. |
| sprechen mit | Dat. | to speak with | Ich spreche mit dem Lehrer. |
| denken an | Akk. | to think of | Ich denke an dich. |
| kommen aus | Dat. | to come from | Er kommt aus der Schweiz. |
Level A2: Daily Life & Communication
At A2, you start describing your feelings, interests, and past events.
| Verb + Preposition | Case | English | Example Sentence |
| sich freuen auf | Akk. | look forward to | Ich freue mich auf den Urlaub. |
| träumen von | Dat. | to dream of | Sie träumt von einem Haus. |
| sich interessieren für | Akk. | to be interested in | Interessierst du dich für Kunst? |
| telefonieren mit | Dat. | to talk on phone with | Ich telefoniere mit meiner Mutter. |
Level B1: Expressing Opinions & Context
At B1, you move into more abstract topics, discussions, and specific reactions.
| Verb + Preposition | Case | English | Example Sentence |
| nachdenken über | Akk. | to reflect on | Ich denke über das Problem nach. |
| sich erinnern an | Akk. | to remember | Er erinnert sich an den Film. |
| sich beschweren über | Akk. | to complain about | Wir beschweren uns über den Lärm. |
| gehören zu | Dat. | to belong to | Das gehört zu mir. |
How to Study This List (The “Case” Shortcut)
- The “Mit” Rule: If a verb uses mit, it is always Dativ. (sprechen mit, telefonieren mit, anfangen mit).
- The “Future/Past” Joy: Use sich freuen auf for things in the future (I can’t wait!) and sich freuen über for things in the present/past (I am happy about this gift).
- The Person Rule: Verbs involving mental focus on a person or object (denken an, warten auf) almost always take the Akkusativ.
Pro Tip: Don’t write down just the verb. Write the whole “chunk”: warten auf + Akkusativ. This saves you from making case mistakes later!
Final Thoughts
Mastering these verbs is the bridge between being a beginner and becoming an intermediate speaker. Pick 5 verbs from your current level and try to use them in a conversation this week!
Next Step: Are you confused about why auf sometimes takes Akkusativ and sometimes Dativ? Learn the secret in our guide to Verbs with Prepositions: Akkusativ or Dativ?