KM2 Kapitel 9 - Erste Stufe Grammatik

To express directions toward a place, German uses different prepostions depending on the nature of the place. The prepositions *nach*, *in*, *an* and *auf* all convey here the meaning of "to a place."

Nach - used with names of cities, states, countries, and islands that are not preceded by an article (such as Italien, Marokko, etc.)

In - used with names of countries and geographic areas that require the use of the definite article.

An - used when referring to bodies of water.

Auf - used when referring to heights or flat surfaces.

The prepositions *an*, *auf* and *in* form contractions with the definite article *das* (ans, aufs, ins).