an
/an/Used to indicate a specific object or person that is known to the listener or reader.
Ich sehe den Mann an.
I am looking at the man.
Often used with the accusative case in German.
Used to indicate a specific time or date.
Wir treffen uns an Weihnachten.
We meet at Christmas.
Can also be used with certain fixed expressions.
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💡Pro Tip
Accusative Case
Remember that 'an' often requires the accusative case in German, especially when indicating direction.
⚡Gold Rule
Direction vs. Location
Use 'an' with the accusative case for direction (e.g., 'an den See gehen' - 'go to the lake') and with the dative case for location (e.g., 'an dem See sitzen' - 'sit at the lake').
📖Word Origin
From Old High German 'ana', meaning 'on' or 'at'.
📝Usage Notes
The preposition 'an' is often used with the accusative case in German, especially when indicating direction or movement toward something.