German A2 · Grammar cheat code
State: stehen or liegen. Action: stellen or legen.
State or action?
Where is it? (photo = state)stehen/liegen + Dativ
Where is it going? (video = action)stellen/legen + Akkusativ
Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch.
The book is on the table. (state = Dat)
Ich lege das Buch auf den Tisch.
I put the book on the table. (action = Akk)
Each position has a state verb and an action verb.
| State (Wo? + Dat) | Action (Wohin? + Akk) |
|---|---|
| stehen (stand) | stellen (put upright) |
| liegen (lie) | legen (lay flat) |
| sitzen (sit) | setzen (seat/place) |
| hängen (hang) | hängen (hang up) |
Die Lampe hängt über dem Tisch.
The lamp hangs above the table. (state = Dat)
Setz dich auf den Stuhl!
Sit down on the chair! (action = Akk)
Questions
- What is the rule for Position Verbs?
- State: stehen or liegen. Action: stellen or legen.
- How do I use Position Verbs?
- State verbs are strong (gestanden, gelegen). Action verbs are weak (gestellt, gelegt).
- State or action?
- Where is it? (photo = state): stehen/liegen + Dativ; Where is it going? (video = action): stellen/legen + Akkusativ
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