Question about the usage of "bei"

Deutsch
#1

Hello Everyone,

I have a question regarding the usage of “bei”.

I have seen that when you ask: I need help with some questions, in German, one says: “Ich brauche Hilfe bei einigen Fragen”.

What is the reason that bei must be used and not mit?

Thanks!

Paulo

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#2

Hey @PauloA.
Sadly, we can’t say why the German language uses certain prepositions with certain verbs and why they are often different from English or other languages.
But I have good news for you: The preposition always has an effect on the use of Akkusativ, Dativ and Genitiv! So, when you learn the matching preposition to a certain verb, it’s very easy to know which case (Akkusativ, Dativ or Genitiv) to use.
This little chart may help you: http://lerngrammatik.de/regeln_satz_verben_mit_praeposition_1.htm
Best,
Stephan

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#3

Hi Stephan,

Thanks! OK, it seems like there is a lot of “learn by heart” job to do hahaha.

Have a great weekend!

Paulo

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#4

Sadly… :thinking: :sweat_smile:
That’s why I recommend my students always to learn kind of a chain:

  • verb
  • preposition
  • case (Dativ / Akkusativ / Genitiv)
    Here is an example:
    erinnern (to remember) - an (Preposition) - den Urlaub (Akkusativ)
    If you form a sentence, that becomes even easier:
  • Ich erinnere mich an den Urlaub
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