mit
with (accompaniment) · with (means/instrument) · with (inclusion) · at (age, time)
Mit means 'with' and is one of the most common German prepositions. It always takes the dative case. It is used for accompaniment, means, manner, and many idiomatic expressions.
What mit means
- with (accompaniment) — when someone or something is together with another person or thing
- with (means/instrument) — when indicating the tool, means, or manner used to do something
- with (inclusion) — when including something or someone, often in phrases like 'mit mir' (with me)
- at (age, time) — when indicating age or a point in time, e.g., 'mit 20' (at 20)
Heard in real German videos
Lines where mit was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Und was ist mit dir, Kumpel?And what about you, buddy?
- Werde eins mit den Burgern.Become one with the burgers.
- Immer mit der Ruhe.Take it easy.
Example sentences
- Ich gehe mit meiner Freundin ins Kino.I'm going to the cinema with my girlfriend.
- Er schreibt mit einem Bleistift.He writes with a pencil.
- Mit 18 darf man in Deutschland Auto fahren.At 18 you can drive a car in Germany.
- Kommst du mit?Are you coming along?
Grammar
| Case | dative |
|---|
Always use the dative case after 'mit'. For example: mit dem Mann, mit der Frau, mit den Kindern.
Common phrases
- mit der Ruhecalm down, take it easy
- mitkommento come along
- mit etwas einverstanden seinto agree with something
- mit jemandem sprechento talk with someone
- mit der Zeitover time, gradually
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often forget that 'mit' always takes the dative case, so they might say 'mit der Hund' instead of 'mit dem Hund'. Remember: after 'mit', use dem/der/dem/den (dative articles).
Don’t confuse it with
- bei — 'Bei' means 'at' or 'near' a place or person, while 'mit' means 'with' in the sense of together or using.
- ohne — 'Ohne' means 'without' and takes the accusative case, while 'mit' means 'with' and takes the dative.
Questions learners ask
What case does 'mit' take?
'Mit' always takes the dative case. For example: mit dem Mann, mit der Frau, mit den Kindern.
How do you say 'with me' and 'with you' in German?
'With me' is 'mit mir' and 'with you' (informal singular) is 'mit dir'. For formal 'you', it's 'mit Ihnen'.
Can 'mit' be used as a separable prefix?
Yes, 'mit' can be a separable prefix on verbs, e.g., 'mitkommen' (to come along), 'mitbringen' (to bring along). In main clauses, the prefix goes to the end: 'Ich komme mit.'