01
durch
through
Describes movement from one side of an object or space to the other.
example
Wir sind mit dem Fahrrad durch den Tunnel gefahren.
We rode our bikes through the tunnel.
durch
through / by
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Fixed case
The preposition 'durch' always requires the accusative. No matter which meaning it is used in, the following noun or pronoun is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Er schaut durch das Fenster.
He looks through the window.
Context clue
You can often recognize the spatial and causal meanings from the noun. If 'durch' refers to a place (e.g., city, door), it is about movement. If it refers to an abstract concept (e.g., chance, work), it is about the cause or means.
EXAMPLE
Sie liefen durch den Wald.
They ran through the forest.
As a separable prefix
'Durch' can also be a separable prefix. In verbs like 'durchlesen' (to read through) or 'durcharbeiten' (to work through), it often means carrying out an action completely from beginning to end.
EXAMPLE
Bitte lies den Vertrag sorgfältig durch.
Please read the contract through carefully.
Use in the passive
In passive sentences, 'durch' is used to name the cause or means of an action. It often refers to impersonal forces, events, or intermediaries.
EXAMPLE
Viele Häuser wurden durch das Erdbeben zerstört.
Many houses were destroyed by the earthquake.
Colloquial expression
The expression 'mit etwas durch sein' is colloquial and means 'to be finished with something'. The person who is finished appears at the beginning of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin für heute mit meinen Aufgaben durch.
I’m done with my tasks for today.
Compare with
durch vs von
from / of
'von' and 'durch' can both explain in passive sentences why something happens or by whom it is done. 'von' usually names the person acting or a specific body or office: someone does something. 'durch' more often names the means, the path, or a cause, especially when no single person is the focus. Learners confuse them because both can appear after a passive construction. Practical tip: ask yourself whether you want to name the person or agent doing the action. Then 'von' often fits. If you mean the cause or the means, 'durch' often fits.
durch
Durch den starken Regen wurde die Straße gesperrt.
The road was closed because of the heavy rain.
von
Der Brief wurde von Frau Müller unterschrieben.
The letter was signed by Ms. Müller.
In real life
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