entlang
along
As a postposition (placed after the noun) with the accusative, to describe movement parallel to something long.
EXAMPLE
Wir sind gestern den ganzen Fluss entlang gewandert.
Yesterday we hiked along the entire river.
entlang
along
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Meanings
entlang
along
As a preposition (placed before the noun) with the dative, to describe movement or position parallel to something.
EXAMPLE
Entlang dem Weg standen viele alte Eichen.
Along the path stood many old oak trees.
entlang
along
As a preposition (placed before the noun) with the genitive, to describe movement or position parallel to something. This form is more formal and less common.
EXAMPLE
Die Demonstration zog entlang des Boulevards.
The demonstration moved along the boulevard.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'entlang' (along) is a compound of 'ent-' and 'lang' (long). It describes a movement or position that extends over the length of something, in other words parallel to it.
EXAMPLE
Eine lange Allee führte zum Schloss.
A long avenue led to the castle.
Placed after with accusative
The most common and a special use of 'entlang' (along) is after the noun. In this case, 'entlang' always requires the accusative. This word order is unusual for a preposition in German.
EXAMPLE
Wir spazierten die Promenade entlang.
We walked along the promenade.
Placed before with dative
When 'entlang' (along) comes before the noun, it is used like a normal preposition. In modern language, it then usually takes the dative.
EXAMPLE
Entlang dem Flussufer gibt es einen schönen Radweg.
Along the riverbank there is a beautiful bike path.
Register: genitive
Using 'entlang' (along) before the noun with the genitive is also correct, but is considered very formal or literary. It is rare in normal usage.
EXAMPLE
Entlang des alten Kanals standen prächtige Villen.
Along the old canal stood magnificent villas.
Compare with
entlang vs lang
long
Entlang and lang can describe movement parallel to a river or path. Entlang is a preposition placed before or after the noun and changes the form of the noun phrase, while lang is an adverb that comes after the noun. Both forms are possible, but their placement differs.
entlang
Wir gingen den Fluss entlang.
We walked along the river.
lang
Wir gingen den Fluss lang.
We walked along the river.
In real life
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