für
for
Indicates the recipient or beneficiary of an action or thing; expresses a purpose.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe ein Geschenk für dich gekauft.
I bought a gift for you.
für
for
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Meanings
für
for
Indicates a duration of time.
EXAMPLE
Wir fahren für zwei Wochen in den Urlaub.
We're going on vacation for two weeks.
für
for
Indicates a price or exchange value.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe das Fahrrad für 100 Euro bekommen.
I got the bike for 100 euros.
für
for
Expresses agreement with or support for an idea, person, or thing.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin für deinen Vorschlag, wir sollten das so machen.
I'm for your suggestion; we should do it that way.
für
for
Used to make a comparison in relation to a particular standard or expectation.
EXAMPLE
Für einen Montag ist heute erstaunlich wenig Verkehr.
For a Monday, there is surprisingly little traffic today.
für
for
Means 'instead of' or 'on behalf of'.
EXAMPLE
Da meine Kollegin krank ist, spreche ich heute für sie.
Since my colleague is sick, I'm speaking for her today.
Usage tips
Always with accusative
The preposition 'für' always requires the accusative. Make sure to decline the article and pronoun after 'für' correctly.
EXAMPLE
Diese Blumen sind für meine Mutter.
These flowers are for my mother.
Purpose and goal
In addition to a recipient, 'für' can also express a purpose or goal. It then answers the question 'Wofür?' (for what?) or 'Zu welchem Zweck?' (for what purpose?). In this case, it is often followed by an abstract noun.
EXAMPLE
Wir lernen für die Prüfung.
We're studying for the exam.
Indicating duration
When 'für' indicates a duration of time, it describes the planned length of a future or present event. Typical combinations are 'für einen Tag' (for one day), 'für ein paar Stunden' (for a few hours), or 'für immer' (forever).
EXAMPLE
Ich bin für drei Tage auf Geschäftsreise.
I'm on a business trip for three days.
Expressing agreement
The phrase 'für etwas sein' (to be for something) is very common for expressing agreement. It is often used in contrast to 'gegen etwas sein' (to be against something).
EXAMPLE
Bist du für oder gegen die neue Regelung?
Are you for or against the new regulation?
Comparative statement
In this meaning, 'für' introduces a comparison. The structure is often: 'Für [Bezugsgröße] ist/hat [Subjekt] ...' (For [reference point], [subject] is/has ...). This puts a statement in relation to an expectation.
EXAMPLE
Für sein Alter ist er schon sehr reif.
For his age, he is already very mature.
Typical combinations
When 'für' means 'anstelle von' (instead of), it is often used with verbs like 'sprechen' (to speak), 'antworten' (to answer), or 'einspringen' (to step in) to express representation or substitution.
EXAMPLE
Der Anwalt spricht für seinen Mandanten.
The lawyer speaks for his client.
Compare with
für vs zu
to / too / closed
„zu“ and „für“ can both be used with a gift and a birthday. „Zum Geburtstag“ names the occasion for giving the gift, while „für den Geburtstag“ refers more to the gift’s intended purpose or timing. When the birthday celebration is the occasion, „zu“ usually fits; when the focus is on how the gift will be used, „für“ is used.
für
Ich habe für den Geburtstag ein Buch als Geschenk gekauft.
I bought a book as a gift for the birthday.
zu
Ich habe dir zum Geburtstag ein Buch gekauft.
I bought you a book for your birthday.
In real life
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