01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 06
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 have to do with purpose or aim, but they appear in different structures. 'zu' often comes before an infinitive, for example in 'Zeit haben, etwas zu machen' (to have time to do something) or 'um etwas zu lernen' (in order to learn something). 'für' comes before a noun or pronoun and often names the recipient, the benefit, or the purpose of something. Learners confuse the words because both can express a kind of purpose. Pay attention to the form that follows: an infinitive verb with 'zu', a noun or person with 'für'.
für
Diese Tasche ist für meine Schwester.
This bag is for my sister.
zu
Ich habe heute keine Zeit, den Antrag auszufüllen.
I don't have time today to fill out the application.
In real life
Loading video examples...