01
mit
with
Expresses accompaniment or togetherness; means 'together with.'
example
Ich gehe heute Abend mit Freunden ins Kino.
I'm going to the movies with friends this evening.
mit
with
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Preposition with dative
The preposition 'mit' always requires the dative. This is a fixed rule that applies to all meanings of 'mit.'
EXAMPLE
Fährst du mit dem Zug oder mit dem Auto?
Are you going by train or by car?
Person or tool?
Pay attention to the context: 'mit' + person usually means accompaniment (together with). 'Mit' + object usually means that the object is being used as a tool or means.
EXAMPLE
Ich spreche mit meiner Chefin.
I'm speaking with my boss.
Indicating the means
When 'mit' indicates a means, tool, or mode of transport, it answers the question 'Womit?' (with what?). This use is very common in everyday life.
EXAMPLE
Womit hast du das Paket geöffnet? - Mit einer Schere.
What did you open the package with? - With scissors.
Manner
The combination 'mit' + noun can describe the manner of an action, similar to an adverb. Typical phrases are 'mit Freude' (with joy), 'mit Geduld' (with patience), or 'mit Absicht' (on purpose).
EXAMPLE
Er hat mir mit großer Freude geholfen.
He helped me with great joy.
Indicating age
The expression 'mit' + number + 'Jahren' is used to indicate the age at which a person performed a certain action or was in a certain state.
EXAMPLE
Mit sechs Jahren habe ich gelernt, Fahrrad zu fahren.
At six, I learned to ride a bike.
Compare with
mit vs aus
from / out
'mit' and 'aus' can both explain how something is connected to an action or thing. 'mit' is often used for a tool, a means, a characteristic, or the manner of an action. 'aus' is used when naming the material or the reason. Learners may confuse the words, for example in sentences like 'mit Holz arbeiten' (to work with wood) and 'aus Holz sein' (to be made of wood). 'Mit Holz arbeiten' means: wood is the material you use. 'Aus Holz' means: something is made of wood. Similarly, 'mit Interesse' (with interest) describes the manner, but 'aus Interesse' (out of interest) names the reason.
mit
Er repariert den Stuhl mit einem kleinen Werkzeug.
He repairs the chair with a small tool.
aus
Der Tisch in der Küche ist aus altem Holz.
The table in the kitchen is made of old wood.
In real life
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