nach
to
Indicates a direction or destination. Often used for cities, countries without an article, and directions like left or right.
EXAMPLE
Wir fahren morgen nach Berlin.
We're driving to Berlin tomorrow.
nach
to / after / according to
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Meanings
nach
after
Indicates a point in time that follows another event.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Essen gehen wir spazieren.
After the meal, we'll go for a walk.
nach
according to
Indicates that something corresponds to a particular source, rule, or opinion; according to.
EXAMPLE
Meiner Meinung nach ist das eine gute Entscheidung.
In my opinion, that is a good decision.
nach
after
Describes an order or sequence.
EXAMPLE
Die Schüler kamen einer nach dem anderen ins Klassenzimmer.
The students came into the classroom one after another.
nach
like / of
Expresses that something has a certain smell, taste, or appearance.
EXAMPLE
Das riecht nach frisch gebackenem Kuchen.
That smells like freshly baked cake.
nach
for
Used with verbs like fragen (to ask), suchen (to search), or rufen (to call) to name the target of the action.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe überall nach meinen Schlüsseln gesucht.
I searched everywhere for my keys.
Usage tips
Always with dative
The preposition 'nach' always takes the dative. Make sure to decline the noun and article after 'nach' correctly.
EXAMPLE
Nach einem langen Arbeitstag bin ich müde.
After a long workday, I'm tired.
Geographic destinations
'Nach' is used for directions to geographic destinations without an article. This applies to cities, continents, and most countries.
EXAMPLE
Im Sommer fliege ich nach Italien.
In the summer, I'm flying to Italy.
Fixed expression
The expression 'nach Hause' (home, toward home) is a fixed exception and means movement to the place where you live. Don't confuse it with 'zu Hause' (at home), which describes being there.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Party fahre ich direkt nach Hause.
After the party, I'm going straight home.
Postposed position
In the meaning 'gemäß' (according to), 'nach' can also stand after the noun or pronoun it refers to. This construction is very common.
EXAMPLE
Meiner Ansicht nach sollten wir das Projekt starten.
In my view, we should start the project.
Sensory impressions
To describe a smell, taste, or impression, 'nach' is combined with verbs of perception such as 'riechen' (to smell), 'schmecken' (to taste), or 'aussehen' (to look).
EXAMPLE
Deine Hände riechen nach Seife.
Your hands smell like soap.
Fixed verbs
There are fixed verb-preposition combinations with 'nach'. Common examples are 'fragen nach' (to ask for/about), 'suchen nach' (to search for), and 'sich sehnen nach' (to long for).
EXAMPLE
Der Tourist fragte nach dem kürzesten Weg.
The tourist asked for the shortest way.
Compare with
nach vs in
in
For destinations, nach is usually used before cities and countries without an article. in with the accusative is used especially with countries that have an article and can also emphasize entering an area. Thus, one travels nach Österreich, but in die Schweiz.
nach
Im Sommer reisen wir nach Österreich.
We’re traveling to Austria this summer.
in
Im Sommer reisen wir in die Schweiz.
We’re traveling to Switzerland this summer.
In real life
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