neben
next to
Indicates a position directly at the side of something (where?). Used with the dative.
EXAMPLE
Die Apotheke ist direkt neben der Post.
The pharmacy is right next to the post office.
neben
next to / besides
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
neben
next to
Indicates movement to a place directly at the side of something (to where?). Used with the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Setz dich doch bitte neben mich.
Please sit down next to me.
neben
besides
Means 'in addition to' or 'apart from'.
EXAMPLE
Neben seiner Arbeit als Lehrer schreibt er auch Bücher.
Besides his work as a teacher, he also writes books.
neben der Spur sein
to be out of it
Colloquial for being confused, unfocused, or not oneself.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Nacht war er am nächsten Tag völlig neben der Spur.
After the long night, he was completely out of it the next day.
neben
compared to
Expresses a comparison; in relation to.
EXAMPLE
Neben einem professionellen Sportler wirkt mein Training wie ein Kinderspiel.
Compared to a professional athlete, my training seems like child's play.
Usage tips
Two-way preposition
In its spatial meaning, 'neben' (next to) is a two-way preposition. The question 'Wo?' (where?) takes the dative, while the question 'Wohin?' (to where?) takes the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Dein Schlüssel liegt neben dem Buch. (Wo? -> Dativ)
Your key is lying next to the book. (Where? -> dative)
Grammar note
While the spatial meaning of 'neben' (next to) can take the dative or accusative, the figurative meanings 'zusätzlich zu' (in addition to) and 'im Vergleich zu' (compared to) always require the dative.
EXAMPLE
Neben dem Studium hat er keine Zeit für Hobbys.
Besides his studies, he has no time for hobbies.
Typical use
In the meaning 'zusätzlich zu' (in addition to), 'neben' (besides) often introduces a secondary thought or additional information. It frequently appears at the beginning of a sentence, followed by the dative.
EXAMPLE
Neben Deutsch spricht sie auch fließend Spanisch und Englisch.
Besides German, she also speaks fluent Spanish and English.
Colloquial expression
The idiom 'neben der Spur sein' (to be out of it) is colloquial. It means that someone is unfocused, confused, or not in their normal form.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe schlecht geschlafen und bin heute total neben der Spur.
I slept badly and am totally out of it today.
Use as comparison
When 'neben' (compared to) expresses a comparison, it places two things in relation to each other. It is often used to emphasize a strong contrast.
EXAMPLE
Neben seiner riesigen Villa sieht unser Haus winzig aus.
Compared to his huge villa, our house looks tiny.
Compare with
neben vs zu
to / too / closed
In a request to sit down, „zu“ indicates joining a person or group. „Neben“, on the other hand, specifies the exact place directly beside someone. Choose „neben“ when the immediate seating position is important.
neben
Setz dich bitte neben Anna an den Tisch.
Please sit next to Anna at the table.
zu
Setz dich bitte zu Anna an den Tisch.
Please sit with Anna at the table.
In real life
Loading video examples...