01
zwischen
between
Indicates a position in a place located in the middle of two or more things, people, or places.
example
Das Auto parkt genau zwischen dem Baum und der Laterne.
The car is parked exactly between the tree and the streetlamp.
zwischen
between
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Two-way preposition
'Zwischen' (between) is a two-way preposition. It is used with the dative to describe a position (question: 'Wo?' — where?), and with the accusative to indicate a direction (question: 'Wohin?' — to where?).
EXAMPLE
Der Brief liegt auf dem Tisch zwischen den Büchern. (Dativ)
The letter is lying on the table between the books. (dative)
Word formation
The preposition 'zwischen' (between) is historically related to the number 'zwei' (two). This helps you understand that it always involves a relationship or position involving at least two elements.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt einen geheimen Weg zwischen den beiden Häusern.
There is a secret path between the two houses.
Usage pattern
Logically, 'zwischen' (between) always needs at least two reference points. These are often connected with 'und' (and), as in 'zwischen A und B' (between A and B), or they appear in the plural, as in 'zwischen den Bäumen' (between the trees).
EXAMPLE
Die Entscheidung liegt zwischen dir und mir.
The decision is between you and me.
Typical collocations
To describe a relationship, 'zwischen' (between) is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'Unterschied' (difference), 'Beziehung' (relationship), 'Gespräch' (conversation), 'Konflikt' (conflict), or 'Zusammenarbeit' (cooperation).
EXAMPLE
Der Unterschied zwischen Theorie und Praxis ist groß.
The difference between theory and practice is great.
Making a choice
When it is about a choice, 'zwischen' (between) often appears with verbs like 'wählen' (to choose), '(sich) entscheiden' (to decide), or 'schwanken' (to waver).
EXAMPLE
Ich kann mich nicht zwischen dem roten und dem blauen Hemd entscheiden.
I can't decide between the red and the blue shirt.
Indicating ranges
To indicate an approximate range, 'zwischen' (between) is used with numbers, prices, temperatures, or other units of measurement. It then means 'von ... bis ...' (from ... to ...).
EXAMPLE
Die Temperatur wird morgen zwischen 15 und 20 Grad liegen.
The temperature tomorrow will be between 15 and 20 degrees.
Compare with
zwischen vs von
from / of
'von' and 'zwischen' can both describe a range with a beginning and an end. 'von' is often used together with 'bis' and names the clear starting point: 'von Montag bis Freitag' (from Monday to Friday), 'von 8 bis 12 Uhr' (from 8 to 12 o'clock). 'zwischen' names the space or period in the middle of two points: 'zwischen Montag und Freitag' (between Monday and Friday), 'zwischen 8 und 12 Uhr' (between 8 and 12 o'clock). Learners confuse the words because both can name similar boundaries. 'von ... bis' sounds more precise as a fixed distance or fixed time. 'zwischen ... und' fits well when something lies within that range.
zwischen
Der Techniker kommt heute zwischen zehn und zwölf Uhr.
The technician is coming today between ten and twelve o'clock.
von
Der Kurs dauert von neun bis elf Uhr.
The course lasts from nine to eleven o'clock.
In real life
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