Breakdown of Der Zettel klebt noch am Fenster.
an
at, on (vertical) / to (addressee) / of (in quantity/stock expressions)
das Fenster
the window
noch
still / yet
der Zettel
the note (piece of paper)
kleben
to glue, to stick
Questions & Answers about Der Zettel klebt noch am Fenster.
Why does German use the active verb klebt here instead of a passive form like "is stuck"?
In English, we often describe this state using the passive or an adjective phrase ("is stuck"). In German, kleben works as both a transitive verb (to glue something) and an intransitive verb (to be sticking / to be attached). Here, it is intransitive and actively describes the current state of the note.
Why do we use the dative case in am Fenster (an + dem) instead of the accusative?
The preposition an is a two-way preposition. Because the note is already in a fixed location and not moving towards a new destination, it answers the question "Where?" (Wo?). Therefore, it takes the dative case. If someone were actively sticking the note onto the window, answering "Where to?" (Wohin?), you would use the accusative: ans Fenster.
Why use Zettel here instead of Notiz?
A Zettel refers to the physical piece of paper itself, like a slip, a sticky note, or a scrap. A Notiz refers to the actual message, idea, or information written down. Because we are talking about a physical object stuck to the glass, Zettel is the correct choice.
Since this lesson covers partitive appositions, how would I say "a slip of paper" using Zettel?
You would use a partitive apposition by placing the material right after the noun: ein Zettel Papier. Just like eine Tasse Kaffee (a cup of coffee), the material (Papier) immediately follows the unit (Zettel) without changing its case. You do not need the genitive case or a preposition like "von" for this.
Learn Der Zettel klebt noch am Fenster and more in German
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free