Log inSign up

Der Schlüssel liegt neben dem Computer.

Der Schlüssel liegt neben dem Computer.
The key is lying next to the computer.
FromLesson 12inHardcore German
……

Questions & Answers about Der Schlüssel liegt neben dem Computer.

Why is der used before Schlüssel?
Because Schlüssel is a masculine noun in German. In a simple declarative sentence the subject (nominative case) masculine singular definite article is der.
Why is dem used before Computer instead of den?
The preposition neben takes the dative case when you specify a static location (answering Wo? “where?”). The dative masculine singular article is dem, so neben dem Computer.
When does neben ever take the accusative case?

When you express movement toward a position (answering Wohin? “where to?”). For example:
• Ich lege den Schlüssel neben den Computer.
Here neben governs accusative (den Computer) because it describes the action of placing.

What’s the difference between liegen and legen?

Liegen is an intransitive verb meaning “to lie” or “to be located” (no direct object).
Legen is a transitive verb meaning “to lay” or “to put something down” (requires a direct object).
In your sentence the key already lies there, so you use liegt (3rd person singular of liegen).

Could you also say Der Schlüssel ist neben dem Computer?
Yes. Der Schlüssel ist neben dem Computer is grammatically correct and means the same. However, German often uses location verbs (liegen, stehen, sitzen) for objects in a fixed position.
Why is Computer capitalized?
All German nouns are capitalized, regardless of where they appear in a sentence. Computer is a noun, so it begins with a capital letter.
How would you ask “Where is the key?” in German?

You would say: Wo liegt der Schlüssel?
– Wo = where
– liegt = lies/is located
– subject follows the verb in a question.

Can you change the word order to start with the location?

Yes. German is a V2 (verb‑second) language. You can place Neben dem Computer first and keep the finite verb in second position:
Neben dem Computer liegt der Schlüssel.

More from this lesson

der ChefMein Chef ist heute im Büro.die BesprechungDer Chef plant eine Besprechung.neunNeun Vögel singen im Garten.Die Besprechung beginnt um neun Uhr.nach
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“How do German cases work?”
German has four grammatical cases: nominative (subject), accusative (direct object), dative (indirect object), and genitive (possession). The case determines the form of articles and adjectives. For example, "the dog" is "der Hund" as a subject but "den Hund" as a direct object.

Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor

Start learning German

Master German — from Der Schlüssel liegt neben dem Computer to fluency

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.

  • ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
  • ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
  • ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
  • ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions
Start learning German freeBrowse the full course