Breakdown of Nach der Arbeit hole ich den Staubsauger aus dem Schrank.
ich
I
die Arbeit
the work
nach
after
aus
from
Questions & Answers about Nach der Arbeit hole ich den Staubsauger aus dem Schrank.
Why is nach der Arbeit in the dative case?
Because the preposition nach always governs the dative case in German. That’s why die Arbeit becomes der Arbeit here (feminine singular dative).
Why is nach der Arbeit placed at the beginning of the sentence?
German often puts time expressions at the front for emphasis or style. When a phrase like nach der Arbeit occupies the first position, the finite verb hole must come second (verb-second rule), pushing the subject ich to third position.
Why is den Staubsauger in the accusative case?
Staubsauger is the direct object of the verb holen (to fetch). Direct objects in German take the accusative case, so the masculine definite article der changes to den.
Why does aus dem Schrank use the dative case?
The preposition aus always requires the dative case. Therefore der Schrank (masculine) becomes dem Schrank (masculine singular dative).
What does the verb holen mean here, and how do you conjugate it for ich?