Learn Hardcore German: Der Hund sitzt auf der Bank, und dahinter fließt ein breiter Fluss. - The dog sits on the bench, and behind it flows a wide river.

Because auf can take either dative (location) or accusative (movement) depending on context. Here the dog is already sitting (a static location), so we use the dative case. Bank is feminine (die Bank), so dative singular is der. If the dog were moving onto the bench, you’d use auf die Bank (accusative).

How do we know Bank means “bench” here and not a financial institution?

Context is key. A dog “sitting on” something strongly suggests a bench, not a bank. Also, the following clause about a river flowing behind supports an outdoor scene. In German, Bank can mean either “bench” or “bank,” so you pick the meaning that makes sense.

What does dahinter mean and how is it formed?

dahinter is a prepositional adverb meaning “behind it” or “behind that.” It combines da (“there”) + hinter (“behind”). Instead of saying hinter der Bank, you can shorten it to dahinter when the reference is clear.

Why is the word order dahinter fließt ein breiter Fluss instead of dahinter ein breiter Fluss fließt?

German main clauses follow the Verb-Second (V2) rule: whatever you put in first position (here dahinter) must be followed immediately by the conjugated verb (fließt). The subject (ein breiter Fluss) then comes after the verb.

Why does breiter take the ending -er in ein breiter Fluss?

With an indefinite article in the nominative masculine singular, adjectives take the strong ending -er. The pattern is: ein + breit-ER + Fluss.

Why is there a comma before und in this sentence?

Standard German doesn’t require a comma before und when simply linking two main clauses, but writers sometimes insert it for clarity or stylistic emphasis. In modern usage it’s usually omitted, but it’s not strictly wrong here.

Could we say hinter der Bank instead of dahinter? What’s the difference?

Yes. hinter der Bank is a full prepositional phrase (“behind the bench”), while dahinter is a compact prepositional adverb (“behind it/that”). Both are correct, but dahinter is more concise once the reference is clear.

Why is the simple present tense used for sitzt and fließt instead of a continuous/progressive form?

German doesn’t have a distinct progressive aspect like English. The simple present covers both ongoing actions and general truths. If you want to stress “right now,” you can add gerade (e.g. Der Hund sitzt gerade auf der Bank).

Why is the dog introduced with a definite article (der Hund) but the river with an indefinite article (ein breiter Fluss)?

Using der Hund implies a specific dog (perhaps previously mentioned or in view). ein breiter Fluss introduces a new, unspecified river into the narrative. Definite vs. indefinite articles help manage what’s already known vs. what’s new.

What’s with the ß in fließt, and can I type ss instead?

In standard German (Germany/Austria), ß (Eszett) denotes a long /s/ after a long vowel or diphthong (here ie). Writing ss instead (as in Swiss standard) isn’t correct in Germany/Austria. To type ß, switch to a German keyboard layout or use an Alt code (Alt+0223).