The preposition between (między)

The Preposition "między" (Between)

To describe an object located between two other things, we use the spatial preposition między. When expressing a static location (answering the question "where?"), this preposition always requires the Instrumental case.

There is a special rule for the word "and" in this structure. When saying "between X and Y" in Polish, you must use the conjunction a instead of "i". Both of the surrounding objects must be in the Instrumental case, creating the pattern: między [X] a [Y].

between
między

Let's apply this to furniture placement. As a quick review of the Instrumental endings you will need:

  • Masculine and neuter nouns typically take -em or -iem (regałem, fotelem, łóżkiem, oknem)
  • Feminine nouns take (kanapą, szafą)
  • Plural nouns take -ami (drzwiami)
The armchair stands between the sofa and the bookcase.
Fotel stoi między kanapą a regałem.
The mirror hangs between the window and the door.
Lustro wisi między oknem a drzwiami.
The dog is sleeping between the sofa and the armchair.
Pies śpi między kanapą a fotelem.
The rug lies between the bed and the desk.
Dywan leży między łóżkiem a biurkiem.

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