Adjective + preposition: 'reich an' (rich in, + dative)

Adjektiv + Präposition: 'reich an' (+ Dat.)

'reich an' (rich in) takes 'an' + .

Structure

reich + an + Dativ

reich + an + dative

Details

Part of Speech: Adjective
Word Type: Adjective + fixed preposition
Register: Standard

Explanation

The reich (rich) in the sense of "abounding in" governs the an with the dative. It describes what something contains in abundance.

Obst ist reich an Vitaminen. - Fruit is rich in vitamins.
Die Region ist reich an Bodenschätzen. - The region is rich in mineral resources.
Sein Leben war reich an Erfahrungen. - His life was rich in experiences.

Because an governs the here, the markers are dative: an Vitaminen, an Erfahrung, an den Mineralien. Note the contrast with literal wealth, where reich is used without a : Sie ist sehr reich.

Common mistakes:

Using in on the model of English "rich in" - German requires an + Dativ.
Putting an with the : reich an die Vitamine is wrong; say reich an Vitaminen.
Adding a where none is needed (for being wealthy, just reich sein).

About Adjective + preposition: 'reich an' (rich in, + dative)

'reich an' (rich in) takes 'an' + .

Fixed 'an' with the .

'reich an' steht mit 'an' + .

Caution

'an' + dative: 'Obst ist reich an Vitaminen'.