This article explores the contribution of German linguistics to the study of prepositions. In recent research, three directions or approaches can be ascertained : (1) The generative approach, which regards prepositions as subordinating elements. (2) The grammaticalization approach, which analyzes how individual elements developed into a paradigm in the course of grammatical structuring. Grammaticalization is a process in which lexical elements become grammatical elements. (3) The semantics and usage approach, which explores how prepositions can express different nuances. As with other function words, the semantic role of prepositions is not always clear : one preposition can assume several functions, and one function can be fulfilled by different prepositions.