German Phrase
Er wohnt in einer anderen Stadt.
Meaning
This sentence states that a male person resides in a city different from the one currently being discussed or the one where the speaker is located. It uses the dative case to indicate a static location within a feminine noun.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are explaining why someone is not present or when describing the living situation of a friend or relative who has moved away. It is common in both casual conversations and formal introductions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ErwohntineineranderenStadt
Wohnen
The verb 'wohnen' refers to residing in a specific place and is conjugated for the third-person singular 'er'.
Dative Prepositions
The word 'in' is a two-way preposition that takes the dative case when describing a fixed location, changing the article to 'einer'.
🗨In Conversation
Siehst du deinen Bruder oft?
Do you see your brother often?
Nicht so oft. Er wohnt in einer anderen Stadt.
Not so often. He lives in another city.
✕Common Mistakes
Er wohnt in ein andere Stadt.
The preposition 'in' requires the dative case for location; 'Stadt' is feminine, so 'eine' becomes 'einer'.
Er wohnt nach einer anderen Stadt.
Use 'in' to describe living in a place; 'nach' is used for travel towards a city or country.
↔Alternatives
Er lebt in einer anderen Stadt.
He lives in another city (more general life state).
Er ist in eine andere Stadt gezogen.
He has moved to another city.
Cultural Tip
Germans often distinguish between 'wohnen' (to reside/occupy an apartment) and 'leben' (to live/exist). While often interchangeable, 'wohnen' is the standard choice for giving a specific residential status.