'Vom' and 'von dem'
Hello,

I understand that ‘vom’ is a condensed form of ‘von dem’,
but both seem to be used (at least in the texts I have read) with no plausible reason as to why one is favoured over the other.

Is there a grammatical rule as to when either should be used?

Or does it maybe have something to do with when the German language was reformed in 1996 which I believe affected the compounding of some words?

Hope someone might be able to help

Thanks

Laura

Question

'Vom' and 'von dem'
Hello,

I understand that ‘vom’ is a condensed form of ‘von dem’, 
but both seem to be used  (at least in the texts I have read) with no plausible reason as to why one is favoured over the other.

Is there a grammatical rule as to when either should be used?  

Or does it maybe have something to do with when the German language was reformed in 1996 which I believe affected the compounding of some words?

Hope someone might be able to help

Thanks

Laura

Answer

von + Dativ : It depends on what the noun you use. 
For instance: Ich träume von einem Urlaub. You can only write like that. 
Ich erhole mich von der Arbeit. You can only write like that. 
Die Briefmarke löste sich leicht von dem Umschlag. Or " Die Briefmarke löste sich leicht vom Umschlag.

Answer

In lessons for Beginners, you will see "von dem" more often.

Answer

They are interchangeable. There is no rule whatsoever. There is however a preference to hear or read "von" instead of "von dem".