cases in German

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In German, "cases" (Fälle) are like the different roles a noun can play in a sentence. These roles determine what form of article, adjective, and pronoun is used. The four cases are:

• Nominative (Nominativ): The subject of the sentence. Who or what is performing an action?
  • Example: der Mann (the man) - he is doing something.
• Accusative (Akkusativ): The direct object. Who or what is being directly affected by an action?
  • Example: Ich sehe den Mann (I see the man) - the man is being seen.
• Dative (Dativ): The indirect object. To whom or for whom is something done? Also used with certain prepositions and verbs.
  • Example: Ich gebe dem Mann ein Buch (I give the man a book) - the man is the recipient of the book.
• Genitive (Genitiv): Indicates possession. Whose is it?
  • Example: Das ist das Auto des Mannes (This is the man's car) - the car belongs to the man.

The articles (der/die/das, ein/eine) and adjective endings change for each case and for gender/number. Knowing the cases is essential for correct German grammar.

Related Topics: Nominativ, Akkusativ, Dativ, Genitiv, German Noun Articles, German Adjective Endings

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