Appearance
Netzwerk 1: Classroom
Chapter 1 — classroom verbs, travel items, useful phrases, and W-questions.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
fragen — to ask
A regular verb: ich frage, du fragst, er/sie fragt. Unlike English, "fragen" takes a direct object (Akkusativ) for the person — you "ask someone" without a preposition. "Ich frage dich" = I ask you.
Nom Die Studentin fragt.
The (female) student asks.
die Studentin (feminin) = female student · fragen = to ask → fragt (er/sie form). "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Studentin is the subject.
Akk Ich frage die Person.
I ask the person.
fragen = to ask → frage (ich form) · die Person (feminin) = person. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ = Nominativ (die → die). Person is the direct object — the one being asked.
Dat Er fragt nach dem Weg.
He asks for the way/directions.
fragen = to ask → fragt (er form) · nach = for/after (always Dativ) · der Weg (maskulin) = way/path. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "nach." "Nach dem Weg fragen" is a very useful phrase for travelers!
hören — to hear / to listen
A regular verb: ich höre, du hörst, er/sie hört. In class you'll hear "Hören Sie den Dialog" (Listen to the dialogue). Note: "hören" takes a direct object in German — no "to" like the English "listen to."
Nom Der Mann hört gut.
The man hears well.
der Mann (maskulin) = man · hören = to hear → hört (er form) · gut = well/good. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Mann is the subject doing the hearing.
Akk Wir hören den Dialog.
We listen to the dialogue.
hören = to listen → hören (wir form) · der Dialog (maskulin) = dialogue. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Dialog is the direct object — the thing being heard.
Dat Ich höre der Lehrerin zu.
I listen to the teacher.
zuhören = to listen to (a person) → höre … zu (ich form, separable verb) · die Lehrerin (feminin) = female teacher. "Der" because "zuhören" takes a Dativ object — feminin Dativ (die → der). Don't mistake "der Lehrerin" for maskulin!
lesen — to read
An important irregular verb with a stem change: ich lese, du liest, er/sie liest. Notice the e → ie change in du/er/sie forms. Germans read a lot — Germany publishes about 70,000 new book titles per year!
Nom Der Lehrer liest laut.
The teacher (m.) reads aloud.
der Lehrer (maskulin) = male teacher · lesen = to read → liest (er form, stem change e → ie) · laut = loud/aloud. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Lehrer is the subject.
Akk Ich lese den Text.
I read the text.
lesen = to read → lese (ich form, no stem change) · der Text (maskulin) = text. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Text is the direct object being read.
Dat Sie liest aus dem Buch.
She reads from the book.
lesen = to read → liest (sie form, stem change e → ie) · das Buch (neutrum) = book · aus = from/out of (always Dativ). "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem).
machen — to do / to make
A super-common regular verb: ich mache, du machst, er/sie macht. You'll hear "Machen Sie die Übung" (Do the exercise) all the time. Also used in "Das macht nichts" (It doesn't matter) and "Was machst du?" (What are you doing?).
Nom Der Student macht mit.
The student joins in.
der Student (maskulin) = student · mitmachen = to join in/participate → macht … mit (er form, separable verb). "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Student is the subject.
Akk Wir machen die Übung.
We do the exercise.
machen = to do → machen (wir form) · die Übung (feminin) = exercise. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ = Nominativ (die → die). Übung is the direct object.
Dat Ich mache die Aufgabe mit dem Partner.
I do the task with the partner.
machen = to do → mache (ich form) · die Aufgabe (feminin) = task · der Partner (maskulin) = partner · mit = with (always Dativ). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
notieren — to note down
A regular verb borrowed from Latin: ich notiere, du notierst, er/sie notiert. Verbs ending in "-ieren" never add "ge-" in the past participle (notiert, not "genotiert"). "Notieren Sie die Wörter!" = Note down the words!
Nom Die Frau notiert schnell.
The woman notes down quickly.
die Frau (feminin) = woman · notieren = to note down → notiert (er/sie form) · schnell = quickly/fast. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Frau is the subject.
Akk Ich notiere das Wort.
I note down the word.
notieren = to note down → notiere (ich form) · das Wort (neutrum) = word. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ = Nominativ (das → das). Wort is the direct object.
Dat Er notiert die Zahl auf dem Papier.
He notes down the number on the paper.
notieren = to note down → notiert (er form) · die Zahl (feminin) = number · das Papier (neutrum) = paper · auf = on (Dativ for location). "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem).
raten — to guess
An irregular verb with a stem change: ich rate, du rätst, er/sie rät (a → ä). Used constantly in classroom games: "Raten Sie das Wort!" (Guess the word!). It can also mean "to advise."
Nom Der Junge rät richtig.
The boy guesses correctly.
der Junge (maskulin) = boy · raten = to guess → rät (er form, stem change a → ä) · richtig = correct(ly). "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Junge is the subject.
Akk Wir raten das Wort.
We guess the word.
raten = to guess → raten (wir form) · das Wort (neutrum) = word. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ = Nominativ (das → das). Wort is the direct object being guessed.
Dat Ich rate bei dem Spiel.
I guess in the game.
raten = to guess → rate (ich form) · das Spiel (neutrum) = game · bei = at/during (always Dativ). "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "bei".
sagen — to say
A regular verb: ich sage, du sagst, er/sie sagt. One of the most-used verbs in any language. "Wie sagt man …?" (How do you say …?) will be your best friend as a beginner.
Nom Die Lehrerin sagt das noch einmal.
The teacher says that once more.
die Lehrerin (feminin) = female teacher · sagen = to say → sagt (sie form) · noch einmal = once more. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Lehrerin is the subject.
Akk Bitte sagen Sie den Namen.
Please say the name.
sagen = to say → sagen (Sie form) · der Name (maskulin) = name · bitte = please. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Name adds -n (weak noun). Namen is the direct object.
Dat Ich sage der Frau "Guten Tag".
I say "Good day" to the woman.
sagen = to say → sage (ich form) · die Frau (feminin) = woman. "Der" because the person you say something TO is the indirect object (Dativ) — feminin Dativ (die → der). "Der Frau" here is feminin Dativ, not maskulin!
schreiben — to write
One of the most important classroom verbs. An irregular verb: ich schreibe, du schreibst, er/sie schreibt. You'll hear "Schreiben Sie bitte!" (Please write!) in every class. The past participle is "geschrieben" (written).
Nom Die Lehrerin schreibt.
The teacher (f.) writes.
die Lehrerin (feminin) = female teacher · schreiben = to write → schreibt (er/sie form). "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Lehrerin is the subject doing the writing.
Akk Du schreibst den Dialog.
You write the dialogue.
schreiben = to write → schreibst (du form) · der Dialog (maskulin) = dialogue. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Dialog is the direct object — the thing being written.
Dat Sie schreibt mit dem Stift.
She writes with the pen.
schreiben = to write → schreibt (er/sie form) · der Stift (maskulin) = pen · mit = with (always Dativ). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
spielen — to play
A regular verb: ich spiele, du spielst, er/sie spielt. Used for games, sports, music, and acting out dialogues. "Spielen Sie den Dialog!" = Act out the dialogue! It also covers "Fußball spielen" (play football) and "Klavier spielen" (play piano).
Nom Die Kinder spielen gern.
The children like to play.
das Kind (neutrum) → die Kinder (plural) = children · spielen = to play → spielen (sie/plural form) · gern = gladly/like to. "Die" — plural Nominativ. Kinder is the subject.
Akk Wir spielen den Dialog.
We act out the dialogue.
spielen = to play/act out → spielen (wir form) · der Dialog (maskulin) = dialogue. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Dialog is the direct object.
Dat Ich spiele mit der Gruppe.
I play with the group.
spielen = to play → spiele (ich form) · die Gruppe (feminin) = group · mit = with (always Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der). "Der Gruppe" is feminin Dativ, not maskulin!
zeigen — to show
A regular verb: ich zeige, du zeigst, er/sie zeigt. Often used with two objects: you show SOMETHING (Akkusativ) to SOMEONE (Dativ). "Zeigen Sie mir das Bild" = Show me the picture.
Nom Der Lehrer zeigt ein Bild.
The teacher shows a picture.
der Lehrer (maskulin) = male teacher · zeigen = to show → zeigt (er form) · das Bild (neutrum) = picture → ein Bild (Akkusativ). "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Lehrer is the subject.
Akk Ich zeige den Koffer.
I show the suitcase.
zeigen = to show → zeige (ich form) · der Koffer (maskulin) = suitcase. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Koffer is the direct object being shown.
Dat Sie zeigt dem Studenten den Text.
She shows the student the text.
zeigen = to show → zeigt (sie form) · der Student (maskulin) = student · der Text (maskulin) = text → den Text (Akkusativ, the thing shown). "Dem" because the person you show something TO is the indirect object (Dativ): maskulin Dativ (der → dem). Student adds -en (weak noun).
buchstabieren — to spell
From "der Buchstabe" (letter of the alphabet). A regular "-ieren" verb: ich buchstabiere, du buchstabierst. In Germany you'll be asked "Können Sie das buchstabieren?" (Can you spell that?) whenever you give your name. Learn the German alphabet sounds first!
Nom Die Frau buchstabiert langsam.
The woman spells slowly.
die Frau (feminin) = woman · buchstabieren = to spell → buchstabiert (sie form) · langsam = slowly. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Frau is the subject.
Akk Ich buchstabiere den Namen.
I spell the name.
buchstabieren = to spell → buchstabiere (ich form) · der Name (maskulin) = name. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Name adds -n (weak noun). Namen is the direct object being spelled.
Dat Er hilft der Studentin beim Buchstabieren.
He helps the student with the spelling.
helfen = to help → hilft (er form, stem change e → i) · die Studentin (feminin) = female student · beim = bei + dem (at/with). "helfen" always takes a Dativ object, so "der Studentin" is feminin Dativ (die → der).
die Person — person (plural: die Personen)
Borrowed from Latin "persona." Unlike English, "die Person" is always feminin — even when referring to a man! You'll hear this constantly in class: "Arbeiten Sie mit einer Person" (Work with a person).
Nom Die Person kommt aus Berlin.
The person comes from Berlin.
die Person (feminin) = person · kommen = to come · aus = from. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Person is the subject.
Akk Er fragt die Person.
He asks the person.
die Person (feminin) = person · fragen = to ask. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ = Nominativ (die → die). Person is the direct object.
Dat Ich spreche mit der Person.
I speak with the person.
die Person (feminin) = person · sprechen = to speak · mit = with (always Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der). Watch out — "der Person" looks maskulin but it's feminin Dativ!
der Text — text (plural: die Texte)
Same word as in English, borrowed from Latin "textus." In German class, "der Text" usually means a reading passage or written exercise, not a phone message.
Nom Der Text ist kurz.
The text is short.
der Text (maskulin) = text · kurz = short. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Text is the subject.
Akk Wir lesen den Text.
We read the text.
der Text (maskulin) = text · lesen = to read. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Text is the direct object.
Dat Die Antwort steht in dem Text.
The answer is in the text.
die Antwort (feminin) = answer · stehen = to stand/be located · in = in (Dativ for location). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in" (location).
das Wort — word (plural: die Wörter)
One of the first nouns you need in any German class. Note the unusual plural: Wort → Wörter (with umlaut). "Das Wort" is neutrum — many short, old Germanic words are neutrum.
Nom Das Wort ist schwer.
The word is difficult.
das Wort (neutrum) = word · schwer = difficult/hard. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Wort is the subject.
Akk Ich schreibe das Wort.
I write the word.
das Wort (neutrum) = word · schreiben = to write. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ = Nominativ (das → das). Wort is the direct object.
Dat Wir beginnen mit dem Wort.
We begin with the word.
das Wort (neutrum) = word · beginnen = to begin · mit = with (always Dativ). "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "mit".
der Dialog — dialogue (plural: die Dialoge)
German classes love partner dialogues. Your teacher will say "Lesen Sie den Dialog" (Read the dialogue) or "Spielen Sie den Dialog" (Act out the dialogue) constantly.
Nom Der Dialog ist lustig.
The dialogue is funny.
der Dialog (maskulin) = dialogue · lustig = funny. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Dialog is the subject.
Akk Wir spielen den Dialog.
We act out the dialogue.
der Dialog (maskulin) = dialogue · spielen = to play/act out. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Dialog is the direct object.
Dat Drei Wörter kommen in dem Dialog vor.
Three words appear in the dialogue.
drei = three · das Wort (neutrum) → die Wörter (plural) = words · vorkommen = to appear/occur · in = in (Dativ for location). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem).
das Alphabet — alphabet
The German alphabet has 30 letters: the standard 26 plus four special ones — the umlauts (ä, ö, ü) and the Eszett (ß). When spelling your name in Germany, learn the German letter pronunciations — they sound very different from English!
Nom Das Alphabet hat 30 Buchstaben.
The alphabet has 30 letters.
das Alphabet (neutrum) = alphabet · haben = to have · der Buchstabe (maskulin) → die Buchstaben (plural) = letters. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Alphabet is the subject.
Akk Wir lernen das Alphabet.
We learn the alphabet.
das Alphabet (neutrum) = alphabet · lernen = to learn. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ = Nominativ (das → das). Alphabet is the direct object.
Dat Die Umlaute sind in dem Alphabet.
The umlauts are in the alphabet.
der Umlaut (maskulin) → die Umlaute (plural) = umlauts · in = in (Dativ for location). "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem).
die Autobahn — highway (plural: die Autobahnen)
World-famous for having no general speed limit on many sections! The word literally breaks down: Auto (car) + Bahn (track/path). Compound nouns in German always take the gender of the last word — die Bahn is feminin, so die Autobahn is feminin.
Nom Die Autobahn ist lang.
The highway is long.
die Autobahn (feminin) = highway · lang = long. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Autobahn is the subject.
Akk Ich nehme die Autobahn.
I take the highway.
die Autobahn (feminin) = highway · nehmen = to take. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ = Nominativ (die → die). Autobahn is the direct object.
Dat Wir fahren auf der Autobahn.
We drive on the highway.
fahren = to drive · auf = on (Dativ for location — we're already on it, not heading toward it). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der). Remember: "der Autobahn" is feminin Dativ, NOT maskulin Nominativ!
die Flasche — bottle (plural: die Flaschen)
Germany has a "Pfand" (deposit) system for bottles. You pay extra and return the bottle to a machine at the supermarket. Always keep your plastic and glass bottles — they're worth 8-25 cents each!
Nom Die Flasche ist leer.
The bottle is empty.
die Flasche (feminin) = bottle · leer = empty. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Flasche is the subject.
Akk Du hast die Flasche.
You have the bottle.
die Flasche (feminin) = bottle · haben = to have. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ = Nominativ (die → die). Flasche is the direct object.
Dat Das Wasser ist in der Flasche.
The water is in the bottle.
das Wasser (neutrum) = water · in = in (Dativ for location). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der). Again — "der Flasche" is feminin Dativ, not maskulin!
der Koffer — suitcase (plural: die Koffer)
Note the plural stays the same: der Koffer → die Koffer. Many maskulin nouns ending in "-er" don't change in plural. You'll need this word at every airport and train station in Germany.
Nom Der Koffer ist schwer.
The suitcase is heavy.
der Koffer (maskulin) = suitcase · schwer = heavy. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Koffer is the subject.
Akk Sie nimmt den Koffer.
She takes the suitcase.
der Koffer (maskulin) = suitcase · nehmen = to take · sie = she. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Koffer is the direct object.
Dat Die Kleidung ist in dem Koffer.
The clothing is in the suitcase.
die Kleidung (feminin) = clothing · in = in (Dativ for location). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem).
das Taxi — taxi (plural: die Taxis)
German taxis are usually cream/beige colored — it's the law in most cities! You can hail one, find them at a "Taxistand," or call a taxi company. The plural adds -s because it's a foreign loanword.
Nom Das Taxi kommt.
The taxi is coming.
das Taxi (neutrum) = taxi · kommen = to come. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Taxi is the subject.
Akk Ich rufe das Taxi.
I call the taxi.
das Taxi (neutrum) = taxi · rufen = to call. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ = Nominativ (das → das). Taxi is the direct object.
Dat Wir fahren mit dem Taxi.
We go by taxi.
fahren = to drive/go · mit = with/by (always Dativ). "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem). "Mit dem Taxi fahren" is a very common phrase!
die Schokolade — chocolate (plural: die Schokoladen)
Germany is one of Europe's biggest chocolate consumers. Brands like Ritter Sport, Milka, and Lindt are everywhere. "Die Schokolade" usually means chocolate in general or a chocolate bar — it comes from the Aztec word "xocolatl."
Nom Die Schokolade schmeckt gut.
The chocolate tastes good.
die Schokolade (feminin) = chocolate · schmecken = to taste · gut = good. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Schokolade is the subject.
Akk Er kauft die Schokolade.
He buys the chocolate.
die Schokolade (feminin) = chocolate · kaufen = to buy. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ = Nominativ (die → die). Schokolade is the direct object.
Dat Sie beginnt den Tag mit der Schokolade.
She starts the day with the chocolate.
beginnen = to begin/start · der Tag (maskulin) = day → den Tag (Akkusativ, direct object) · mit = with (always Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
die Musik — music (no plural)
This is a "Singularwort" — it only exists in singular form, no plural. Germany has a huge music scene, from classical (Bach, Beethoven, Brahms) to modern electronic music (Berlin is the world capital of techno).
Nom Die Musik ist schön.
The music is beautiful.
die Musik (feminin, Singular only) = music · schön = beautiful. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Musik is the subject.
Akk Wir hören die Musik.
We listen to the music.
die Musik (feminin) = music · hören = to hear/listen to. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ = Nominativ (die → die). Musik is the direct object. Note: "hören" takes a direct object in German — no preposition needed like "listen to" in English.
Dat Der Text passt zu der Musik.
The text matches the music.
der Text (maskulin) = text · passen zu = to match/fit (zu always takes Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der). Don't confuse this "der" with maskulin Nominativ!
Entschuldigung — Excuse me / Sorry
Your #1 politeness word in Germany. Use it to get attention ("Entschuldigung, wo ist der Bahnhof?"), to apologize, or to squeeze past someone. It comes from "die Schuld" (guilt/fault) — literally "un-guilting." You can also say the shorter "Entschuldigen Sie."
Nom Entschuldigung, wo ist der Bahnhof?
Excuse me, where is the train station?
Entschuldigung = excuse me · wo = where · der Bahnhof (maskulin) = train station. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ; Bahnhof is the subject of "wo ist …?". A perfect polite opener to a stranger.
Akk Entschuldigung, ich suche den Ausgang.
Excuse me, I'm looking for the exit.
Entschuldigung = excuse me · suchen = to look for/search · der Ausgang (maskulin) = exit. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Ausgang is the direct object being searched for.
Dat Entschuldigung, ich komme mit dem Koffer nicht durch.
Excuse me, I can't get through with the suitcase.
Entschuldigung = excuse me · durchkommen = to get through · der Koffer (maskulin) = suitcase · mit = with (always Dativ). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
Wie bitte? — Pardon? / What was that?
The polite way to say "I didn't catch that — please repeat." Literally "How please?" Much softer than "Was?" (What?), which can sound rude. Rising intonation is key. You'll use this every day as a learner!
Nom Wie bitte? Der Name war zu schnell.
Pardon? The name was too fast.
Wie bitte? = pardon? · der Name (maskulin) = name · war = was · zu schnell = too fast. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ; Name is the subject of "war zu schnell".
Akk Wie bitte? Ich habe die Zahl nicht gehört.
Pardon? I didn't hear the number.
Wie bitte? = pardon? · hören = to hear → habe … gehört (perfect tense) · die Zahl (feminin) = number. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ = Nominativ (die → die). Zahl is the direct object.
Dat Wie bitte? Was steht in dem Text?
Pardon? What does it say in the text?
Wie bitte? = pardon? · stehen = to stand/say (in a text) · der Text (maskulin) = text · in = in (Dativ for location). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem).
Das verstehe ich nicht. — I don't understand that.
A lifesaver in class. Note the word order: "Das" (that) comes first for emphasis, then the verb "verstehe," then the subject "ich" — German puts the conjugated verb in position 2. "verstehen" = to understand.
Nom Das verstehe ich nicht — die Frage ist schwer.
I don't understand that — the question is difficult.
verstehen = to understand → verstehe (ich form) · die Frage (feminin) = question · schwer = difficult. "Die" — feminin Nominativ; Frage is the subject of "ist schwer".
Akk Den Satz verstehe ich nicht.
I don't understand the sentence.
verstehen = to understand → verstehe (ich form) · der Satz (maskulin) = sentence. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Satz is the direct object — the thing not understood. Note the word order: object first for emphasis.
Dat Das verstehe ich nicht, ich brauche Hilfe von der Lehrerin.
I don't understand that, I need help from the teacher.
verstehen = to understand · brauchen = to need · die Hilfe (feminin) = help · die Lehrerin (feminin) = teacher · von = from (always Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "von".
Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? — Can you please repeat that?
The polite full-sentence version of "Wie bitte?" Note the structure: the modal verb "können" is in position 2, and the main verb "wiederholen" jumps to the very end — a core rule of German. "wiederholen" = to repeat.
Nom Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? Der Lehrer spricht schnell.
Can you please repeat that? The teacher speaks fast.
können = can (modal) · wiederholen = to repeat · bitte = please · der Lehrer (maskulin) = teacher · sprechen = to speak → spricht (er form). "Der" — maskulin Nominativ; Lehrer is the subject.
Akk Können Sie bitte den Satz wiederholen?
Can you please repeat the sentence?
können = can · wiederholen = to repeat (goes to the end) · der Satz (maskulin) = sentence. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Satz is the direct object being repeated.
Dat Können Sie das bitte mit der Nummer wiederholen?
Can you please repeat that with the number?
können = can · wiederholen = to repeat · die Nummer (feminin) = number · mit = with (always Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit". "Der Nummer" is feminin Dativ, not maskulin!
Wer? — Who?
Asks about a person (the subject). Careful: "Wer?" looks like the English "where" but means WHO! It changes by case: Wer? (Nom), Wen? (Akk), Wem? (Dat) — just like der/den/dem.
Nom Wer ist die Frau?
Who is the woman?
wer = who (Nominativ — asks for the subject) · die Frau (feminin) = woman. "Wer" is always Nominativ. Here we ask about the identity of "die Frau" (feminin Nominativ).
Akk Wen fragst du? — Den Lehrer.
Whom do you ask? — The teacher.
wen = whom (Akkusativ form of "wer") · fragen = to ask → fragst (du form) · der Lehrer (maskulin) = teacher. "Wen" and "den Lehrer" are both Akkusativ (der → den) — the person being asked is the direct object.
Dat Wem hilfst du? — Der Studentin.
Whom do you help? — The student.
wem = to whom (Dativ form of "wer") · helfen = to help → hilfst (du form) · die Studentin (feminin) = student. "helfen" takes Dativ, so both "wem" and "der Studentin" are Dativ (die → der).
Was? — What?
Asks about a thing. On its own, a sharp "Was?" can sound impolite when you mishear someone — prefer "Wie bitte?" for that. But "Was ist das?" (What is that?) is essential and perfectly polite.
Nom Was ist das Wort auf Deutsch?
What is the word in German?
was = what · das Wort (neutrum) = word · auf Deutsch = in German. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ; Wort is the subject of "ist … auf Deutsch?".
Akk Was liest du? — Den Text.
What are you reading? — The text.
was = what · lesen = to read → liest (du form) · der Text (maskulin) = text. The answer "den Text" is Akkusativ (der → den) — the thing being read is the direct object.
Dat Mit was schreibst du? — Mit dem Stift.
What are you writing with? — With the pen.
was = what · schreiben = to write → schreibst (du form) · der Stift (maskulin) = pen · mit = with (always Dativ). The answer "dem Stift" is maskulin Dativ (der → dem). (Note: educated speakers often prefer "Womit?" here.)
Wie? — How?
Asks about manner or degree. Appears in tons of everyday questions: "Wie heißt du?" (What's your name? — literally "How are you called?"), "Wie geht's?" (How are you?), "Wie viel?" (How much?).
Nom Wie ist der Text? — Kurz.
How is the text? — Short.
wie = how · der Text (maskulin) = text · kurz = short. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ; Text is the subject we ask about with "wie ist …?".
Akk Wie schreibt man den Namen?
How do you write the name?
wie = how · schreiben = to write → schreibt (man form) · man = one/you (general) · der Name (maskulin) = name. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Name adds -n (weak noun). Namen is the direct object.
Dat Wie fährst du — mit dem Taxi?
How are you traveling — by taxi?
wie = how · fahren = to travel/go → fährst (du form, stem change a → ä) · das Taxi (neutrum) = taxi · mit = with/by (always Dativ). "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem).
Woher? — Where from?
Asks about origin. "Woher kommst du?" (Where are you from?) is one of the very first questions you'll be asked and will ask. Answer with "aus": "Ich komme aus Indien." Contrast with "Wohin?" (where to?) and "Wo?" (where at?).
Nom Woher kommt die Frau?
Where does the woman come from?
woher = where from · kommen = to come → kommt (sie form) · die Frau (feminin) = woman. "Die" — feminin Nominativ; Frau is the subject.
Akk Woher kennst du den Mann?
How/from where do you know the man?
woher = from where · kennen = to know (a person) → kennst (du form) · der Mann (maskulin) = man. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Mann is the direct object — the person known.
Dat Woher kommst du? — Aus der Schweiz.
Where are you from? — From Switzerland.
woher = where from · kommen = to come → kommst (du form) · die Schweiz (feminin) = Switzerland · aus = from (always Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der). Switzerland is one of the few countries that takes an article!
Wo? — Where? (at what place)
Asks about location (where something IS). Don't mix it up: "Wo?" = where at, "Woher?" = where from, "Wohin?" = where to. "Wo ist die Toilette?" is a phrase every traveler needs!
Nom Wo ist der Koffer?
Where is the suitcase?
wo = where · der Koffer (maskulin) = suitcase. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ; Koffer is the subject of "wo ist …?".
Akk Wo finde ich die Toilette?
Where do I find the toilet?
wo = where · finden = to find → finde (ich form) · die Toilette (feminin) = toilet. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ = Nominativ (die → die). Toilette is the direct object.
Dat Wo ist der Text — in dem Buch?
Where is the text — in the book?
wo = where · der Text (maskulin) = text · das Buch (neutrum) = book · in = in (Dativ for location, answering "wo?"). "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem). Location questions with "wo" are answered in Dativ!
Guten Morgen — Good morning (until ~11)
Use until about 11 a.m. "Guten" is the Akkusativ form of "gut" (good) — the full phrase is short for "Ich wünsche Ihnen einen guten Morgen" (I wish you a good morning), which is why it's Akkusativ. "der Morgen" is maskulin.
Nom Der Morgen ist schön — Guten Morgen!
The morning is beautiful — Good morning!
der Morgen (maskulin) = morning · schön = beautiful · Guten Morgen = good morning. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ; Morgen is the subject of "ist schön".
Akk Ich wünsche dir einen guten Morgen.
I wish you a good morning.
wünschen = to wish → wünsche (ich form) · der Morgen (maskulin) = morning · gut = good. Akkusativ: der → einen, and the adjective takes -en → "einen guten Morgen". This shows why the greeting is "Guten" (Akkusativ), not "Guter".
Dat Am Morgen sage ich "Guten Morgen".
In the morning I say "Good morning".
am = an + dem (in/on, Dativ for time) · der Morgen (maskulin) = morning · sagen = to say → sage (ich form). "Am Morgen" uses maskulin Dativ (der → dem, contracted to "am"). Time expressions with "an" take Dativ.
Guten Tag — Good day / Hello (~11–18)
The all-purpose formal greeting, used roughly 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. — but safe almost any daytime moment. Like "Guten Morgen," it's Akkusativ (short for "Ich wünsche Ihnen einen guten Tag"). In Bavaria/Austria you'll hear "Grüß Gott" instead.
Nom Der Tag beginnt — Guten Tag!
The day begins — Good day!
der Tag (maskulin) = day · beginnen = to begin → beginnt (er form) · Guten Tag = good day/hello. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ; Tag is the subject of "beginnt".
Akk Ich wünsche Ihnen einen guten Tag.
I wish you a good day.
wünschen = to wish → wünsche (ich form) · Ihnen = you (formal, Dativ) · der Tag (maskulin) = day · gut = good. Akkusativ: der → einen + adjective -en → "einen guten Tag". This is the full form behind the greeting "Guten Tag".
Dat An dem Tag sagen wir "Guten Tag".
On that day we say "Good day".
an = on (Dativ for time) · der Tag (maskulin) = day · sagen = to say → sagen (wir form). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "an" for time. (Usually contracted to "am Tag".)
Guten Abend — Good evening (after ~18)
Use from about 6 p.m. onwards when greeting someone. Don't confuse it with "Gute Nacht" (Good night), which is only for saying goodbye before sleep! "der Abend" is maskulin, so again the greeting is Akkusativ "Guten Abend".
Nom Der Abend ist ruhig — Guten Abend!
The evening is calm — Good evening!
der Abend (maskulin) = evening · ruhig = calm/quiet · Guten Abend = good evening. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ; Abend is the subject of "ist ruhig".
Akk Ich wünsche euch einen guten Abend.
I wish you (all) a good evening.
wünschen = to wish → wünsche (ich form) · euch = you all (Dativ) · der Abend (maskulin) = evening · gut = good. Akkusativ: der → einen + adjective -en → "einen guten Abend". The greeting "Guten Abend" is this Akkusativ form.
Dat Am Abend sage ich "Guten Abend".
In the evening I say "Good evening".
am = an + dem (in/at, Dativ for time) · der Abend (maskulin) = evening · sagen = to say → sage (ich form). "Am Abend" uses maskulin Dativ (der → dem, contracted to "am"). Time expressions with "an" take Dativ.
Hallo! — Hello!
The most casual, all-purpose greeting — works any time of day, with anyone, formal or informal. Unlike "Guten Tag," it doesn't change with the time of day.
Nom Hallo! Der Kurs beginnt.
Hello! The course is starting.
Hallo = hello · der Kurs (maskulin) = course · beginnen = to begin. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Kurs is the subject.
Akk Hallo! Ich suche den Lehrer.
Hello! I'm looking for the teacher.
suchen = to look for · der Lehrer (maskulin) = teacher. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Lehrer is the direct object.
Dat Hallo! Ich komme mit dem Koffer.
Hello! I'm arriving with the suitcase.
der Koffer (maskulin) = suitcase · mit = with (always Dativ). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit."
Gute Nacht. — Good night.
Only used when parting before sleep — never as a greeting when you arrive somewhere in the evening (that's "Guten Abend"). "Nacht" is feminin, so the adjective ending is "Gute," not "Guten."
Nom Die Nacht ist ruhig — Gute Nacht!
The night is quiet — Good night!
die Nacht (feminin) = night · ruhig = quiet. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Nacht is the subject.
Akk Ich wünsche dir eine gute Nacht.
I wish you a good night.
wünschen = to wish · gut = good. Feminin Akkusativ: eine gute Nacht (eine → eine, no change for feminin). This is the full form behind the greeting.
Dat In der Nacht schlafe ich gut.
At night I sleep well.
schlafen = to sleep · in = in (Dativ for time). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
Tschüs. — Bye.
The most common informal way to say goodbye — used with friends, family, and casually in shops. Originally from northern Germany, now used nationwide. Also spelled "Tschüss."
Nom Tschüs! Der Abend war schön.
Bye! The evening was nice.
Tschüs = bye · der Abend (maskulin) = evening · schön = nice. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Abend is the subject.
Akk Tschüs! Ich nehme den Bus.
Bye! I'm taking the bus.
nehmen = to take · der Bus (maskulin) = bus. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Bus is the direct object.
Dat Tschüs! Wir sehen uns nach dem Kurs.
Bye! We'll see each other after the course.
nach = after (always Dativ) · der Kurs (maskulin) = course. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "nach."
Ciao. — Bye. (informal, from Italian)
Borrowed straight from Italian and used casually across Germany, especially among younger speakers. Interchangeable with "Tschüs" in almost every informal context.
Nom Ciao! Der Tag war lang.
Bye! The day was long.
Ciao = bye · der Tag (maskulin) = day · lang = long. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Tag is the subject.
Akk Ciao! Ich rufe das Taxi.
Bye! I'm calling the taxi.
rufen = to call · das Taxi (neutrum) = taxi. "Das" stays "das" in Akkusativ. Taxi is the direct object.
Dat Ciao! Wir fahren mit dem Taxi.
Bye! We're taking the taxi.
fahren = to go/travel · mit = with (always Dativ). "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "mit."
Bis bald! — See you soon!
A warm way to part when you expect to see someone again soon. "Bis" (until) + "bald" (soon). Related phrases: "Bis morgen!" (see you tomorrow), "Bis später!" (see you later).
Nom Bis bald! Der Kurs geht weiter.
See you soon! The course continues.
Bis bald = see you soon · der Kurs (maskulin) = course · weitergehen = to continue. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Kurs is the subject.
Akk Bis bald! Ich hole den Koffer.
See you soon! I'll get the suitcase.
holen = to get/fetch · der Koffer (maskulin) = suitcase. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Koffer is the direct object.
Dat Bis bald! Wir sprechen nach dem Kurs.
See you soon! We'll talk after the course.
sprechen = to speak · nach = after (always Dativ). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "nach."
Auf Wiedersehen. — Goodbye. (formal)
Literally "until we see each other again" — the formal counterpart to "Tschüs." Used in shops, offices, and with strangers or people you address as "Sie." On the phone, Germans say "Auf Wiederhören" instead.
Nom Auf Wiedersehen! Der Termin ist vorbei.
Goodbye! The appointment is over.
Auf Wiedersehen = goodbye (formal) · der Termin (maskulin) = appointment · vorbei = over. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Termin is the subject.
Akk Auf Wiedersehen! Ich nehme den Termin nächste Woche.
Goodbye! I'll take the appointment next week.
nehmen = to take. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Termin is the direct object.
Dat Auf Wiedersehen! Wir sprechen nach dem Termin.
Goodbye! We'll speak after the appointment.
nach = after (always Dativ). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "nach."
Wie geht's? — How are you?
Short for "Wie geht es dir/Ihnen?" — a Dativ construction, literally "how goes it to you." Very common informally; the full "Wie geht es Ihnen?" is more formal.
Nom Wie geht's? Der Tag war gut.
How are you? The day was good.
Wie geht's = how are you · der Tag (maskulin) = day · gut = good. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Tag is the subject.
Akk Wie geht's? Ich sehe den Lehrer morgen.
How are you? I'm seeing the teacher tomorrow.
sehen = to see · der Lehrer (maskulin) = teacher. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Lehrer is the direct object.
Dat Wie geht es dem Mann?
How is the man doing?
Wie geht es …? = how is … doing? · der Mann (maskulin) = man. "Dem" because "geht es" always takes a Dativ person — maskulin Dativ (der → dem). This shows the full grammar behind "Wie geht's?"
Sehr gut. — Very good.
A common, upbeat answer to "Wie geht's?" "Sehr" (very) intensifies almost any adjective: sehr gut, sehr schön, sehr schnell.
Nom Sehr gut! Der Kurs war interessant.
Very good! The course was interesting.
sehr gut = very good · der Kurs (maskulin) = course · interessant = interesting. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Kurs is the subject.
Akk Sehr gut! Ich verstehe den Text jetzt.
Very good! I understand the text now.
verstehen = to understand · der Text (maskulin) = text. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Text is the direct object.
Dat Sehr gut! Es geht dem Mann sehr gut.
Very good! The man is doing very well.
es geht = it's going (+ Dativ person) · der Mann (maskulin) = man. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) — the person feeling well is a Dativ object.
Danke, gut. — Thank you, good.
A polite, slightly reserved answer to "Wie geht's?" — leads with thanks before the actual answer. Very common in everyday small talk.
Nom Danke, gut. Der Morgen war ruhig.
Thank you, good. The morning was calm.
danke = thank you · der Morgen (maskulin) = morning · ruhig = calm. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Morgen is the subject.
Akk Danke, gut. Ich mag den Morgen.
Thank you, good. I like the morning.
mögen = to like. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Morgen is the direct object.
Dat Danke, gut. Es geht mir gut nach dem Frühstück.
Thank you, good. I feel good after breakfast.
nach = after (always Dativ) · das Frühstück (neutrum) = breakfast. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "nach."
Ganz gut. — Totally good. / Pretty good.
A more neutral answer to "Wie geht's?" — "ganz" softens "gut" here to mean "okay/pretty good," rather than "totally" as it might in English.
Nom Ganz gut. Der Abend war okay.
Pretty good. The evening was okay.
ganz gut = pretty good · der Abend (maskulin) = evening. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Abend is the subject.
Akk Ganz gut. Ich kenne den Weg schon.
Pretty good. I already know the way.
kennen = to know · der Weg (maskulin) = way · schon = already. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Weg is the direct object.
Dat Ganz gut. Es geht der Frau ganz gut.
Pretty good. The woman is doing pretty well.
es geht … gut = … is doing well (+ Dativ person) · die Frau (feminin) = woman. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
die Zahl — number/digit (plural: die Zahlen)
The general word for "number" as a concept or figure. Compare "die Nummer," used for a specific number that identifies something (Telefonnummer, Hausnummer) — "Zahl" is more mathematical/abstract.
Nom Die Zahl ist wichtig.
The number is important.
die Zahl (feminin) = number · wichtig = important. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Zahl is the subject.
Akk Ich notiere die Zahl.
I note down the number.
notieren = to note down. "Die" stays "die" in Akkusativ. Zahl is the direct object.
Dat Er beginnt mit der Zahl zehn.
He starts with the number ten.
beginnen = to begin · mit = with (always Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit."
null — 0
Cardinal numbers in German don't decline for case — "null" stays "null" no matter its role in the sentence. It's used constantly in phone numbers, read digit by digit.
Nom Null ist die Zahl vor eins.
Zero is the number before one.
null = 0 · die Zahl (feminin) = number · vor = before. "Die Zahl" — feminin Nominativ, the predicate noun. "Null" itself never changes form.
Akk Ich wähle null für den Anschluss.
I dial zero for the connection.
wählen = to dial/choose · für = for (always Akkusativ) · der Anschluss (maskulin) = connection/line. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) after "für." "Null" stays unchanged.
Dat Bei null Grad ist es kalt.
At zero degrees it's cold.
bei = at (always Dativ) · das Grad (neutrum) = degree · kalt = cold. "Null" stays unchanged before the noun "Grad," which itself needs no case ending here.
eins — 1
Used for counting ("eins, zwei, drei…"). When used before a noun as "one," it changes to "ein/eine" like the indefinite article — but as a bare number, it stays "eins."
Nom Eins und zwei ist drei.
One and two is three.
eins = 1 · zwei = 2 · drei = 3. Used in counting; no article or case ending in this bare form.
Akk Ich wähle eins für den Kurs.
I choose one for the course.
wählen = to choose · für = for (always Akkusativ) · der Kurs (maskulin) = course. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ. "Eins" itself doesn't change.
Dat Nach eins kommt zwei.
After one comes two.
nach = after (always Dativ) · kommen = to come. "Eins" doesn't decline even after a Dativ preposition — cardinal numbers are invariable.
zwei — 2
From "zwei" onward, cardinal numbers can directly modify a plural noun with no ending: "zwei Bücher," "zwei Kinder." The noun itself still declines by case as usual.
Nom Zwei Studenten kommen.
Two students are coming.
zwei = 2 · der Student (maskulin) → die Studenten (plural) = students. "Studenten" — plural Nominativ, the subject. "Zwei" itself doesn't change.
Akk Ich sehe zwei Studenten.
I see two students.
sehen = to see. "Studenten" is plural Akkusativ here (same form as Nominativ for this plural). Zwei Studenten is the direct object.
Dat Ich helfe zwei Studenten.
I'm helping two students.
helfen = to help (+ Dativ). "Studenten" is already the plural Dativ form. "Zwei" stays unchanged before it.
drei — 3
Like all numbers above one, "drei" doesn't change to agree with gender or case. It combines directly with a plural noun that itself declines normally.
Nom Drei Bücher liegen hier.
Three books are lying here.
drei = 3 · das Buch (neutrum) → die Bücher (plural) = books · liegen = to lie/be located. "Bücher" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Ich kaufe drei Bücher.
I'm buying three books.
kaufen = to buy. "Bücher" is plural Akkusativ (same as Nominativ). Drei Bücher is the direct object.
Dat Ich gebe drei Kindern ein Buch.
I give three children a book.
geben = to give. "Kindern" — plural Dativ adds -n (das Kind → die Kinder → den/drei Kindern). "Drei" itself stays unchanged.
vier — 4
Part of the basic counting sequence. Note the pronunciation trap: "vier" (4) sounds close to "für" (for) to English ears — listen carefully for the vowel.
Nom Vier Personen warten.
Four people are waiting.
vier = 4 · die Person (feminin) → die Personen (plural) = people · warten = to wait. "Personen" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Wir fragen vier Personen.
We ask four people.
fragen = to ask. "Personen" is plural Akkusativ (same as Nominativ). Vier Personen is the direct object.
Dat Ich danke vier Personen.
I thank four people.
danken = to thank (+ Dativ). "Personen" is the same in plural Dativ here (feminin plural nouns in -en don't add another -n). "Vier" stays unchanged.
fünf — 5
Part of the basic counting sequence. "Fünf" appears constantly in everyday German — the number of fingers, the standard grading scale (1 = best, 5 = fail) in German schools.
Nom Fünf Minuten bleiben.
Five minutes remain.
fünf = 5 · die Minute (feminin) → die Minuten (plural) = minutes · bleiben = to remain. "Minuten" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Ich brauche fünf Minuten.
I need five minutes.
brauchen = to need. "Minuten" is plural Akkusativ (same as Nominativ). Fünf Minuten is the direct object.
Dat Nach fünf Minuten beginnen wir.
After five minutes we begin.
nach = after (always Dativ). "Minuten" stays the same in plural Dativ. "Fünf" stays unchanged.
sechs — 6
Part of the basic counting sequence. Note that "sechzehn" (16) and "sechzig" (60) both drop the final -s from "sechs" — a small spelling quirk worth remembering.
Nom Sechs Wochen vergehen.
Six weeks pass.
sechs = 6 · die Woche (feminin) → die Wochen (plural) = weeks · vergehen = to pass. "Wochen" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Wir planen sechs Wochen.
We're planning six weeks.
planen = to plan. "Wochen" is plural Akkusativ. Sechs Wochen is the direct object.
Dat Nach sechs Wochen ist der Kurs fertig.
After six weeks the course is finished.
nach = after (always Dativ). "Wochen" stays the same in plural Dativ. "Sechs" stays unchanged.
sieben — 7
Part of the basic counting sequence. "Sieben" also happens to be a regular verb meaning "to sieve/strain" — an unrelated word that just looks the same.
Nom Sieben Tage hat die Woche.
The week has seven days.
sieben = 7 · der Tag (maskulin) → die Tage (plural) = days · die Woche (feminin) = week. "Tage" — plural Nominativ, the subject of "hat."
Akk Ich zähle sieben Tage.
I count seven days.
zählen = to count. "Tage" is plural Akkusativ. Sieben Tage is the direct object.
Dat Nach sieben Tagen fahre ich zurück.
After seven days I travel back.
nach = after (always Dativ) · zurückfahren = to travel back. "Tagen" — plural Dativ adds -n (die Tage → den Tagen). "Sieben" itself stays unchanged.
acht — 8
Part of the basic counting sequence. Watch the spelling of "achtzehn" (18) and "achtzig" (80) — both keep the full "acht" plus the ending, unlike "sechs" and "sieben."
Nom Acht Stunden arbeite ich.
I work eight hours.
acht = 8 · die Stunde (feminin) → die Stunden (plural) = hours · arbeiten = to work. "Stunden" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Ich brauche acht Stunden Schlaf.
I need eight hours of sleep.
brauchen = to need · der Schlaf (maskulin) = sleep. "Stunden" is plural Akkusativ. Acht Stunden is the direct object.
Dat Nach acht Stunden bin ich müde.
After eight hours I'm tired.
nach = after (always Dativ) · müde = tired. "Stunden" stays the same in plural Dativ. "Acht" stays unchanged.
neun — 9
Part of the basic counting sequence. "Neun Uhr" (nine o'clock) is a common time to start a Deutschkurs (German class) in the morning.
Nom Neun Studenten sind da.
Nine students are here.
neun = 9 · der Student (maskulin) → die Studenten (plural) = students. "Studenten" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Ich sehe neun Studenten.
I see nine students.
sehen = to see. "Studenten" is plural Akkusativ. Neun Studenten is the direct object.
Dat Der Kurs beginnt um neun Uhr.
The course starts at nine o'clock.
um = at (always Akkusativ, but with clock time it's a fixed idiom) · die Uhr (feminin) = clock/o'clock. "Neun" stays unchanged before "Uhr."
zehn — 10
Part of the basic counting sequence, and the base for all the "-zehn" teen numbers (dreizehn, vierzehn …) and the tens (zwanzig onward follows a related pattern).
Nom Zehn Wörter stehen hier.
Ten words are written here.
zehn = 10 · das Wort (neutrum) → die Wörter (plural) = words · stehen = to stand/be written. "Wörter" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Wir lernen zehn Wörter.
We're learning ten words.
lernen = to learn. "Wörter" is plural Akkusativ. Zehn Wörter is the direct object.
Dat Mit zehn Wörtern beginnen wir.
We begin with ten words.
mit = with (always Dativ). "Wörtern" — plural Dativ adds -n (die Wörter → den Wörtern). "Zehn" itself stays unchanged.
elf — 11
Note that 11 and 12 (elf, zwölf) are irregular — they don't follow the "-zehn" pattern of 13-19. "Elf" is also famously the name of German carnival season's favorite number (Karneval starts on 11.11.).
Nom Elf Personen kommen.
Eleven people are coming.
elf = 11 · die Person (feminin) → die Personen (plural) = people. "Personen" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Ich zähle elf Personen.
I count eleven people.
zählen = to count. "Personen" is plural Akkusativ. Elf Personen is the direct object.
Dat Ich danke elf Personen.
I thank eleven people.
danken = to thank (+ Dativ). "Personen" stays the same in plural Dativ. "Elf" itself stays unchanged.
zwölf — 12
The other irregular teen — "zwölf," not "zweizehn." Twelve months, twelve hours on a clock face — a number that shows up constantly in everyday German.
Nom Zwölf Monate hat das Jahr.
The year has twelve months.
zwölf = 12 · der Monat (maskulin) → die Monate (plural) = months · das Jahr (neutrum) = year. "Monate" — plural Nominativ, the subject of "hat."
Akk Ich zähle zwölf Monate.
I count twelve months.
zählen = to count. "Monate" is plural Akkusativ. Zwölf Monate is the direct object.
Dat Nach zwölf Monaten endet der Kurs.
After twelve months the course ends.
nach = after (always Dativ) · enden = to end. "Monaten" — plural Dativ adds -n (die Monate → den Monaten). "Zwölf" stays unchanged.
dreizehn — 13
The first of the regular "-zehn" teens: number (drei) + "zehn" (ten) = 13. This pattern continues cleanly through "neunzehn" (19).
Nom Dreizehn Studenten sind im Kurs.
Thirteen students are in the course.
dreizehn = 13 · der Student → die Studenten (plural) = students · der Kurs (maskulin) = course. "Studenten" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Wir haben dreizehn Studenten.
We have thirteen students.
haben = to have. "Studenten" is plural Akkusativ. Dreizehn Studenten is the direct object.
Dat Ich helfe dreizehn Studenten.
I'm helping thirteen students.
helfen = to help (+ Dativ). "Studenten" is already plural Dativ here (weak noun ending -en covers all cases). "Dreizehn" stays unchanged.
vierzehn — 14
Follows the regular teen pattern: vier + zehn. "Vierzehn Tage" (fourteen days) is the everyday German way of saying "two weeks" — you'll hear it very often.
Nom Vierzehn Tage vergehen schnell.
Fourteen days pass quickly.
vierzehn = 14 · der Tag → die Tage (plural) = days · schnell = quickly. "Tage" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Ich plane vierzehn Tage Urlaub.
I'm planning fourteen days of vacation.
planen = to plan · der Urlaub (maskulin) = vacation. "Tage" is plural Akkusativ. Vierzehn Tage is the direct object.
Dat Nach vierzehn Tagen fahre ich zurück.
After fourteen days I travel back.
nach = after (always Dativ). "Tagen" — plural Dativ adds -n (die Tage → den Tagen). "Vierzehn" stays unchanged.
fünfzehn — 15
Follows the regular teen pattern: fünf + zehn. "Viertel vor/nach" aside, "fünfzehn Minuten" is the plain way to say a quarter of an hour.
Nom Fünfzehn Minuten bleiben.
Fifteen minutes remain.
fünfzehn = 15 · die Minute → die Minuten (plural) = minutes · bleiben = to remain. "Minuten" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Wir warten fünfzehn Minuten.
We wait fifteen minutes.
warten = to wait. "Minuten" is plural Akkusativ. Fünfzehn Minuten is the direct object.
Dat Nach fünfzehn Minuten beginnt der Kurs.
After fifteen minutes the course begins.
nach = after (always Dativ). "Minuten" stays the same in plural Dativ. "Fünfzehn" stays unchanged.
sechzehn — 16
Note the missing -s: "sechzehn," not "sechszehn" — the -s from "sechs" is dropped, same as in "sechzig" (60).
Nom Sechzehn Studenten warten.
Sixteen students are waiting.
sechzehn = 16 · der Student → die Studenten (plural) = students · warten = to wait. "Studenten" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Der Lehrer sieht sechzehn Studenten.
The teacher sees sixteen students.
sehen = to see. "Studenten" is plural Akkusativ. Sechzehn Studenten is the direct object.
Dat Er spricht mit sechzehn Studenten.
He speaks with sixteen students.
mit = with (always Dativ). "Studenten" is already plural Dativ here. "Sechzehn" itself stays unchanged.
siebzehn — 17
Like "sechzehn," drops the final -n of "sieben" before adding "-zehn" — so "siebzehn," not "siebenzehn."
Nom Siebzehn Personen sind da.
Seventeen people are here.
siebzehn = 17 · die Person → die Personen (plural) = people. "Personen" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Ich zähle siebzehn Personen.
I count seventeen people.
zählen = to count. "Personen" is plural Akkusativ. Siebzehn Personen is the direct object.
Dat Ich danke siebzehn Personen.
I thank seventeen people.
danken = to thank (+ Dativ). "Personen" stays the same in plural Dativ. "Siebzehn" stays unchanged.
achtzehn — 18
Follows the regular teen pattern: acht + zehn, keeping the full "acht" (unlike sechs/sieben). Eighteen is the age of legal adulthood (Volljährigkeit) in Germany.
Nom Achtzehn Jahre sind wichtig.
Eighteen years are significant.
achtzehn = 18 · das Jahr (neutrum) → die Jahre (plural) = years · wichtig = important. "Jahre" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Sie feiert achtzehn Jahre.
She's celebrating eighteen years (her 18th birthday).
feiern = to celebrate. "Jahre" is plural Akkusativ. Achtzehn Jahre is the direct object.
Dat Mit achtzehn Jahren ist man volljährig.
At eighteen years old, one is legally an adult.
mit = with/at (always Dativ) · volljährig = of legal age. "Jahren" — plural Dativ adds -n (die Jahre → den Jahren). "Achtzehn" stays unchanged.
neunzehn — 19
The last of the regular teens: neun + zehn. After this, the pattern changes completely — "zwanzig" (20) doesn't follow the "-zehn" form at all.
Nom Neunzehn Wörter stehen im Text.
Nineteen words are in the text.
neunzehn = 19 · das Wort → die Wörter (plural) = words · der Text (maskulin) = text. "Wörter" — plural Nominativ, the subject of "stehen."
Akk Wir lernen neunzehn Wörter.
We're learning nineteen words.
lernen = to learn. "Wörter" is plural Akkusativ. Neunzehn Wörter is the direct object.
Dat Mit neunzehn Wörtern beginnen wir.
We begin with nineteen words.
mit = with (always Dativ). "Wörtern" — plural Dativ adds -n (die Wörter → den Wörtern). "Neunzehn" stays unchanged.
zwanzig — 20
The first of the "round" tens — it drops the "-zehn" pattern entirely. All later tens (dreißig, vierzig …) are built from this "-zig" ending instead (except "dreißig," which uses "-ßig").
Nom Zwanzig Buchstaben reichen nicht.
Twenty letters aren't enough.
zwanzig = 20 · der Buchstabe (maskulin) → die Buchstaben (plural) = letters · reichen = to be enough. "Buchstaben" — plural Nominativ, the subject.
Akk Das Alphabet hat zwanzig Buchstaben nicht — es hat mehr.
The alphabet doesn't have twenty letters — it has more.
haben = to have · das Alphabet (neutrum) = alphabet. "Buchstaben" is plural Akkusativ. Zwanzig Buchstaben is the direct object.
Dat Nach zwanzig Minuten ist die Übung fertig.
After twenty minutes the exercise is done.
nach = after (always Dativ) · die Übung (feminin) = exercise. "Minuten" stays the same in plural Dativ. "Zwanzig" stays unchanged.
die Antwort — answer (plural: die Antworten)
From "antworten" (to answer). You'll hear "Was ist die Antwort?" constantly in exercises — pairs naturally with "die Frage" (the question).
Nom Die Antwort ist richtig.
The answer is correct.
die Antwort (feminin) = answer · richtig = correct. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Antwort is the subject.
Akk Ich weiß die Antwort.
I know the answer.
wissen = to know (a fact). "Die" stays "die" in Akkusativ. Antwort is the direct object.
Dat Er hilft mir mit der Antwort.
He helps me with the answer.
helfen = to help (+ Dativ) · mit = with (always Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit."
sammeln — to collect
A regular verb: ich sammle, du sammelst, er/sie sammelt. In class you'll hear "Sammeln Sie Ideen!" (Collect ideas!) — often used for brainstorming vocabulary or arguments together.
Nom Die Gruppe sammelt Ideen.
The group collects ideas.
die Gruppe (feminin) = group · sammeln = to collect → sammelt (sie/er form) · die Idee (feminin) = idea. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Gruppe is the subject.
Akk Wir sammeln Wörter.
We collect words.
sammeln = to collect → sammeln (wir form) · das Wort → die Wörter (plural) = words. "Wörter" is plural Akkusativ (unchanged from Nominativ). Wörter is the direct object.
Dat Ich helfe der Klasse beim Sammeln.
I help the class with the collecting.
helfen = to help (+ Dativ) · die Klasse (feminin) = class · beim = bei + dem (with/during). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
zuordnen — to match / to arrange
A separable verb: ich ordne zu, du ordnest zu, er/sie ordnet zu. Extremely common in textbook exercises: "Ordnen Sie die Wörter den Bildern zu" (Match the words to the pictures).
Nom Die Studentin ordnet die Wörter zu.
The student matches the words.
die Studentin (feminin) = female student · zuordnen = to match → ordnet … zu (sie form, separable verb). "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Studentin is the subject.
Akk Ich ordne das Bild zu.
I match the picture.
zuordnen = to match → ordne … zu (ich form) · das Bild (neutrum) = picture. "Das" stays "das" in Akkusativ. Bild is the direct object.
Dat Wir ordnen die Wörter dem Text zu.
We match the words to the text.
zuordnen = to match/assign to → ordnen … zu (wir form) · der Text (maskulin) = text. "Dem" because "zuordnen" takes a Dativ object (the thing matched TO) — maskulin Dativ (der → dem).
der Partner — partner (male) (plural: die Partner)
Used constantly for pair-work exercises: "Arbeiten Sie mit einem Partner" (Work with a partner). The feminine form is "die Partnerin."
Nom Der Partner hilft mir.
The partner helps me.
der Partner (maskulin) = partner · helfen = to help. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Partner is the subject.
Akk Ich frage den Partner.
I ask the partner.
fragen = to ask. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Partner is the direct object.
Dat Ich arbeite mit dem Partner.
I work with the partner.
arbeiten = to work · mit = with (always Dativ). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit."
die Partnerin — partner (female) (plural: die Partnerinnen)
The feminine counterpart of "der Partner" — add "-in" (and double the "n" in the plural). Used the same way for pair-work with a female partner.
Nom Die Partnerin spricht Deutsch.
The (female) partner speaks German.
die Partnerin (feminin) = female partner · sprechen = to speak. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Partnerin is the subject.
Akk Ich höre die Partnerin.
I listen to the (female) partner.
hören = to listen. "Die" stays "die" in Akkusativ. Partnerin is the direct object.
Dat Ich spiele mit der Partnerin.
I play with the (female) partner.
spielen = to play · mit = with (always Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit."
der Kindergarten — kindergarten (plural: die Kindergärten)
One of the few German words used worldwide unchanged (like "Rucksack" or "Angst"). Literally "children's garden." Note the umlaut in the plural: Kindergarten → Kindergärten.
Nom Der Kindergarten ist neu.
The kindergarten is new.
der Kindergarten (maskulin) = kindergarten · neu = new. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Kindergarten is the subject.
Akk Wir besuchen den Kindergarten.
We're visiting the kindergarten.
besuchen = to visit. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Kindergarten is the direct object.
Dat Das Kind ist in dem Kindergarten.
The child is at kindergarten.
das Kind (neutrum) = child · in = in (Dativ for location). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem).
Bitte ein bisschen langsamer. — Please, a little slower.
A vital survival phrase for beginners — perfectly polite and very commonly used with teachers, shopkeepers, or anyone speaking too fast for you to follow.
Nom Bitte ein bisschen langsamer — der Text ist schnell.
Please, a little slower — the text is fast.
bitte = please · langsamer = slower · der Text (maskulin) = text · schnell = fast. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Text is the subject.
Akk Bitte ein bisschen langsamer — ich verstehe den Satz nicht.
Please, a little slower — I don't understand the sentence.
verstehen = to understand · der Satz (maskulin) = sentence. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Satz is the direct object.
Dat Bitte ein bisschen langsamer — ich helfe der Studentin.
Please, a little slower — I'm helping the student.
helfen = to help (+ Dativ) · die Studentin (feminin) = female student. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der).