Appearance
Netzwerk 3: Entertainment
Chapter 3 — entertainment, seasons, months, and other useful words.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
das Konzert, -e — concert
Germans love live music. From the Berliner Philharmoniker to open-air summer festivals, "Konzert" is a word you will hear constantly. The plural adds -e.
Nom Das Konzert beginnt um acht Uhr.
The concert starts at eight o'clock.
das Konzert (neutrum) = concert · beginnen = to begin · um = at · acht Uhr = eight o'clock. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Konzert is the subject.
Akk Wir besuchen das Konzert am Samstag.
We are visiting the concert on Saturday.
das Konzert (neutrum) = concert · besuchen = to visit/attend · am Samstag = on Saturday. "Das" stays "das" in Akkusativ (neutrum does not change). Konzert is the direct object.
Dat Die Musik in dem Konzert ist wunderbar.
The music at the concert is wonderful.
das Konzert (neutrum) = concert · die Musik = music · wunderbar = wonderful. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "in".
der Film, -e — film, movie
Germany has a strong film tradition. You will see "Film" on cinema listings, streaming apps, and in everyday conversation. "Einen Film sehen" (to see a film) is extremely common.
Nom Der Film ist sehr gut.
The film is very good.
der Film (maskulin) = film · sehr = very · gut = good. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Film is the subject.
Akk Ich sehe den Film heute Abend.
I am watching the film this evening.
der Film (maskulin) = film · sehen = to see/watch · heute Abend = this evening. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Film is the direct object.
Dat Er spricht von dem Film.
He is talking about the film.
der Film (maskulin) = film · sprechen = to speak · von = about/from. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "von" (always Dativ).
der Gast, Gäste — guest
Notice the umlaut in the plural: Gast → Gäste. Many short maskulin nouns add an umlaut in the plural. You will hear this word in restaurants, hotels, and at home.
Nom Der Gast kommt um sieben.
The guest is coming at seven.
der Gast (maskulin) = guest · kommen = to come · um sieben = at seven. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Gast is the subject.
Akk Wir begrüßen den Gast.
We welcome the guest.
der Gast (maskulin) = guest · begrüßen = to welcome/greet. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Gast is the direct object.
Dat Sie gibt dem Gast ein Getränk.
She gives the guest a drink.
der Gast (maskulin) = guest · geben = to give · ein Getränk = a drink. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem). Gast is the indirect object (who receives the drink).
die Ausstellung, -en — exhibition
Germany is full of museums and galleries. "Ausstellung" comes from "ausstellen" (to exhibit/display). The -ung ending is always feminin — a very reliable rule!
Nom Die Ausstellung ist bis März geöffnet.
The exhibition is open until March.
die Ausstellung (feminin) = exhibition · bis = until · März = March · geöffnet = open. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Ausstellung is the subject.
Akk Du besuchst die Ausstellung morgen.
You are visiting the exhibition tomorrow.
die Ausstellung (feminin) = exhibition · besuchen = to visit · morgen = tomorrow. "Die" stays "die" in Akkusativ (feminin does not change). Ausstellung is the direct object.
Dat Ich bin in der Ausstellung.
I am in the exhibition.
die Ausstellung (feminin) = exhibition · sein = to be. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" (location = Dativ).
die Konzertkarte, -n — concert ticket
A compound noun: Konzert + Karte. In German, compound nouns take the gender of the LAST word. "Die Karte" is feminin, so "die Konzertkarte" is also feminin. This rule works for all compound nouns!
Nom Die Konzertkarte kostet 30 Euro.
The concert ticket costs 30 euros.
die Konzertkarte (feminin) = concert ticket · kosten = to cost · 30 Euro = 30 euros. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Konzertkarte is the subject.
Akk Er kauft die Konzertkarte online.
He buys the concert ticket online.
die Konzertkarte (feminin) = concert ticket · kaufen = to buy · online = online. "Die" stays "die" in Akkusativ (feminin does not change). Konzertkarte is the direct object.
Dat Auf der Konzertkarte steht der Name.
The name is on the concert ticket.
die Konzertkarte (feminin) = concert ticket · stehen = to stand/be written · der Name = the name. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "auf" (location = Dativ).
das Publikum — audience, public
"Publikum" has no plural form — it is always singular (Sg.). It refers to the audience as a whole group. You will see it in theaters, concert halls, and on TV.
Nom Das Publikum klatscht laut.
The audience claps loudly.
das Publikum (neutrum) = audience · klatschen = to clap · laut = loudly. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Publikum is the subject.
Akk Die Musik begeistert das Publikum.
The music excites the audience.
das Publikum (neutrum) = audience · die Musik = music · begeistern = to excite/thrill. "Das" stays "das" in Akkusativ (neutrum does not change). Publikum is the direct object.
Dat Der Sänger dankt dem Publikum.
The singer thanks the audience.
das Publikum (neutrum) = audience · der Sänger = singer · danken = to thank (+ Dativ!). "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem). "Danken" always takes Dativ.
der Schauspieler, - — actor
The word breaks down as "Schau" (show) + "Spieler" (player) — literally a "show player." The female form adds -in: die Schauspielerin. The -er ending for male professions is very common in German.
Nom Der Schauspieler ist sehr bekannt.
The actor is very well-known.
der Schauspieler (maskulin) = actor · sehr = very · bekannt = well-known/famous. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Schauspieler is the subject.
Akk Wir sehen den Schauspieler im Film.
We see the actor in the film.
der Schauspieler (maskulin) = actor · sehen = to see · im = in dem (in the). "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Schauspieler is the direct object.
Dat Die Kinder sprechen mit dem Schauspieler.
The children are talking with the actor.
der Schauspieler (maskulin) = actor · die Kinder = the children · sprechen = to speak · mit = with. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit" (always Dativ).
die Jahreszeit, -en — season
Another compound noun: "Jahr" (year) + "es" (linking sound) + "Zeit" (time) = time of the year. Since "die Zeit" is feminin, "die Jahreszeit" is also feminin. Germany has four very distinct seasons.
Nom Die Jahreszeit ist wunderschön.
The season is beautiful.
die Jahreszeit (feminin) = season · wunderschön = beautiful (literally "wonder-beautiful"). "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Jahreszeit is the subject.
Akk Ich mag die Jahreszeit sehr.
I like the season very much.
die Jahreszeit (feminin) = season · mögen = to like · sehr = very much. "Die" stays "die" in Akkusativ (feminin does not change). Jahreszeit is the direct object.
Dat In der Jahreszeit regnet es oft.
In the season it rains often.
die Jahreszeit (feminin) = season · regnen = to rain · es = it · oft = often. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" (location/time = Dativ).
der Frühling — spring
All four seasons are maskulin in German: der Frühling, der Sommer, der Herbst, der Winter. "Frühling" comes from "früh" (early) — the early time of the year. Spring in Germany means cherry blossoms and outdoor cafe culture.
Nom Der Frühling beginnt im März.
Spring begins in March.
der Frühling (maskulin) = spring · beginnen = to begin · im März = in March ("im" = in dem). "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Frühling is the subject.
Akk Ich liebe den Frühling.
I love spring.
der Frühling (maskulin) = spring · lieben = to love. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Frühling is the direct object.
Dat Im Frühling blühen die Blumen.
In spring the flowers bloom.
der Frühling (maskulin) = spring · blühen = to bloom · die Blumen = the flowers. "Im" = in + dem — maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in" (time = Dativ).
das Bild, -er — picture, image
"Bild" is one of the most common German words. It also appears in "Bildung" (education) and "Bildschirm" (screen). "Bild" is also the name of Germany's biggest tabloid newspaper.
Nom Das Bild hängt an der Wand.
The picture hangs on the wall.
das Bild (neutrum) = picture · hängen = to hang · an der Wand = on the wall. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Bild is the subject.
Akk Sie malt das Bild im Kurs.
She paints the picture in the class.
das Bild (neutrum) = picture · malen = to paint · im Kurs = in the class. "Das" stays "das" in Akkusativ (neutrum does not change). Bild is the direct object.
Dat Auf dem Bild sehe ich einen Hund.
In the picture I see a dog.
das Bild (neutrum) = picture · sehen = to see · einen Hund = a dog. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "auf" (location = Dativ).
die Welt, -en — world
"Welt" appears in many compounds: Weltmeister (world champion), Weltkrieg (world war), Weltreise (world trip). Germans love compound nouns, and "Welt" is a popular building block.
Nom Die Welt ist groß und schön.
The world is big and beautiful.
die Welt (feminin) = world · groß = big · schön = beautiful · und = and. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Welt is the subject.
Akk Wir entdecken die Welt zusammen.
We discover the world together.
die Welt (feminin) = world · entdecken = to discover · zusammen = together. "Die" stays "die" in Akkusativ (feminin does not change). Welt is the direct object.
Dat In der Welt gibt es viele Sprachen.
In the world there are many languages.
die Welt (feminin) = world · es gibt = there is/are · viele = many · die Sprachen = languages. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" (location = Dativ).
das Glück — luck, happiness
"Glück" means both "luck" and "happiness" — Germans see them as connected! "Viel Glück!" means "Good luck!" You will also see "glücklich" (happy). It has no plural form.
Nom Das Glück kommt und geht.
Luck comes and goes.
das Glück (neutrum) = luck · kommen = to come · gehen = to go · und = and. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Glück is the subject.
Akk Ich wünsche dir das Glück.
I wish you luck.
das Glück (neutrum) = luck · wünschen = to wish · dir = you (Dativ). "Das" stays "das" in Akkusativ (neutrum does not change). Glück is the direct object; "dir" is the indirect object.
Dat Sie spricht von dem Glück in ihrem Leben.
She talks about happiness in her life.
das Glück (neutrum) = happiness · sprechen = to talk · von = about · ihrem Leben = her life. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "von" (always Dativ).
die Gruppe, -n — group
You will use "Gruppe" in language class ("Arbeiten Sie in Gruppen!" = Work in groups!), in tours, and in everyday life. Nouns ending in -e are almost always feminin.
Nom Die Gruppe hat zehn Personen.
The group has ten people.
die Gruppe (feminin) = group · haben = to have · zehn = ten · Personen = people. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Gruppe is the subject.
Akk Der Lehrer fragt die Gruppe.
The teacher asks the group.
die Gruppe (feminin) = group · der Lehrer = the teacher · fragen = to ask. "Die" stays "die" in Akkusativ (feminin does not change). Gruppe is the direct object.
Dat Ich arbeite in der Gruppe.
I work in the group.
die Gruppe (feminin) = group · arbeiten = to work. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" (location = Dativ).
finden — to find; to think/consider
"Finden" has two meanings: to physically find something, and to express an opinion ("Ich finde den Film gut" = I think the film is good). The opinion meaning is extremely common in daily conversation.
Nom Der Kritiker findet das Konzert toll.
The critic thinks the concert is great.
finden = to find/think · der Kritiker (maskulin) = critic · das Konzert = concert · toll = great. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Der Kritiker is the subject doing the finding.
Akk Wir finden den Schlüssel nicht.
We cannot find the key.
finden = to find · der Schlüssel (maskulin) = key · nicht = not. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Schlüssel is the direct object of finden.
Dat Sie findet Glück in der Musik.
She finds happiness in music.
finden = to find · Glück = happiness · die Musik (feminin) = music. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" (location = Dativ).
das Plakat, -e — poster, placard
You will see Plakate everywhere in Germany — advertising concerts, exhibitions, and political campaigns. "Plakat" comes from Dutch. Event posters at bus stops and train stations are a big part of German street culture.
Nom Das Plakat ist bunt und groß.
The poster is colorful and big.
das Plakat (neutrum) = poster · bunt = colorful · groß = big · und = and. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Plakat is the subject.
Akk Ich sehe das Plakat an der Haltestelle.
I see the poster at the bus stop.
das Plakat (neutrum) = poster · sehen = to see · an der Haltestelle = at the bus stop. "Das" stays "das" in Akkusativ (neutrum does not change). Plakat is the direct object.
Dat Auf dem Plakat steht die Uhrzeit.
The time is on the poster.
das Plakat (neutrum) = poster · stehen = to stand/be written · die Uhrzeit = the time. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "auf" (location = Dativ).
der Besucher — visitor (male) (plural: die Besucher)
From "besuchen" (to visit). Used for museum, concert, or event visitors. The feminine form is "die Besucherin."
Nom Der Besucher kommt aus Italien.
The visitor comes from Italy.
der Besucher (maskulin) = visitor · kommen = to come. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Besucher is the subject.
Akk Wir begrüßen den Besucher.
We welcome the visitor.
begrüßen = to welcome. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Besucher is the direct object.
Dat Wir zeigen dem Besucher das Museum.
We show the visitor the museum.
zeigen = to show. "Dem" because the person shown TO is the indirect object (Dativ): maskulin Dativ (der → dem).
die Besucherin — visitor (female) (plural: die Besucherinnen)
The feminine counterpart of "der Besucher" — add "-in" (and double the "n" in the plural).
Nom Die Besucherin fotografiert das Schloss.
The (female) visitor photographs the castle.
die Besucherin (feminin) = female visitor · fotografieren = to photograph. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Besucherin is the subject.
Akk Ich frage die Besucherin.
I ask the (female) visitor.
fragen = to ask. "Die" stays "die" in Akkusativ. Besucherin is the direct object.
Dat Ich helfe der Besucherin.
I help the (female) visitor.
helfen = to help (+ Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
das Orchester — orchestra (plural: die Orchester)
Neutrum despite the -er ending, unlike most maskulin -er nouns. The Berliner Philharmoniker is Germany's most famous orchestra.
Nom Das Orchester spielt Beethoven.
The orchestra plays Beethoven.
das Orchester (neutrum) = orchestra · spielen = to play. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Orchester is the subject.
Akk Wir hören das Orchester.
We listen to the orchestra.
hören = to hear/listen. "Das" stays "das" in Akkusativ. Orchester is the direct object.
Dat Der Dirigent steht vor dem Orchester.
The conductor stands in front of the orchestra.
der Dirigent = conductor · vor = in front of (Dativ for location). "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "vor."
der Chor — choir (plural: die Chöre)
Note the umlaut in the plural: Chor → Chöre. Germany has a strong choral tradition — church choirs and school choirs are very common.
Nom Der Chor singt schön.
The choir sings beautifully.
der Chor (maskulin) = choir · singen = to sing · schön = beautifully. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Chor is the subject.
Akk Ich höre den Chor.
I hear the choir.
hören = to hear. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Chor is the direct object.
Dat Sie singt in dem Chor.
She sings in the choir.
in = in (Dativ for location). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in."
die Schauspielerin — actress (plural: die Schauspielerinnen)
The feminine counterpart of "der Schauspieler" — add "-in" (and double the "n" in the plural).
Nom Die Schauspielerin ist berühmt.
The actress is famous.
die Schauspielerin (feminin) = actress · berühmt = famous. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Schauspielerin is the subject.
Akk Wir sehen die Schauspielerin im Film.
We see the actress in the film.
sehen = to see. "Die" stays "die" in Akkusativ. Schauspielerin is the direct object.
Dat Die Kinder sprechen mit der Schauspielerin.
The children talk with the actress.
mit = with (always Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit."
der Star — celebrity / star (plural: die Stars)
An English loanword, maskulin, plural adds -s. Used for famous people in film, music, or sports — not to be confused with "der Stern" (a star in the sky).
Nom Der Star kommt heute.
The star is coming today.
der Star (maskulin) = celebrity/star · heute = today. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Star is the subject.
Akk Alle kennen den Star.
Everyone knows the star.
kennen = to know. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Star is the direct object.
Dat Wir sprechen mit dem Star.
We speak with the star.
mit = with (always Dativ). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit."
der Regisseur — director (male) (plural: die Regisseure)
Borrowed from French, used for film and theater directors. The feminine form is "die Regisseurin."
Nom Der Regisseur arbeitet viel.
The director works a lot.
der Regisseur (maskulin) = director · arbeiten = to work · viel = a lot. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Regisseur is the subject.
Akk Wir kennen den Regisseur.
We know the director.
kennen = to know. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Regisseur is the direct object.
Dat Ich spreche mit dem Regisseur.
I speak with the director.
sprechen = to speak · mit = with (+ Dativ) · der Regisseur (maskulin) = director. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit", which always takes Dativ.
die Regisseurin — director (female) (plural: die Regisseurinnen)
The feminine counterpart of "der Regisseur" — add "-in" (and double the "n" in the plural).
Nom Die Regisseurin ist kreativ.
The director is creative.
die Regisseurin (feminin) = female director · kreativ = creative. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Regisseurin is the subject.
Akk Wir interviewen die Regisseurin.
We interview the director.
interviewen = to interview. "Die" stays "die" in Akkusativ. Regisseurin is the direct object.
Dat Wir danken der Regisseurin.
We thank the director.
danken = to thank (+ Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
der Sommer — summer
All four seasons are maskulin. German summers are prime festival and outdoor-café season — you'll hear "im Sommer" constantly when discussing plans.
Nom Der Sommer ist warm.
Summer is warm.
der Sommer (maskulin) = summer · warm = warm. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Sommer is the subject.
Akk Ich liebe den Sommer.
I love summer.
lieben = to love. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Sommer is the direct object.
Dat Im Sommer sind Festivals.
In summer there are festivals.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time). "Im" = maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in."
der Herbst — autumn / fall
Maskulin like all seasons. German autumn brings "Erntedankfest" (harvest festival) and the start of Oktoberfest in late summer/early autumn.
Nom Der Herbst ist bunt.
Autumn is colorful.
der Herbst (maskulin) = autumn · bunt = colorful. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Herbst is the subject.
Akk Ich mag den Herbst.
I like autumn.
mögen = to like. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Herbst is the direct object.
Dat Im Herbst fallen die Blätter.
In autumn the leaves fall.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time) · das Blatt → die Blätter = leaves. "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
der Winter — winter
Maskulin like all seasons. German Christmas markets ("Weihnachtsmärkte") are a highlight of winter and run through December.
Nom Der Winter ist kalt.
Winter is cold.
der Winter (maskulin) = winter · kalt = cold. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Winter is the subject.
Akk Wir mögen den Winter nicht.
We don't like winter.
mögen = to like. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Winter is the direct object.
Dat Im Winter schneit es oft.
In winter it often snows.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time) · schneien = to snow · oft = often. "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
der Monat — month (plural: die Monate)
All 12 month names are maskulin: der Januar, der Februar, etc. "Welchen Monat haben wir?" asks what month it is.
Nom Der Monat ist lang.
The month is long.
der Monat (maskulin) = month · lang = long. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Monat is the subject.
Akk Wir planen den Monat.
We plan the month.
planen = to plan. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Monat is the direct object.
Dat In diesem Monat ist ein Fest.
This month there's a festival.
in = in (Dativ for time) · dieser = this. "Diesem" because maskulin Dativ (dieser → diesem) after "in."
der Januar — January
All months are maskulin and used without an article in most contexts: "im Januar" (in January). Neujahr (New Year) falls on the 1st.
Nom Der Januar ist kalt.
January is cold.
der Januar (maskulin) = January · kalt = cold. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Januar is the subject.
Akk Ich mag den Januar nicht.
I don't like January.
mögen = to like. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Januar is the direct object.
Dat Im Januar beginnt das Jahr.
The year begins in January.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time) · beginnen = to begin · das Jahr = year. "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
der Februar — February
The shortest month, and the season of "Karneval"/"Fasching" in many parts of Germany. Used the same way as all month names: "im Februar."
Nom Der Februar ist kurz.
February is short.
der Februar (maskulin) = February · kurz = short. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Februar is the subject.
Akk Wir planen den Februar.
We're planning February.
planen = to plan. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Februar is the direct object.
Dat Im Februar ist Karneval.
Carnival is in February.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time). "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
der März — March
The month spring officially begins. Used the same way as all month names: "im März."
Nom Der März ist der Anfang vom Frühling.
March is the start of spring.
der März (maskulin) = March · der Anfang = start · der Frühling = spring. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. März is the subject.
Akk Ich mag den März.
I like March.
mögen = to like. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). März is the direct object.
Dat Im März beginnt der Frühling.
Spring begins in March.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time) · beginnen = to begin. "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
der April — April
Famous for changeable weather — "Aprilwetter" describes sudden shifts from sun to rain. "April, April!" is what Germans say for an April Fools' joke.
Nom Der April ist wechselhaft.
April is changeable.
der April (maskulin) = April · wechselhaft = changeable. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. April is the subject.
Akk Wir planen den April.
We're planning April.
planen = to plan. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). April is the direct object.
Dat Im April regnet es viel.
It rains a lot in April.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time) · regnen = to rain. "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
der Mai — May
May 1st ("der erste Mai") is a public holiday (Tag der Arbeit) in Germany. A favorite month for outdoor festivals as the weather warms up.
Nom Der Mai ist schön.
May is beautiful.
der Mai (maskulin) = May · schön = beautiful. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Mai is the subject.
Akk Ich liebe den Mai.
I love May.
lieben = to love. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Mai is the direct object.
Dat Im Mai ist ein Feiertag.
There's a public holiday in May.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time) · der Feiertag = public holiday. "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
der Juni — June
The start of summer and the longest days of the year. Used the same way as all month names: "im Juni."
Nom Der Juni ist warm.
June is warm.
der Juni (maskulin) = June · warm = warm. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Juni is the subject.
Akk Wir planen den Juni.
We're planning June.
planen = to plan. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Juni is the direct object.
Dat Im Juni sind die Tage lang.
In June the days are long.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time) · der Tag → die Tage = days · lang = long. "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
der Juli — July
A peak summer month for most of Germany — school summer holidays (Sommerferien) usually begin in July. Used the same way as all month names: "im Juli."
Nom Der Juli ist heiß.
July is hot.
der Juli (maskulin) = July · heiß = hot. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Juli is the subject.
Akk Ich mag den Juli.
I like July.
mögen = to like. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Juli is the direct object.
Dat Im Juli beginnen die Ferien.
The holidays begin in July.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time) · beginnen = to begin · die Ferien = holidays. "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
der August — August
Peak vacation month across Germany — many businesses slow down as people travel. Used the same way as all month names: "im August."
Nom Der August ist der Ferienmonat.
August is the holiday month.
der August (maskulin) = August · der Ferienmonat = holiday month. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. August is the subject.
Akk Wir planen den August.
We're planning August.
planen = to plan. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). August is the direct object.
Dat Im August reisen viele Leute.
Many people travel in August.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time) · reisen = to travel. "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
der September — September
The month the Oktoberfest actually starts in Munich (despite the name!) and school begins again after summer break.
Nom Der September ist mild.
September is mild.
der September (maskulin) = September · mild = mild. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. September is the subject.
Akk Ich mag den September.
I like September.
mögen = to like. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). September is the direct object.
Dat Im September beginnt die Schule.
School begins in September.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time) · beginnen = to begin · die Schule = school. "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
der Oktober — October
Colorful autumn month — and, confusingly, the Oktoberfest mostly happens in September! Used the same way as all month names: "im Oktober."
Nom Der Oktober ist bunt.
October is colorful.
der Oktober (maskulin) = October · bunt = colorful. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Oktober is the subject.
Akk Wir planen den Oktober.
We're planning October.
planen = to plan. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Oktober is the direct object.
Dat Im Oktober ist der Tag der Einheit.
German Unity Day is in October.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time) · der Tag der Einheit = Unity Day. "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
der November — November
A quiet, dark month before the Christmas season begins. Used the same way as all month names: "im November."
Nom Der November ist grau.
November is gray.
der November (maskulin) = November · grau = gray. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. November is the subject.
Akk Ich mag den November nicht.
I don't like November.
mögen = to like. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). November is the direct object.
Dat Im November wird es dunkel.
In November it gets dark.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time) · werden = to become · dunkel = dark. "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
der Dezember — December
The month of Christmas markets, Advent, and the year's end. Used the same way as all month names: "im Dezember."
Nom Der Dezember ist festlich.
December is festive.
der Dezember (maskulin) = December · festlich = festive. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Dezember is the subject.
Akk Ich liebe den Dezember.
I love December.
lieben = to love. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Dezember is the direct object.
Dat Im Dezember sind Weihnachtsmärkte.
Christmas markets are in December.
im = in + dem (Dativ for time) · der Weihnachtsmarkt = Christmas market. "Im" — maskulin Dativ after "in."
so — so / such
A flexible intensifier: "So ein Glück!" (Such luck!/What luck!). Also used to mean "like this": "Es ist so" (It's like this).
Nom So ein Glück! Der Film beginnt jetzt.
What luck! The film starts now.
so ein Glück = what luck · der Film (maskulin) = film · jetzt = now. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Film is the subject.
Akk Ich mag so ein Konzert.
I like a concert like this.
mögen = to like · das Konzert (neutrum) = concert. "Ein" stays "ein" in neutrum Akkusativ. Konzert is the direct object.
Dat Bei so einem Test bin ich nervös.
With a test like this I'm nervous.
bei = with/at (always Dativ) · der Test (maskulin) = test · nervös = nervous. "Einem" because maskulin Dativ (ein → einem) after "bei."
der Test — test / quiz (plural: die Tests)
An English loanword, maskulin, plural adds -s. "Heute ist kein Test!" is exactly the kind of reassuring sentence you want to hear in class.
Nom Der Test ist schwer.
The test is hard.
der Test (maskulin) = test · schwer = hard. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Test is the subject.
Akk Wir schreiben den Test.
We're writing the test.
schreiben = to write. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Test is the direct object.
Dat Nach dem Test bin ich müde.
After the test I'm tired.
nach = after (+ Dativ) · der Test (maskulin) = test · müde = tired. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "nach", which always takes Dativ.
heute — today
A basic time adverb, used constantly: "Heute ist kein Test!" (Today there's no test!). Compare "gestern" (yesterday) and "morgen" (tomorrow).
Nom Heute ist der Test nicht.
Today there is no test.
heute = today · der Test (maskulin) = test. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Test is the subject.
Akk Heute sehe ich den Film.
Today I'm watching the film.
sehen = to see · der Film (maskulin) = film. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Film is the direct object.
Dat Heute gehen wir zu dem Konzert.
Today we're going to the concert.
zu = to (always Dativ) · das Konzert (neutrum) = concert. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "zu."
jetzt — now
A basic time adverb for the present moment: "Jetzt aber schnell!" (Quick, now!) conveys urgency — a common classroom phrase.
Nom Jetzt beginnt das Konzert.
Now the concert begins.
jetzt = now · das Konzert (neutrum) = concert · beginnen = to begin. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Konzert is the subject.
Akk Jetzt sehe ich den Star.
Now I see the star.
sehen = to see · der Star (maskulin) = celebrity. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Star is the direct object.
Dat Jetzt sind wir an dem Ziel.
Now we're at the destination.
an = at (Dativ for location) · das Ziel = destination. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "an."
okay — okay
A universal loanword used in casual German exactly as in English — to confirm, accept, or check in ("Alles okay?").
Nom Okay, der Plan ist gut.
Okay, the plan is good.
okay = okay · der Plan (maskulin) = plan. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Plan is the subject.
Akk Okay, ich mache die Lösung.
Okay, I'll do the solution.
machen = to do/make · die Lösung (feminin) = solution. "Die" stays "die" in Akkusativ. Lösung is the direct object.
Dat Okay, wir helfen der Gruppe.
Okay, we'll help the group.
helfen = to help (+ Dativ) · die Gruppe (feminin) = group. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
die Lösung — solution (plural: die Lösungen)
From "lösen" (to solve). Every -ung noun is feminin — a very reliable rule. "Die Lösung finden" = to find the solution/answer.
Nom Die Lösung ist einfach.
The solution is simple.
die Lösung (feminin) = solution · einfach = simple. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Lösung is the subject.
Akk Ich finde die Lösung.
I find the solution.
finden = to find. "Die" stays "die" in Akkusativ. Lösung is the direct object.
Dat Ich helfe dir mit der Lösung.
I'll help you with the solution.
helfen = to help (+ Dativ) · mit = with (always Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit."
das Mal — time / occasion (ein Mal, zwei Mal … / das erste, zweite … Mal)
Used to count occurrences: "ein Mal" (once), "zwei Mal" (twice), "drei Mal" (three times). With an ordinal it means "the first/second time": "das erste Mal," "das zweite Mal." Often written as one word: "einmal," "zweimal."
Nom Das erste Mal war schwer.
The first time was hard.
das Mal (neutrum) = time/occasion · erste = first · schwer = hard. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Mal is the subject.
Akk Ich sehe den Film ein zweites Mal.
I'm watching the film a second time.
sehen = to see · der Film = film · zweite = second. "Ein … Mal" stays neutrum Akkusativ (das → ein pattern, unchanged). Mal is the direct object, telling how many times.
Dat Bei diesem Mal klappt es.
This time it works out.
bei = at/with (always Dativ) · dieser = this · klappen = to work out. "Diesem" because neutrum Dativ (dieses → diesem) after "bei."
Vielen Dank! — Thank you very much!
A warmer, more emphatic version of "Danke." Literally "many thanks" — "vielen" is the Akkusativ form of "viel," since the phrase is short for "Ich sage vielen Dank" (I give many thanks).
Nom Vielen Dank! Das Konzert war toll.
Thank you very much! The concert was great.
Vielen Dank = thank you very much · das Konzert (neutrum) = concert · toll = great. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Konzert is the subject.
Akk Vielen Dank! Ich zeige den Weg gern.
Thank you very much! I'm happy to show the way.
zeigen = to show · der Weg (maskulin) = way · gern = gladly. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Weg is the direct object.
Dat Vielen Dank! Wir helfen der Besucherin.
Thank you very much! We're helping the visitor.
helfen = to help (+ Dativ) · die Besucherin (feminin) = female visitor. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der).