Appearance
Netzwerk 5: Daily Life
Chapter 5 — daily routine, family members, and telling time.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
schlafen (er schläft) — to sleep
Strong verb: the "a" becomes "ä" in the du/er/sie forms (du schläfst, er schläft). Memory aid: "schlafen" starts with the same soft sh-sound as the English "sleep".
Nom Das Baby schläft.
The baby is sleeping.
schlafen = to sleep · das Baby (neutrum) = baby. "Das Baby" is the subject, so neutrum Nominativ (das stays das). Er/es form is irregular: "schläft".
Akk Ich brauche den Schlaf, ich schlafe jetzt.
I need the sleep, I am sleeping now.
schlafen = to sleep · brauchen = to need · der Schlaf (maskulin) = sleep. "Den Schlaf" is the direct object of "brauchen", so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Wir schlafen bei der Oma.
We are sleeping at grandma's.
schlafen = to sleep · bei = at (someone's place), always takes Dativ · die Oma (feminin) = grandma. "Der Oma" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "bei".
duschen — to shower
Regular (weak) verb. Germans often say "sich duschen" too, but at A1 the simple "ich dusche" is perfectly fine.
Nom Der Vater duscht am Morgen.
The father showers in the morning.
duschen = to shower · der Vater (maskulin) = father. "Der Vater" is the subject, so maskulin Nominativ (der stays der). Verb ending -t for er/sie/es: "duscht".
Akk Ich dusche das Kind.
I shower the child.
duschen = to shower · das Kind (neutrum) = child. "Das Kind" is the direct object, so neutrum Akkusativ (das stays das — neuter never changes in Akkusativ).
Dat Nach der Uni dusche ich.
After university I shower.
duschen = to shower · nach = after, always takes Dativ · die Uni (feminin) = university. "Der Uni" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach".
besuchen — to visit / to attend
Takes a direct object (Akkusativ) with no preposition: "Ich besuche meine Oma." It also means to attend a course: "einen Kurs besuchen".
Nom Die Schwester besucht uns.
The sister visits us.
besuchen = to visit · die Schwester (feminin) = sister · uns = us. "Die Schwester" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich besuche den Opa.
I visit grandpa.
besuchen = to visit · der Opa (maskulin) = grandpa. "Den Opa" is the direct object, so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Ich komme mit der Familie und besuche das Museum.
I come with the family and visit the museum.
besuchen = to visit · mit = with, always takes Dativ · die Familie (feminin) = family. "Der Familie" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit".
treffen (er trifft) — to meet
Strong verb: "e" becomes "i" in du/er/sie forms (du triffst, er trifft). "sich treffen" = to meet up: "Wir treffen uns um vier."
Nom Der Bruder trifft Freunde.
The brother meets friends.
treffen = to meet · der Bruder (maskulin) = brother · Freunde = friends. "Der Bruder" is the subject, so maskulin Nominativ. Er-form is irregular: "trifft".
Akk Ich treffe die Mutter in der Stadt.
I meet mother in the city.
treffen = to meet · die Mutter (feminin) = mother. "Die Mutter" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Wir treffen uns in der Mensa.
We meet in the canteen.
sich treffen = to meet up · in = in (here location, so Dativ) · die Mensa (feminin) = canteen. "Der Mensa" because feminin Dativ (die → der); "in" takes Dativ when it answers "where?".
die Nachricht, -en — message / news item
In the plural "die Nachrichten" also means "the news" (on TV or radio). A text message is often called "eine Nachricht" or "eine SMS".
Nom Die Nachricht ist wichtig.
The message is important.
die Nachricht (feminin) = message · wichtig = important. "Die Nachricht" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich schreibe die Nachricht.
I write the message.
die Nachricht (feminin) = message · schreiben = to write. "Die Nachricht" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat In der Nachricht steht die Uhrzeit.
The time is in the message.
die Nachricht (feminin) = message · in = in (location → Dativ) · stehen = to stand/be written. "Der Nachricht" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
die Uni, -s — university
Short, everyday form of "die Universität". Students always say "die Uni". Plural takes -s: "die Unis".
Nom Die Uni ist groß.
The university is big.
die Uni (feminin) = university · groß = big. "Die Uni" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich finde die Uni super.
I find the university great.
die Uni (feminin) = university · finden = to find/think · super = great. "Die Uni" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Ich lerne an der Uni.
I study at the university.
die Uni (feminin) = university · an = at (location → Dativ) · lernen = to study/learn. "Der Uni" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
in die Uni fahren — to travel / go to university
Here "in" takes Akkusativ because it shows movement toward a goal (in die Uni = to/into the university). Compare with location "an der Uni" (Dativ).
Nom Der Sohn fährt in die Uni.
The son travels to university.
fahren = to travel/go (by vehicle) · der Sohn (maskulin) = son. "Der Sohn" is the subject → maskulin Nominativ. "fahren" is strong: er fährt.
Akk Ich fahre in die Uni.
I travel to the university.
fahren = to travel · in here shows movement, so Akkusativ · die Uni (feminin). "Die Uni" is feminin Akkusativ (die stays die). The direction "into/to" triggers Akkusativ.
Dat Mit dem Bus fahre ich in die Uni.
I travel to university by bus.
fahren = to travel · mit = with/by, always takes Dativ · der Bus (maskulin) = bus. "Dem Bus" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
die Mensa, Mensen — canteen / dining hall
The cheap student cafeteria at a German university. From Latin "mensa" = table. Irregular plural: "die Mensen".
Nom Die Mensa ist billig.
The canteen is cheap.
die Mensa (feminin) = canteen · billig = cheap. "Die Mensa" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Wir mögen die Mensa.
We like the canteen.
die Mensa (feminin) = canteen · mögen = to like. "Die Mensa" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Ich esse in der Mensa.
I eat in the canteen.
die Mensa (feminin) = canteen · in = in (location → Dativ) · essen = to eat. "Der Mensa" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
die Bibliothek, -en — library
Stress falls on the last syllable: Biblio-THEEK. Students often shorten it to "die Bib" in speech.
Nom Die Bibliothek ist ruhig.
The library is quiet.
die Bibliothek (feminin) = library · ruhig = quiet. "Die Bibliothek" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich besuche die Bibliothek oft.
I visit the library often.
die Bibliothek (feminin) = library · besuchen = to visit · oft = often. "Die Bibliothek" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Ich lerne in der Bibliothek.
I study in the library.
die Bibliothek (feminin) = library · in = in (location → Dativ) · lernen = to study. "Der Bibliothek" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
die Musikschule, -n — music school
A compound of "die Musik" + "die Schule". The gender always comes from the last word, so it is feminin like "die Schule".
Nom Die Musikschule ist neu.
The music school is new.
die Musikschule (feminin) = music school · neu = new. "Die Musikschule" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Meine Tochter besucht die Musikschule.
My daughter attends the music school.
die Musikschule (feminin) = music school · besuchen = to attend. "Die Musikschule" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat An der Musikschule lernt sie Klavier.
At the music school she learns piano.
die Musikschule (feminin) = music school · an = at (location → Dativ) · lernen = to learn. "Der Musikschule" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
die Hausaufgabe, -n — homework
Compound of "das Haus" + "die Aufgabe" (task); feminin from "die Aufgabe". Often used in the plural: "die Hausaufgaben machen" = to do homework.
Nom Die Hausaufgabe ist schwer.
The homework is hard.
die Hausaufgabe (feminin) = homework · schwer = hard/difficult. "Die Hausaufgabe" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich mache die Hausaufgabe.
I do the homework.
die Hausaufgabe (feminin) = homework · machen = to do/make. "Die Hausaufgabe" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Bei der Hausaufgabe hilft mir der Vater.
Father helps me with the homework.
die Hausaufgabe (feminin) = homework · bei = with/at, always takes Dativ · helfen = to help. "Der Hausaufgabe" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "bei".
die Zeitung, -en — newspaper
Words ending in -ung are almost always feminin (die Zeitung, die Wohnung, die Verspätung). A handy rule to remember the article.
Nom Die Zeitung liegt auf dem Tisch.
The newspaper is lying on the table.
die Zeitung (feminin) = newspaper · liegen = to lie. "Die Zeitung" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Der Opa liest die Zeitung.
Grandpa reads the newspaper.
die Zeitung (feminin) = newspaper · lesen = to read (er liest). "Die Zeitung" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat In der Zeitung stehen die Nachrichten.
The news is in the newspaper.
die Zeitung (feminin) = newspaper · in = in (location → Dativ) · stehen = to be written. "Der Zeitung" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
am Computer arbeiten — to work on the computer
"am" = "an dem" (Dativ) — you work AT the computer. "der Computer" is pronounced the English way: kom-PYU-ta.
Nom Die Mutter arbeitet am Computer.
The mother works on the computer.
arbeiten = to work · die Mutter (feminin) = mother. "Die Mutter" is the subject → feminin Nominativ. Verb keeps an extra -e: "arbeitet".
Akk Ich brauche den Computer für die Arbeit.
I need the computer for work.
arbeiten = to work · brauchen = to need · der Computer (maskulin) = computer. "Den Computer" is the direct object, so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Ich arbeite an dem Computer (am Computer).
I work on the computer.
arbeiten = to work · an = at (location → Dativ) · der Computer (maskulin) = computer. "Dem Computer" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem); "an dem" contracts to "am".
die Homepage, -s — homepage / website
English loanword; in German it is feminin (die), by analogy with "die Seite" (page). Plural takes -s: "die Homepages".
Nom Die Homepage ist modern.
The homepage is modern.
die Homepage (feminin) = homepage · modern = modern. "Die Homepage" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich baue die Homepage.
I build the homepage.
die Homepage (feminin) = homepage · bauen = to build. "Die Homepage" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Auf der Homepage steht die Adresse.
The address is on the homepage.
die Homepage (feminin) = homepage · auf = on (location → Dativ) · stehen = to be written. "Der Homepage" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
der Stress — stress (singular only)
Only used in the singular (kein Plural). Very common in daily talk: "Ich habe Stress" = I'm stressed / busy.
Nom Der Stress ist groß.
The stress is great.
der Stress (maskulin) = stress · groß = great/big. "Der Stress" is the subject, so maskulin Nominativ (der stays der).
Akk Ich habe Stress in der Uni.
I have stress at university.
der Stress (maskulin) = stress · haben = to have. "Stress" is the direct object here (Akkusativ); with "haben" the article is often dropped, but grammatically it is den Stress (der → den).
Dat Bei dem Stress (beim Stress) schlafe ich schlecht.
With the stress I sleep badly.
der Stress (maskulin) = stress · bei = with/during, always takes Dativ · schlecht = badly. "Dem Stress" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem); "bei dem" contracts to "beim".
die Uhr, -en — clock / watch
Also used for the time itself: "Es ist vier Uhr" (four o'clock) and "Wie viel Uhr ist es?" (what time is it?).
Nom Die Uhr ist kaputt.
The clock is broken.
die Uhr (feminin) = clock · kaputt = broken. "Die Uhr" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich kaufe die Uhr.
I buy the watch.
die Uhr (feminin) = watch · kaufen = to buy. "Die Uhr" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Auf der Uhr ist es vier.
On the clock it is four.
die Uhr (feminin) = clock · auf = on (location → Dativ). "Der Uhr" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
Wie viel Uhr ist es? — What time is it?
A neutral, standard way to ask the time. Literally "How much clock is it?". Answer with "Es ist ... Uhr."
Nom Entschuldigung, wie viel Uhr ist es?
Excuse me, what time is it?
wie viel = how much · die Uhr = clock/time · es = it (subject, Nominativ). The impersonal "es" is the grammatical subject in time phrases.
Akk Ich frage die Frau: Wie viel Uhr ist es?
I ask the woman: What time is it?
fragen = to ask · die Frau (feminin) = woman. "Die Frau" is the direct object of "fragen", so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Nach der Pause frage ich: Wie viel Uhr ist es?
After the break I ask: What time is it?
nach = after, always takes Dativ · die Pause (feminin) = break. "Der Pause" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach".
Wie spät ist es? — What time is it? (lit. how late is it?)
The most common everyday way to ask the time. "spät" = late. Same answer format: "Es ist halb fünf."
Nom Es ist schon spät — wie spät ist es genau?
It is already late — what time is it exactly?
wie spät = how late · es = it (impersonal subject, Nominativ) · genau = exactly. "Es" is the grammatical subject in time expressions.
Akk Ich frage den Mann: Wie spät ist es?
I ask the man: What time is it?
fragen = to ask · der Mann (maskulin) = man. "Den Mann" is the direct object, so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Vor der Stunde fragt sie: Wie spät ist es?
Before the class she asks: What time is it?
vor = before (time), takes Dativ · die Stunde (feminin) = hour/class. "Der Stunde" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "vor".
Es ist vier Uhr. — It is four o'clock.
Full-hour times use the pattern "Es ist [number] Uhr." For exact/official times (timetables) Germans say the 24-hour form, e.g. "sechzehn Uhr" for 16:00.
Nom Es ist vier Uhr.
It is four o'clock.
es = it (impersonal subject, Nominativ) · vier = four · die Uhr = o'clock. "Es" is the subject; "vier Uhr" states the time.
Akk Ich treffe den Bruder um vier Uhr.
I meet the brother at four o'clock.
treffen = to meet · der Bruder (maskulin) = brother · um = at (clock time). "Den Bruder" is the direct object, so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Nach der Arbeit ist es vier Uhr.
After work it is four o'clock.
nach = after, always takes Dativ · die Arbeit (feminin) = work. "Der Arbeit" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach".
Es ist Viertel vor vier. — It is quarter to four (3:45).
"Viertel vor" = quarter BEFORE the coming hour. So "Viertel vor vier" is 3:45. "das Viertel" = a quarter.
Nom Es ist Viertel vor vier.
It is quarter to four (3:45).
es = it (impersonal subject, Nominativ) · Viertel = quarter · vor = before/to · vier = four. "Es" is the subject stating the time.
Akk Um Viertel vor vier treffe ich die Schwester.
At quarter to four I meet the sister.
treffen = to meet · die Schwester (feminin) = sister · um = at (time). "Die Schwester" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Vor der Stunde, um Viertel vor vier, trinke ich Kaffee.
Before the class, at quarter to four, I drink coffee.
vor = before (time), takes Dativ · die Stunde (feminin) = class/hour. "Der Stunde" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "vor".
Es ist Viertel nach vier. — It is quarter past four (4:15).
"Viertel nach" = quarter AFTER the hour, so "Viertel nach vier" is 4:15. Pair it with "Viertel vor" to remember before/after.
Nom Es ist Viertel nach vier.
It is quarter past four (4:15).
es = it (impersonal subject, Nominativ) · Viertel = quarter · nach = past/after · vier = four. "Es" is the subject.
Akk Um Viertel nach vier besuche ich den Opa.
At quarter past four I visit grandpa.
besuchen = to visit · der Opa (maskulin) = grandpa · um = at (time). "Den Opa" is the direct object, so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Nach der Pause ist es Viertel nach vier.
After the break it is quarter past four.
nach = after, always takes Dativ · die Pause (feminin) = break. "Der Pause" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach".
Es ist halb fünf. — It is half past four (4:30).
Careful! German "halb fünf" means half TO five = 4:30, not 5:30. Germans count toward the next hour. A big source of confusion for English speakers.
Nom Es ist halb fünf.
It is half past four (4:30).
es = it (impersonal subject, Nominativ) · halb = half · fünf = five. "halb fünf" = halfway to five = 4:30. "Es" is the subject.
Akk Um halb fünf mache ich die Hausaufgabe.
At half past four I do the homework.
machen = to do · die Hausaufgabe (feminin) = homework · um = at (time). "Die Hausaufgabe" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Nach dem Kurs ist es halb fünf.
After the course it is half past four.
nach = after, always takes Dativ · der Kurs (maskulin) = course. "Dem Kurs" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "nach".
um — at (a clock time)
Use "um" for exact clock times: "um vier Uhr", "um halb fünf". As a preposition of place it means "around", but for time just remember "um + clock time".
Nom Der Kurs beginnt um vier Uhr.
The course begins at four o'clock.
um = at (time) · der Kurs (maskulin) = course · beginnen = to begin. "Der Kurs" is the subject → maskulin Nominativ. "um vier Uhr" is a fixed time phrase.
Akk Um acht Uhr treffe ich die Frau.
At eight o'clock I meet the woman.
um = at (time) · treffen = to meet · die Frau (feminin) = woman. "Die Frau" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Um sieben Uhr fahre ich mit dem Bus.
At seven o'clock I go by bus.
um = at (time) · mit = with/by, always takes Dativ · der Bus (maskulin) = bus. "Dem Bus" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
die Sekunde, -n — second
Words ending in -e are very often feminin. The three time units all follow this: die Sekunde, die Minute, die Stunde.
Nom Die Sekunde ist kurz.
The second is short.
die Sekunde (feminin) = second · kurz = short. "Die Sekunde" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Warte eine Sekunde!
Wait a second!
die Sekunde (feminin) = second · warten = to wait · eine = a (feminin). "Eine Sekunde" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (eine stays eine — feminin does not change).
Dat In einer Sekunde bin ich da.
In a second I'll be there.
die Sekunde (feminin) = second · in = in (time → Dativ). "einer Sekunde" because feminin Dativ (eine → einer).
die Minute, -n — minute
Feminin (die), like all three time units. "in fünf Minuten" = in five minutes. Very useful for arranging to meet.
Nom Die Minute hat sechzig Sekunden.
The minute has sixty seconds.
die Minute (feminin) = minute · haben = to have · sechzig = sixty. "Die Minute" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich brauche eine Minute.
I need a minute.
die Minute (feminin) = minute · brauchen = to need · eine = a. "Eine Minute" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (eine stays eine).
Dat In einer Minute komme ich.
In a minute I'm coming.
die Minute (feminin) = minute · in = in (time → Dativ) · kommen = to come. "einer Minute" because feminin Dativ (eine → einer).
die Stunde, -n — hour / lesson
"die Stunde" = an hour, but also a school lesson ("die Deutschstunde"). Don't confuse with "die Uhr" (clock) — die Stunde is a duration, die Uhr is the clock time.
Nom Die Stunde ist lang.
The hour/lesson is long.
die Stunde (feminin) = hour/lesson · lang = long. "Die Stunde" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich warte eine Stunde.
I wait one hour.
die Stunde (feminin) = hour · warten = to wait · eine = one. "Eine Stunde" is an Akkusativ time expression (duration), feminin Akkusativ (eine stays eine).
Dat Nach einer Stunde gehe ich.
After one hour I leave.
die Stunde (feminin) = hour · nach = after, always takes Dativ · gehen = to go. "einer Stunde" because feminin Dativ (eine → einer) after "nach".
eine halbe Stunde — half an hour
"halb" here is an adjective before the noun, so it takes an ending: "eine halbe Stunde". Notice the adjective ending changes with the case, shown below.
Nom Eine halbe Stunde ist genug.
Half an hour is enough.
halb = half · die Stunde (feminin) = hour · genug = enough. Subject → feminin Nominativ; adjective ending "-e" after "eine": "halbe".
Akk Ich warte eine halbe Stunde.
I wait half an hour.
halb = half · die Stunde (feminin) = hour · warten = to wait. Feminin Akkusativ looks the same as Nominativ (eine, ending "-e": "halbe Stunde") — a duration in Akkusativ.
Dat Nach einer halben Stunde komme ich.
After half an hour I'm coming.
halb = half · die Stunde (feminin) = hour · nach = after, always takes Dativ. Feminin Dativ: eine → einer, and the adjective ending becomes "-en": "einer halben Stunde".
die Verspätung, -en — delay
A word you hear constantly at German train stations: "Der Zug hat Verspätung." Ends in -ung, so feminin (die).
Nom Die Verspätung ist groß.
The delay is big.
die Verspätung (feminin) = delay · groß = big. "Die Verspätung" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Der Zug hat Verspätung.
The train is delayed (has a delay).
die Verspätung (feminin) = delay · der Zug = train · haben = to have. "Verspätung" is the direct object of "haben" (Akkusativ); the article is dropped in this fixed phrase, but it would be feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Wegen der Verspätung komme ich zu spät.
Because of the delay I come too late.
die Verspätung (feminin) = delay · wegen = because of (commonly used with Dativ in speech). "Der Verspätung" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
pünktlich — punctual / on time
A very German value! Being "pünktlich" is highly respected. Used predicatively ("Er ist pünktlich") and as an adverb ("Er kommt pünktlich").
Nom Der Vater ist pünktlich.
The father is punctual.
pünktlich = punctual · der Vater (maskulin) = father. Predicative use after "ist" — no ending. "Der Vater" is the subject → maskulin Nominativ (der stays der).
Akk Ich mag den pünktlichen Zug.
I like the punctual train.
pünktlich = punctual · der Zug (maskulin) = train · mögen = to like. Attributive in Akkusativ: der → den and adjective takes "-en": "den pünktlichen Zug".
Dat Mit dem pünktlichen Bus komme ich gut an.
With the punctual bus I arrive well.
pünktlich = punctual · der Bus (maskulin) = bus · mit = with, always takes Dativ. Maskulin Dativ: der → dem and adjective takes "-en": "dem pünktlichen Bus". Ending pattern: -∅ → -en → -en.
zu spät kommen — to come / be too late
The opposite of "pünktlich sein". "zu spät" = too late. It is just an adverb phrase placed before "kommen".
Nom Die Tochter kommt zu spät.
The daughter comes too late.
zu spät kommen = to come too late · die Tochter (feminin) = daughter. "Die Tochter" is the subject → feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich verpasse den Bus und komme zu spät.
I miss the bus and come too late.
zu spät kommen = to come too late · verpassen = to miss · der Bus (maskulin) = bus. "Den Bus" is the direct object, so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Wegen der Verspätung komme ich zu spät.
Because of the delay I come too late.
zu spät kommen = to come too late · wegen = because of (with Dativ in speech) · die Verspätung (feminin) = delay. "Der Verspätung" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
die Familie, -n — family
Pronounced with four syllables: Fa-MI-li-e. Ends in -e, so feminin (die). "meine Familie" = my family.
Nom Die Familie ist groß.
The family is big.
die Familie (feminin) = family · groß = big. "Die Familie" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich liebe die Familie.
I love the family.
die Familie (feminin) = family · lieben = to love. "Die Familie" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Ich wohne bei der Familie.
I live with the family.
die Familie (feminin) = family · bei = with/at, always takes Dativ · wohnen = to live. "Der Familie" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "bei".
der / die Verwandte, -n — relative
This is an adjectival noun: "der Verwandte" (male relative), "die Verwandte" (female relative), plural "die Verwandten". The ending changes like an adjective.
Nom Der Verwandte kommt aus Berlin.
The relative comes from Berlin.
der Verwandte (maskulin) = (male) relative · kommen aus = to come from. "Der Verwandte" is the subject → maskulin Nominativ; adjectival noun ending "-e" after "der".
Akk Ich besuche den Verwandten.
I visit the relative.
der Verwandte (maskulin) = relative · besuchen = to visit. Maskulin Akkusativ: der → den, and the noun ending becomes "-en": "den Verwandten".
Dat Ich wohne bei dem Verwandten (beim Verwandten).
I live with the relative.
der Verwandte (maskulin) = relative · bei = with, always takes Dativ. Maskulin Dativ: der → dem, ending "-en": "dem Verwandten"; "bei dem" contracts to "beim".
das Baby, -s — baby
English loanword; neutrum in German (das). Plural takes -s: "die Babys".
Nom Das Baby ist süß.
The baby is sweet/cute.
das Baby (neutrum) = baby · süß = sweet/cute. "Das Baby" is the subject, so neutrum Nominativ (das stays das).
Akk Ich sehe das Baby.
I see the baby.
das Baby (neutrum) = baby · sehen = to see. "Das Baby" is the direct object, so neutrum Akkusativ (das stays das — neuter never changes here).
Dat Ich spiele mit dem Baby.
I play with the baby.
das Baby (neutrum) = baby · mit = with, always takes Dativ · spielen = to play. "Dem Baby" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem).
das Kind, -er — child
Neutrum (das), even though a child is a person. Plural adds -er with an umlaut where possible: "die Kinder".
Nom Das Kind spielt.
The child is playing.
das Kind (neutrum) = child · spielen = to play. "Das Kind" is the subject, so neutrum Nominativ (das stays das).
Akk Die Mutter holt das Kind.
The mother picks up the child.
das Kind (neutrum) = child · holen = to fetch/pick up. "Das Kind" is the direct object, so neutrum Akkusativ (das stays das).
Dat Ich helfe dem Kind.
I help the child.
das Kind (neutrum) = child · helfen = to help (takes Dativ!). "Dem Kind" because "helfen" forces its object into Dativ; neutrum das → dem.
der Junge, -n — boy
A so-called n-noun (weak masculine): it adds -n in every case except the Nominativ singular. So "der Junge" but "den Jungen", "dem Jungen".
Nom Der Junge ist klein.
The boy is small.
der Junge (maskulin) = boy · klein = small. "Der Junge" is the subject → maskulin Nominativ (der stays der, no extra -n here).
Akk Ich sehe den Jungen.
I see the boy.
der Junge (maskulin) = boy · sehen = to see. Maskulin Akkusativ: der → den, and this n-noun adds -n: "den Jungen".
Dat Ich gebe dem Jungen das Buch.
I give the boy the book.
der Junge (maskulin) = boy · geben = to give · das Buch = book. Maskulin Dativ: der → dem, n-noun adds -n: "dem Jungen" (indirect object).
das Mädchen, - — girl
Neutrum (das) despite meaning "girl" — because the ending "-chen" (little) always makes a word neutrum. Plural is the same: "die Mädchen".
Nom Das Mädchen lacht.
The girl is laughing.
das Mädchen (neutrum) = girl · lachen = to laugh. "Das Mädchen" is the subject, so neutrum Nominativ (das stays das). The -chen ending forces neutrum.
Akk Ich sehe das Mädchen.
I see the girl.
das Mädchen (neutrum) = girl · sehen = to see. "Das Mädchen" is the direct object, so neutrum Akkusativ (das stays das).
Dat Ich gebe dem Mädchen ein Eis.
I give the girl an ice cream.
das Mädchen (neutrum) = girl · geben = to give · das Eis = ice cream. "Dem Mädchen" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) as indirect object.
der Sohn, Söhne — son
Maskulin (der). The plural takes an umlaut: "die Söhne". Think of the pair der Sohn / die Tochter (son / daughter).
Nom Der Sohn studiert.
The son studies.
der Sohn (maskulin) = son · studieren = to study. "Der Sohn" is the subject, so maskulin Nominativ (der stays der).
Akk Ich besuche den Sohn.
I visit the son.
der Sohn (maskulin) = son · besuchen = to visit. "Den Sohn" is the direct object, so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Ich helfe dem Sohn.
I help the son.
der Sohn (maskulin) = son · helfen = to help (takes Dativ). "Dem Sohn" because "helfen" forces Dativ; maskulin der → dem.
die Tochter, Töchter — daughter
Feminin (die). Plural adds an umlaut: "die Töchter". Related English word: "daughter".
Nom Die Tochter ist zwölf.
The daughter is twelve.
die Tochter (feminin) = daughter · zwölf = twelve. "Die Tochter" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich hole die Tochter ab.
I pick up the daughter.
die Tochter (feminin) = daughter · abholen = to pick up (separable). "Die Tochter" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Ich gebe der Tochter das Geld.
I give the daughter the money.
die Tochter (feminin) = daughter · geben = to give · das Geld = money. "Der Tochter" because feminin Dativ (die → der) as indirect object.
die Mutter, Mütter — mother
Feminin (die). Plural takes an umlaut: "die Mütter". Affectionate form: "die Mama".
Nom Die Mutter kocht.
The mother cooks.
die Mutter (feminin) = mother · kochen = to cook. "Die Mutter" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich liebe die Mutter.
I love the mother.
die Mutter (feminin) = mother · lieben = to love. "Die Mutter" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Ich helfe der Mutter.
I help the mother.
die Mutter (feminin) = mother · helfen = to help (takes Dativ). "Der Mutter" because "helfen" forces Dativ; feminin die → der.
der Vater, Väter — father
Maskulin (der). Plural adds an umlaut: "die Väter". Affectionate form: "der Papa".
Nom Der Vater arbeitet viel.
The father works a lot.
der Vater (maskulin) = father · arbeiten = to work · viel = a lot. "Der Vater" is the subject, so maskulin Nominativ (der stays der).
Akk Ich frage den Vater.
I ask the father.
der Vater (maskulin) = father · fragen = to ask. "Den Vater" is the direct object, so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Ich koche mit dem Vater.
I cook with the father.
der Vater (maskulin) = father · mit = with, always takes Dativ · kochen = to cook. "Dem Vater" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
die Eltern (Plural) — parents
Only exists in the plural (no singular). Uses the plural article "die". In Dativ the noun already ends in -n, so nothing extra is added.
Nom Die Eltern sind nett.
The parents are nice.
die Eltern (plural) = parents · nett = nice. "Die Eltern" is the subject, so plural Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich besuche die Eltern.
I visit the parents.
die Eltern (plural) = parents · besuchen = to visit. "Die Eltern" is the direct object, so plural Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Ich wohne bei den Eltern.
I live with my parents.
die Eltern (plural) = parents · bei = with/at, always takes Dativ. Plural Dativ: die → den; normally a -n is added, but "Eltern" already ends in -n, so it stays "den Eltern".
der Bruder, Brüder — brother
Maskulin (der). Plural takes an umlaut: "die Brüder". Compare with English "brother".
Nom Der Bruder spielt Fußball.
The brother plays football.
der Bruder (maskulin) = brother · spielen = to play. "Der Bruder" is the subject, so maskulin Nominativ (der stays der).
Akk Ich treffe den Bruder.
I meet the brother.
der Bruder (maskulin) = brother · treffen = to meet. "Den Bruder" is the direct object, so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Ich wohne bei dem Bruder (beim Bruder).
I live with the brother.
der Bruder (maskulin) = brother · bei = with, always takes Dativ. "Dem Bruder" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem); "bei dem" contracts to "beim".
die Schwester, -n — sister
Feminin (die). Plural adds -n: "die Schwestern". Pair with "der Bruder" (brother).
Nom Die Schwester singt gern.
The sister likes to sing.
die Schwester (feminin) = sister · singen = to sing · gern = gladly. "Die Schwester" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich besuche die Schwester.
I visit the sister.
die Schwester (feminin) = sister · besuchen = to visit. "Die Schwester" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Ich gebe der Schwester ein Buch.
I give the sister a book.
die Schwester (feminin) = sister · geben = to give · das Buch = book. "Der Schwester" because feminin Dativ (die → der) as indirect object.
die Geschwister (Plural) — siblings
Plural only — it covers brothers and sisters together. "Hast du Geschwister?" = Do you have siblings?
Nom Die Geschwister spielen zusammen.
The siblings play together.
die Geschwister (plural) = siblings · zusammen = together. "Die Geschwister" is the subject, so plural Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich besuche die Geschwister.
I visit the siblings.
die Geschwister (plural) = siblings · besuchen = to visit. "Die Geschwister" is the direct object, so plural Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Ich spiele mit den Geschwistern.
I play with the siblings.
die Geschwister (plural) = siblings · mit = with, always takes Dativ. Plural Dativ: die → den and add -n: "den Geschwistern".
die Großmutter, Großmütter — grandmother
Compound of "groß" (big) + "die Mutter". Feminin from "Mutter"; plural umlaut like Mutter: "die Großmütter". Everyday word: "die Oma".
Nom Die Großmutter wohnt in Köln.
The grandmother lives in Cologne.
die Großmutter (feminin) = grandmother · wohnen = to live. "Die Großmutter" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich besuche die Großmutter.
I visit the grandmother.
die Großmutter (feminin) = grandmother · besuchen = to visit. "Die Großmutter" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Ich wohne bei der Großmutter.
I live with the grandmother.
die Großmutter (feminin) = grandmother · bei = with, always takes Dativ. "Der Großmutter" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "bei".
die Oma, -s — grandma
The warm, everyday word for grandmother — used far more than "Großmutter" in speech. Plural takes -s: "die Omas".
Nom Die Oma backt Kuchen.
Grandma bakes cake.
die Oma (feminin) = grandma · backen = to bake · der Kuchen = cake. "Die Oma" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich liebe die Oma.
I love grandma.
die Oma (feminin) = grandma · lieben = to love. "Die Oma" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Ich helfe der Oma.
I help grandma.
die Oma (feminin) = grandma · helfen = to help (takes Dativ). "Der Oma" because "helfen" forces Dativ; feminin die → der.
der Großvater, Großväter — grandfather
Compound of "groß" + "der Vater". Maskulin from "Vater"; plural umlaut: "die Großväter". Everyday word: "der Opa".
Nom Der Großvater liest gern.
The grandfather likes to read.
der Großvater (maskulin) = grandfather · lesen = to read · gern = gladly. "Der Großvater" is the subject, so maskulin Nominativ (der stays der).
Akk Ich besuche den Großvater.
I visit the grandfather.
der Großvater (maskulin) = grandfather · besuchen = to visit. "Den Großvater" is the direct object, so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Ich fahre mit dem Großvater in die Stadt.
I go with the grandfather into town.
der Großvater (maskulin) = grandfather · mit = with, always takes Dativ · fahren = to go. "Dem Großvater" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
der Opa, -s — grandpa
The warm, everyday word for grandfather. Even though it ends in -a, it is maskulin (der Opa). Plural: "die Opas".
Nom Der Opa erzählt eine Geschichte.
Grandpa tells a story.
der Opa (maskulin) = grandpa · erzählen = to tell · die Geschichte = story. "Der Opa" is the subject, so maskulin Nominativ (der stays der).
Akk Ich besuche den Opa.
I visit grandpa.
der Opa (maskulin) = grandpa · besuchen = to visit. "Den Opa" is the direct object, so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Ich helfe dem Opa im Garten.
I help grandpa in the garden.
der Opa (maskulin) = grandpa · helfen = to help (takes Dativ). "Dem Opa" because "helfen" forces Dativ; maskulin der → dem.
die Großeltern (Plural) — grandparents
Plural only, like "die Eltern". Covers grandmother and grandfather together. Already ends in -n, so Dativ adds nothing extra.
Nom Die Großeltern sind alt.
The grandparents are old.
die Großeltern (plural) = grandparents · alt = old. "Die Großeltern" is the subject, so plural Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich besuche die Großeltern.
I visit the grandparents.
die Großeltern (plural) = grandparents · besuchen = to visit. "Die Großeltern" is the direct object, so plural Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Ich wohne bei den Großeltern.
I live with my grandparents.
die Großeltern (plural) = grandparents · bei = with, always takes Dativ. Plural Dativ: die → den; "Großeltern" already ends in -n, so it stays "den Großeltern".
der Mann, Männer — man / husband
"der Mann" means both "man" and "husband" ("mein Mann" = my husband). Plural takes an umlaut plus -er: "die Männer".
Nom Der Mann kocht heute.
The man/husband cooks today.
der Mann (maskulin) = man/husband · kochen = to cook · heute = today. "Der Mann" is the subject, so maskulin Nominativ (der stays der).
Akk Ich frage den Mann.
I ask the man.
der Mann (maskulin) = man · fragen = to ask. "Den Mann" is the direct object, so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Ich fahre mit dem Mann.
I travel with the man/husband.
der Mann (maskulin) = man/husband · mit = with, always takes Dativ · fahren = to travel. "Dem Mann" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
die Frau, -en — woman / wife
"die Frau" means both "woman" and "wife" ("meine Frau" = my wife). It is also the polite title "Frau Müller" = Mrs/Ms Müller. Plural: "die Frauen".
Nom Die Frau arbeitet in der Uni.
The woman works at the university.
die Frau (feminin) = woman/wife · arbeiten = to work. "Die Frau" is the subject, so feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich treffe die Frau.
I meet the woman.
die Frau (feminin) = woman · treffen = to meet. "Die Frau" is the direct object, so feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Ich gebe der Frau die Zeitung.
I give the woman the newspaper.
die Frau (feminin) = woman · geben = to give · die Zeitung = newspaper. "Der Frau" because feminin Dativ (die → der) as indirect object.
ledig — single (unmarried)
The official/form word for "not married" — you see it on documents. In casual talk people also say "Single". Opposite of "verheiratet".
Nom Der Bruder ist ledig.
The brother is single.
ledig = single · der Bruder (maskulin) = brother. Predicative use after "ist" — no ending. "Der Bruder" is the subject → maskulin Nominativ (der stays der).
Akk Ich kenne einen ledigen Mann.
I know a single man.
ledig = single · der Mann (maskulin) = man · kennen = to know. Attributive Akkusativ: ein → einen, and the adjective takes "-en": "einen ledigen Mann".
Dat Ich spreche mit der ledigen Frau.
I speak with the single woman.
ledig = single · die Frau (feminin) = woman · mit = with, always takes Dativ. Feminin Dativ: die → der and the adjective takes "-en": "der ledigen Frau". Ending pattern: -∅ → -en → -en.
verheiratet — married
"verheiratet sein" = to be married. "verheiratet mit ..." = married to ... Opposite of "ledig". Related noun: "die Heirat" (marriage).
Nom Die Schwester ist verheiratet.
The sister is married.
verheiratet = married · die Schwester (feminin) = sister. Predicative use after "ist" — no ending. "Die Schwester" is the subject → feminin Nominativ (die stays die).
Akk Ich kenne das verheiratete Paar.
I know the married couple.
verheiratet = married · das Paar (neutrum) = couple · kennen = to know. Neutrum Akkusativ: das stays das, and the adjective takes "-e": "das verheiratete Paar".
Dat Ich wohne bei dem verheirateten Sohn.
I live with the married son.
verheiratet = married · der Sohn (maskulin) = son · bei = with, always takes Dativ. Maskulin Dativ: der → dem and the adjective takes "-en": "dem verheirateten Sohn". Ending pattern here: -e → -e → -en across the cases.
Es ist kurz vor vier. — It is just before four (3:55-ish).
"Kurz vor" = shortly before the stated hour — used for informal, approximate times, unlike the precise "Viertel vor" (quarter to).
Nom Es ist kurz vor vier.
It is just before four.
es = it (impersonal subject, Nominativ) · kurz = shortly · vor = before · vier = four. "Es" is the subject stating the time.
Akk Kurz vor vier treffe ich den Freund.
Just before four I meet the friend.
treffen = to meet · der Freund (maskulin) = friend. "Den Freund" is the direct object, so maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Vor der Stunde, kurz vor vier, rufe ich an.
Before the class, just before four, I call.
vor = before (time), takes Dativ · die Stunde (feminin) = class/hour · anrufen = to call. "Der Stunde" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "vor".
Es ist zehn nach vier. — It is ten past four (4:10).
Minute times follow the pattern "[minutes] nach/vor [hour]." "Zehn nach vier" = 4:10; compare "zehn vor vier" = 3:50.
Nom Es ist zehn nach vier.
It is ten past four.
es = it (impersonal subject, Nominativ) · zehn = ten · nach = past/after · vier = four. "Es" is the subject.
Akk Um zehn nach vier besuche ich die Oma.
At ten past four I visit grandma.
besuchen = to visit · die Oma (feminin) = grandma. "Die Oma" is the direct object, feminin Akkusativ (die stays die).
Dat Nach der Pause ist es zehn nach vier.
After the break it is ten past four.
nach = after, always takes Dativ · die Pause (feminin) = break. "Der Pause" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach".
am — on/at (an + dem, preposition + Dativ)
A contraction of "an" + "dem," used with days and dates: "am Montag" (on Monday), "am Morgen" (in the morning). Always Dativ, since it's the fused maskulin/neutrum Dativ article.
Nom Der Termin ist am Montag.
The appointment is on Monday.
der Termin (maskulin) = appointment · der Montag = Monday. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Termin is the subject.
Akk Ich verschiebe den Termin auf Montag.
I'm moving the appointment to Monday.
verschieben = to postpone/move. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den), unrelated to "am" itself. Termin is the direct object.
Dat Am Montag habe ich einen Termin.
On Monday I have an appointment.
haben = to have · der Termin = appointment. "Am" = an + dem — maskulin Dativ (der → dem), the core use of this contraction with days.
Was kann ich für Sie tun? — What can I do for you?
A polite, formal offer of help — used by receptionists, doctors' assistants, and shop staff. "Für Sie" (for you, formal) always takes Akkusativ after "für."
Nom Was kann ich für Sie tun? Der Termin ist frei.
What can I do for you? The appointment slot is free.
können = can · tun = to do · der Termin (maskulin) = appointment · frei = free/available. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Termin is the subject.
Akk Was kann ich für Sie tun? Ich buche den Termin.
What can I do for you? I'll book the appointment.
buchen = to book. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Termin is the direct object.
Dat Was kann ich für Sie tun? Ich helfe der Patientin.
What can I do for you? I'm helping the patient.
helfen = to help (+ Dativ) · die Patientin (feminin) = patient. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der).