Appearance
Netzwerk 5: Appointments
Chapter 5 — making appointments, pets, sports, music, and useful phrases.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
die Zeit — time
"Hast du Zeit?" (Do you have time?) is how Germans casually ask if you're free. Unlike English, you don't say "free time" — just "Zeit" is enough. Plural: die Zeiten.
Nom Die Zeit ist knapp.
Time is short.
die Zeit (feminin) = time · knapp = short/tight. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Zeit is the subject.
Akk Hast du morgen die Zeit?
Do you have the time tomorrow?
die Zeit (feminin) = time · haben = to have · hast = you have · morgen = tomorrow. "Die" — feminin Akkusativ (die → die, no change). Zeit is the direct object of "haben."
Dat Mit der Zeit wird alles besser.
With time everything gets better.
die Zeit (feminin) = time · mit = with · werden = to become · wird = becomes · alles = everything · besser = better. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after the Dativ preposition "mit" (with).
Hast du morgen Zeit? — Do you have time tomorrow?
The everyday way to ask a friend if they are free. "morgen" (tomorrow) can be swapped for "heute" (today) or "am Wochenende" (on the weekend). Note: lower-case "morgen" = tomorrow; capitalized "der Morgen" = morning.
Nom Der Freund fragt: Hast du morgen Zeit?
The friend asks: Do you have time tomorrow?
der Freund (maskulin) = friend · fragen = to ask · fragt = asks · morgen = tomorrow · die Zeit = time. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Freund is the subject who asks.
Akk Hast du morgen Zeit für einen Kaffee?
Do you have time for a coffee tomorrow?
der Kaffee (maskulin) = coffee · für = for · die Zeit = time. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ indefinite (ein → einen) after "für," which always takes Akkusativ.
Dat Hast du morgen Zeit für ein Treffen mit dem Chef?
Do you have time tomorrow for a meeting with the boss?
der Chef (maskulin) = boss · das Treffen (neutrum) = meeting · mit = with. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after the Dativ preposition "mit" (with).
telefonieren — to talk on the phone
Regular verb: ich telefoniere, du telefonierst, er telefoniert. To say who you call, use "mit + Dativ": "Ich telefoniere mit meiner Mutter." For "to call someone up," Germans also say "anrufen" (+ Akkusativ).
Nom Die Mutter telefoniert gerade.
The mother is on the phone right now.
telefonieren = to talk on the phone · telefoniert = is on the phone · die Mutter (feminin) = mother · gerade = right now. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Mutter is the subject doing the action.
Akk Ich telefoniere den ganzen Tag.
I am on the phone all day.
telefonieren = to talk on the phone · der Tag (maskulin) = day · ganz = whole. "Den ganzen Tag" is in the Akkusativ (der → den, ganz → ganzen) — German uses the Akkusativ for time-span expressions ("the whole day").
Dat Er telefoniert mit dem Arzt.
He is on the phone with the doctor.
telefonieren = to talk on the phone · der Arzt (maskulin) = doctor · mit = with. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit." You always use "telefonieren mit + Dativ" to say who you talk to.
Auf Wiederhören. — Goodbye (on the phone)
Used ONLY on the phone — literally "until we hear each other again." In person you say "Auf Wiedersehen" (until we see each other again). Mixing them up is a giveaway that you're a learner!
Nom Das Gespräch ist zu Ende: Auf Wiederhören!
The conversation is over: Goodbye!
das Gespräch (neutrum) = conversation · zu Ende = over/at an end. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Gespräch is the subject. The phrase ends a phone call.
Akk Ich beende das Telefonat und sage: Auf Wiederhören.
I end the phone call and say: Goodbye.
beenden = to end · das Telefonat (neutrum) = phone call · sagen = to say. "Das" — neutrum Akkusativ (das → das, no change). Telefonat is the direct object of "beenden."
Dat Nach dem Anruf sagt sie: Auf Wiederhören.
After the call she says: Goodbye.
der Anruf (maskulin) = call · nach = after · sagen = to say. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after the Dativ preposition "nach" (after).
von ... bis — from ... until
Used for times, days, and dates: "von Montag bis Freitag," "von neun bis fünf." "von" always takes the Dativ; "bis" is usually followed directly by the time/day without an article.
Nom Die Besprechung geht von zehn bis zwölf.
The meeting runs from ten to twelve.
die Besprechung (feminin) = meeting · gehen = to go/run · geht = runs · von ... bis = from ... until. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Besprechung is the subject.
Akk Ich habe den Termin von eins bis zwei.
I have the appointment from one to two.
der Termin (maskulin) = appointment · haben = to have · von ... bis = from ... until. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Termin is the direct object of "haben."
Dat Ich bin von der ersten bis zur letzten Stunde da.
I am there from the first until the last hour.
die Stunde (feminin) = hour · erste = first · letzte = last · da = there. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) — "von" always takes the Dativ. (zur = zu + der, also Dativ.)
können — can / to be able to
A modal verb! "Können" changes the sentence structure: the main verb goes to the end in infinitive form. "Ich kann Deutsch sprechen" = I can speak German. Conjugation: ich kann, du kannst, er/sie kann, wir können, ihr könnt, sie können.
Nom Der Mann kann gut kochen.
The man can cook well.
können = can/to be able to · kann = he can · der Mann (maskulin) = man · gut = well · kochen = to cook. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Mann is the subject. Notice: "kochen" (infinitive) goes to the end.
Akk Du kannst den Kalender sehen.
You can see the calendar.
können = can · kannst = you can · der Kalender (maskulin) = calendar · sehen = to see. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Kalender is the direct object of "sehen." The modal "kannst" is in position 2, "sehen" at the end.
Dat Wir können der Frau helfen.
We can help the woman.
können = can · die Frau (feminin) = woman · helfen = to help (+ Dativ!). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der). "Helfen" always takes a Dativ object, not Akkusativ. Modal "können" in position 2, "helfen" at the end.
müssen — must / to have to
Another modal verb. Important: "Ich muss nicht" means "I don't have to" (not "I must not" — that would be "Ich darf nicht"). This is a classic mistake for English speakers! Conjugation: ich muss, du musst, er muss, wir müssen.
Nom Die Lehrerin muss heute arbeiten.
The teacher must work today.
müssen = must/to have to · muss = she must · die Lehrerin (feminin) = female teacher · heute = today · arbeiten = to work. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Lehrerin is the subject. "Arbeiten" goes to the end.
Akk Ich muss das Buch lesen.
I must read the book.
müssen = must · muss = I must · das Buch (neutrum) = book · lesen = to read. "Das" — neutrum Akkusativ (das → das, no change). Buch is the direct object of "lesen."
Dat Du musst mit dem Chef sprechen.
You must speak with the boss.
müssen = must · musst = you must · der Chef (maskulin) = boss · sprechen = to speak. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after the Dativ preposition "mit" (with).
wollen — to want to
Modal verb of desire. Careful: it's stronger and more direct than English "want." For polite wishes Germans prefer "möchten" (would like). Conjugation: ich will, du willst, er will, wir wollen. (German "will" = "want," NOT the English future "will"!)
Nom Das Kind will spielen.
The child wants to play.
wollen = to want · will = wants · das Kind (neutrum) = child · spielen = to play. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Kind is the subject. "Spielen" (infinitive) goes to the end.
Akk Ich will den Kaffee trinken.
I want to drink the coffee.
wollen = to want · will = I want · der Kaffee (maskulin) = coffee · trinken = to drink. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Kaffee is the direct object of "trinken."
Dat Wir wollen dem Freund helfen.
We want to help the friend.
wollen = to want · der Freund (maskulin) = friend · helfen = to help (+ Dativ!). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem). "Helfen" takes a Dativ object. Modal "wollen" in position 2, "helfen" at the end.
die Party — party
Germans borrowed this word from English! "Eine Party machen" means to throw a party. Plural: die Partys (with -s, because it's a borrowed word).
Nom Die Party ist am Samstag.
The party is on Saturday.
die Party (feminin) = party · am Samstag = on Saturday. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Party is the subject.
Akk Wir machen eine Party.
We are having a party.
die Party (feminin) = party · machen = to make/do. "Eine" — feminin Akkusativ indefinite (eine → eine, no change). Party is the direct object of "machen."
Dat Er erzählt von der Party.
He tells about the party.
die Party (feminin) = party · erzählen = to tell · erzählt = he tells · von = from/about. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after the Dativ preposition "von."
eine Party machen — to have / throw a party
German uses "machen" (to make) for a party, not "haben." "Wir machen eine Party" = We're throwing a party. You can also say "eine Party feiern" (to celebrate a party).
Nom Die Party ist heute Abend.
The party is this evening.
die Party (feminin) = party · heute Abend = this evening. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Party is the subject of the sentence.
Akk Wir machen eine Party zu Hause.
We are having a party at home.
machen = to make/have · die Party (feminin) = party · zu Hause = at home. "Eine" — feminin Akkusativ indefinite (eine → eine, no change). Party is the direct object of "machen."
Dat Nach der Party räumen wir auf.
After the party we clean up.
die Party (feminin) = party · nach = after · aufräumen = to clean up. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after the Dativ preposition "nach" (after).
die Bar — bar
Same word as English! In Germany, a "Kneipe" is a more casual pub, while "die Bar" is usually a cocktail bar or a fancier place. Both are common meeting spots. Plural: die Bars.
Nom Die Bar ist sehr cool.
The bar is very cool.
die Bar (feminin) = bar · sehr = very · cool = cool. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Bar is the subject.
Akk Kennst du die Bar in der Stadtmitte?
Do you know the bar in the city center?
die Bar (feminin) = bar · kennen = to know · kennst = you know · die Stadtmitte (feminin) = city center. "Die" — feminin Akkusativ (die → die, no change). Bar is the direct object of "kennen."
Dat Wir sitzen in der Bar.
We are sitting in the bar.
die Bar (feminin) = bar · sitzen = to sit · in = in. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" + Dativ (location, no movement).
sitzen — to sit
Describes a state (already sitting), not the movement of sitting down — that's "sich setzen." With "sitzen," the place is in the Dativ ("in der Bar"); with "sich setzen," it's Akkusativ. Conjugation: ich sitze, du sitzt, er sitzt.
Nom Der Mann sitzt am Tisch.
The man is sitting at the table.
sitzen = to sit · sitzt = is sitting · der Mann (maskulin) = man · am Tisch = at the table. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Mann is the subject doing the sitting.
Akk Ich sitze den ganzen Abend hier.
I sit here the whole evening.
sitzen = to sit · der Abend (maskulin) = evening · ganz = whole · hier = here. "Den ganzen Abend" is Akkusativ (der → den, ganz → ganzen) — a time-span expression uses the Akkusativ.
Dat Wir sitzen in der Bar.
We are sitting in the bar.
sitzen = to sit · die Bar (feminin) = bar · in = in. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" + Dativ. "Sitzen" describes location, so "in" takes the Dativ (no movement).
der Kalender — calendar
Germans love planning. "Im Kalender eintragen" means to put something in the calendar. You'll hear this constantly at work and when making appointments. Plural is the same: die Kalender.
Nom Der Kalender ist voll.
The calendar is full.
der Kalender (maskulin) = calendar · voll = full. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Kalender is the subject.
Akk Ich brauche den Kalender.
I need the calendar.
der Kalender (maskulin) = calendar · brauchen = to need · brauche = I need. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Kalender is the direct object.
Dat Der Termin steht in dem Kalender.
The appointment is in the calendar.
der Kalender (maskulin) = calendar · der Termin (maskulin) = appointment · stehen = to stand/be located · steht = it stands. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in" + Dativ (location).
die Besprechung — meeting / discussion
Used for work meetings. "Besprechung" comes from "besprechen" (to discuss). Germans are punctual — arriving late to a Besprechung is a serious faux pas! Plural: die Besprechungen.
Nom Die Besprechung beginnt um zehn Uhr.
The meeting starts at ten o'clock.
die Besprechung (feminin) = meeting · beginnen = to begin · beginnt = it begins · um zehn Uhr = at ten o'clock. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Besprechung is the subject.
Akk Er hat eine Besprechung.
He has a meeting.
die Besprechung (feminin) = meeting · haben = to have · hat = he has. "Eine" — feminin Akkusativ indefinite (eine → eine, no change). Besprechung is the direct object.
Dat Nach der Besprechung gehen wir essen.
After the meeting we go eat.
die Besprechung (feminin) = meeting · nach = after · gehen = to go · essen = to eat. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after the Dativ preposition "nach" (after).
Ich hätte gern einen Termin. — I would like an appointment.
The polite standard phrase when you call a doctor, hairdresser, or office. "hätte gern" (would like to have) is softer and more polite than "Ich will." Note "einen Termin" is already in the Akkusativ.
Nom Die Frau sagt: Ich hätte gern einen Termin.
The woman says: I would like an appointment.
die Frau (feminin) = woman · sagen = to say · hätte gern = would like · der Termin = appointment. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Frau is the subject who speaks.
Akk Ich hätte gern einen Termin am Montag.
I would like an appointment on Monday.
hätte gern = would like · der Termin (maskulin) = appointment · am Montag = on Monday. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ indefinite (ein → einen). Termin is the direct object of "hätte."
Dat Ich hätte gern einen Termin bei dem Arzt.
I would like an appointment with the doctor.
der Arzt (maskulin) = doctor · bei = at/with · der Termin = appointment. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "bei" (always Dativ). In speech this often shortens to "beim Arzt."
Haben Sie am ... einen Termin frei? — Do you have an appointment free on ...?
How you ask a receptionist for an open slot. Fill in the day: "am Montag," "am Dienstag." "frei" here means "available/open." Uses the polite "Sie" form.
Nom Der Patient fragt: Haben Sie am Montag einen Termin frei?
The patient asks: Do you have an appointment free on Monday?
der Patient (maskulin) = patient · fragen = to ask · der Termin = appointment · frei = free/available. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Patient is the subject who asks.
Akk Haben Sie am Dienstag einen Termin frei?
Do you have an appointment free on Tuesday?
haben = to have · der Termin (maskulin) = appointment · frei = free · am Dienstag = on Tuesday. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ indefinite (ein → einen). Termin is the direct object of "haben."
Dat Haben Sie in der Praxis einen Termin frei?
Do you have an appointment free at the clinic?
die Praxis (feminin) = clinic · in = in/at · der Termin = appointment. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" + Dativ (location).
Geht es am ... um ...? — Is it possible on ... at ...?
"Es geht" literally means "it goes," but idiomatically "it works / is possible." Perfect for negotiating a time: "Geht es am Freitag um drei?" (Does Friday at three work?). "am" = on (a day), "um" = at (a clock time).
Nom Der Montag passt: Geht es am Montag um neun?
Monday works: Is Monday at nine possible?
der Montag (maskulin) = Monday · passen = to fit/suit · passt = suits · gehen = to work/be possible. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Montag is the subject of "passt."
Akk Ich frage den Arzt: Geht es am Freitag um drei?
I ask the doctor: Is Friday at three possible?
fragen = to ask · der Arzt (maskulin) = doctor. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) — "fragen" takes an Akkusativ object. Arzt is the direct object.
Dat Geht es am Freitag um drei bei dem Zahnarzt?
Is Friday at three possible at the dentist's?
der Zahnarzt (maskulin) = dentist · bei = at. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "bei" (always Dativ). Often shortened to "beim Zahnarzt."
Nein, das geht leider nicht. — No, unfortunately that's not possible.
The polite way to decline a proposed time. "leider" (unfortunately) softens the refusal and is very common in German. The opposite is "Ja, das geht" (Yes, that works).
Nom Der Termin passt nicht: Nein, das geht leider nicht.
The appointment doesn't fit: No, unfortunately that's not possible.
der Termin (maskulin) = appointment · passen = to fit · leider = unfortunately · gehen = to work. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Termin is the subject of "passt."
Akk Ich habe den Termin schon: Nein, das geht leider nicht.
I already have the appointment: No, unfortunately that's not possible.
haben = to have · der Termin (maskulin) = appointment · schon = already. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Termin is the direct object of "haben."
Dat An dem Tag habe ich keine Zeit: Nein, das geht leider nicht.
On that day I have no time: No, unfortunately that's not possible.
der Tag (maskulin) = day · an = on · keine Zeit = no time. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "an" + Dativ (a point in time). "An dem" often shortens to "am."
der Hund — dog
Germany is very dog-friendly! Dogs are allowed in many restaurants, shops, and on public transport. "Hundesteuer" (dog tax) is a real tax dog owners pay. Plural: die Hunde.
Nom Der Hund ist süß.
The dog is cute.
der Hund (maskulin) = dog · süß = cute/sweet. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Hund is the subject.
Akk Sie hat einen Hund.
She has a dog.
der Hund (maskulin) = dog · haben = to have · hat = she has. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ indefinite (ein → einen). Hund is the direct object.
Dat Ich gehe mit dem Hund spazieren.
I go for a walk with the dog.
der Hund (maskulin) = dog · gehen = to go · spazieren gehen = to go for a walk. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after the Dativ preposition "mit" (with).
süß — cute / sweet
Double meaning: "süß" describes both taste (sweet cake) and appearance (a cute dog or baby). As an adjective before a noun, it takes an ending; after "ist" (predicative) it stays plain: "Der Hund ist süß."
Nom Der Hund ist süß.
The dog is cute.
süß = cute · der Hund (maskulin) = dog · ist = is. Predicative use (after "ist") — the adjective has NO ending: just "süß." Hund is the subject in the Nominativ.
Akk Ich sehe den süßen Hund.
I see the cute dog.
süß → süßen · sehen = to see · der Hund (maskulin) = dog. Attributive use before the noun: after "den" (maskulin Akkusativ, der → den) the adjective takes -en → "den süßen Hund."
Dat Ich spiele mit dem süßen Hund.
I play with the cute dog.
süß → süßen · spielen = to play · mit = with. After "dem" (maskulin Dativ, der → dem) the adjective also takes -en → "dem süßen Hund." Ending pattern: süß (Nom) → süßen (Akk) → süßen (Dat).
die Idee — idea
"Gute Idee!" (Good idea!) is one of the most useful phrases for everyday conversation. It's borrowed from French, and the plural is "die Ideen."
Nom Die Idee ist super!
The idea is great!
die Idee (feminin) = idea · super = great/super. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Idee is the subject.
Akk Du hast eine gute Idee.
You have a good idea.
die Idee (feminin) = idea · haben = to have · hast = you have · gut = good · gute = good (feminin ending). "Eine" — feminin Akkusativ indefinite (eine → eine, no change). Idee is the direct object.
Dat Ich bin mit der Idee zufrieden.
I am satisfied with the idea.
die Idee (feminin) = idea · sein = to be · bin = I am · zufrieden = satisfied. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after the Dativ preposition "mit" (with).
Gute Idee! — Good idea!
A quick, enthusiastic way to agree with someone's suggestion. "gute" is the feminine adjective ending for "die Idee." You can also say "Super Idee!" or "Tolle Idee!"
Nom Das ist eine gute Idee!
That is a good idea!
die Idee (feminin) = idea · gut → gute · das ist = that is. After "sein," the noun is a predicate Nominativ, so "eine gute Idee" stays Nominativ. Feminin ending on the adjective: gute.
Akk Ich finde die Idee gut: Gute Idee!
I think the idea is good: Good idea!
finden = to find/think · finde = I think · die Idee (feminin) = idea · gut = good. "Die" — feminin Akkusativ (die → die, no change). Idee is the direct object of "finden."
Dat Mit der guten Idee gewinnen wir.
With the good idea we win.
die Idee (feminin) = idea · gut → guten · mit = with · gewinnen = to win. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit"; the adjective then takes -en → "der guten Idee."
liebe Grüße — best regards / warm greetings
The standard friendly sign-off in emails and texts, often shortened to "LG." "der Gruß" (greeting) → plural "die Grüße." More formal endings are "Mit freundlichen Grüßen" (business) or "Viele Grüße."
Nom Liebe Grüße stehen am Ende der E-Mail.
"Warm greetings" is at the end of the email.
die Grüße (plural) = greetings · lieb → liebe · stehen = to stand/be · am Ende = at the end. "Liebe Grüße" is the plural subject in the Nominativ; the plural adjective ending (no article) is -e.
Akk Ich schreibe liebe Grüße an die Familie.
I write warm greetings to the family.
schreiben = to write · die Grüße (plural) = greetings · an = to · die Familie = family. "Liebe Grüße" is the direct object; plural Akkusativ looks the same as Nominativ (no article, adjective -e).
Dat Mit lieben Grüßen ende ich den Brief.
With warm regards I end the letter.
mit = with · die Grüße (plural) = greetings · enden = to end · der Brief = letter. Plural Dativ! The adjective takes -en (lieben) and the noun adds -n (Grüßen). This is the very common sign-off "Mit lieben Grüßen."
willkommen — welcome
"Herzlich willkommen!" (a warm welcome!) is what you'll see on signs and hear when arriving. To welcome someone actively is "jemanden willkommen heißen." Note: "willkommen" is NOT the reply to "danke" — that's "bitte."
Nom Der Gast ist herzlich willkommen.
The guest is warmly welcome.
willkommen = welcome · der Gast (maskulin) = guest · herzlich = warmly/heartily. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Gast is the subject; "willkommen" is used predicatively after "ist" (no ending).
Akk Wir heißen den Gast willkommen.
We welcome the guest.
willkommen heißen = to welcome · der Gast (maskulin) = guest · heißen = to call/greet. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Gast is the direct object of "heißen."
Dat In dem Haus sind alle willkommen.
In the house everyone is welcome.
willkommen = welcome · das Haus (neutrum) = house · in = in · alle = everyone. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "in" + Dativ (location). "In dem" often shortens to "im."
krank — sick / ill
If you're too sick for work, you get "krankgeschrieben" (signed off sick) by a doctor. "Ich bin krank" is what you tell your boss. Opposite: "gesund" (healthy).
Nom Das Kind ist krank.
The child is sick.
krank = sick · das Kind (neutrum) = child · ist = is. Predicative use (after "ist") — the adjective has NO ending: just "krank." Kind is the subject in the Nominativ.
Akk Ich besuche den kranken Mann.
I visit the sick man.
krank → kranken · besuchen = to visit · der Mann (maskulin) = man. Attributive: after "den" (maskulin Akkusativ, der → den) the adjective takes -en → "den kranken Mann." Mann is the direct object.
Dat Ich helfe der kranken Frau.
I help the sick woman.
krank → kranken · helfen = to help (+ Dativ!) · die Frau (feminin) = woman. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) — "helfen" always takes Dativ; the adjective then takes -en → "der kranken Frau." Ending pattern: krank → kranken → kranken.
der Sport — sport
"Sport machen" means to do sport/exercise. Unlike English, "Sport" is singular only (kein Plural). Germans love their "Sportvereine" (sports clubs) — about 1 in 3 Germans belongs to one.
Nom Der Sport macht Spaß.
Sport is fun.
der Sport (maskulin) = sport · machen = to make/do · macht = it makes · der Spaß (maskulin) = fun. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Sport is the subject. "Spaß machen" = to be fun (literally: to make fun).
Akk Wir machen den Sport zusammen.
We do the sport together.
der Sport (maskulin) = sport · machen = to do · zusammen = together. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Sport is the direct object.
Dat Nach dem Sport bin ich müde.
After sport I am tired.
der Sport (maskulin) = sport · nach = after · sein = to be · bin = I am · müde = tired. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after the Dativ preposition "nach" (after).
der Ball — ball
Plural: die Bälle (with Umlaut!). "Fußball" = football/soccer — by far the most popular sport in Germany. "Ball spielen" = to play ball.
Nom Der Ball ist neu.
The ball is new.
der Ball (maskulin) = ball · neu = new. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Ball is the subject.
Akk Das Kind wirft den Ball.
The child throws the ball.
der Ball (maskulin) = ball · das Kind (neutrum) = child · werfen = to throw · wirft = it throws. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Ball is the direct object.
Dat Er spielt mit dem Ball.
He plays with the ball.
der Ball (maskulin) = ball · spielen = to play · spielt = he plays. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after the Dativ preposition "mit" (with).
das Motorrad — motorcycle
Germany is home to BMW motorcycles. "Motorrad fahren" = to ride a motorcycle. Plural: die Motorräder (Umlaut on the a). You need a special license ("Führerschein Klasse A").
Nom Das Motorrad ist schnell.
The motorcycle is fast.
das Motorrad (neutrum) = motorcycle · schnell = fast. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Motorrad is the subject.
Akk Er kauft ein Motorrad.
He buys a motorcycle.
das Motorrad (neutrum) = motorcycle · kaufen = to buy · kauft = he buys. "Ein" — neutrum Akkusativ indefinite (ein → ein, no change). Motorrad is the direct object.
Dat Sie fährt gern mit dem Motorrad.
She likes to ride the motorcycle.
das Motorrad (neutrum) = motorcycle · fahren = to drive/ride · fährt = she drives · gern = gladly/likes to. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after the Dativ preposition "mit" (with).
die Geige — violin
"Geige spielen" = to play violin (no article needed with "spielen" + instrument). "Die Violine" is also used but "Geige" is more common in everyday speech. Plural: die Geigen.
Nom Die Geige klingt schön.
The violin sounds beautiful.
die Geige (feminin) = violin · klingen = to sound · klingt = it sounds · schön = beautiful. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Geige is the subject.
Akk Sie spielt die Geige sehr gut.
She plays the violin very well.
die Geige (feminin) = violin · spielen = to play · spielt = she plays · sehr = very · gut = well/good. "Die" — feminin Akkusativ (die → die, no change). Geige is the direct object.
Dat Er übt jeden Tag mit der Geige.
He practices every day with the violin.
die Geige (feminin) = violin · üben = to practice · übt = he practices · jeden Tag = every day. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after the Dativ preposition "mit" (with).
Geige spielen — to play the violin
German drops the article with musical instruments: "Ich spiele Geige" (not "die Geige"). The same pattern works for all instruments: "Klavier spielen," "Gitarre spielen." Add an article only when you mean one specific instrument.
Nom Die Frau spielt Geige.
The woman plays the violin.
spielen = to play · die Frau (feminin) = woman · die Geige = violin. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Frau is the subject. Note: "Geige" has no article here — that's the fixed instrument pattern.
Akk Er spielt den ganzen Abend Geige.
He plays the violin the whole evening.
spielen = to play · der Abend (maskulin) = evening · ganz = whole. "Den ganzen Abend" is Akkusativ (der → den, ganz → ganzen) — a time-span expression uses the Akkusativ.
Dat In dem Orchester spielt sie Geige.
In the orchestra she plays the violin.
spielen = to play · das Orchester (neutrum) = orchestra · in = in. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "in" + Dativ (location). "In dem" often shortens to "im."
das Saxofon — saxophone
Also spelled "Saxophon." Named after its Belgian inventor, Adolphe Sax. Like other instruments, use it without an article after "spielen": "Ich spiele Saxofon." Plural: die Saxofone.
Nom Das Saxofon klingt cool.
The saxophone sounds cool.
das Saxofon (neutrum) = saxophone · klingen = to sound · klingt = sounds · cool = cool. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Saxofon is the subject.
Akk Er spielt das Saxofon in einer Band.
He plays the saxophone in a band.
das Saxofon (neutrum) = saxophone · spielen = to play · die Band = band. "Das" — neutrum Akkusativ (das → das, no change). Saxofon is the direct object of "spielen."
Dat Sie macht Musik mit dem Saxofon.
She makes music with the saxophone.
das Saxofon (neutrum) = saxophone · die Musik = music · machen = to make · mit = with. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after the Dativ preposition "mit" (with).
die Trompete — trumpet
"Trompete spielen" = to play the trumpet. It's a loud brass instrument — hence the saying "auf die Trompete drücken" (to step on it / hurry). Plural: die Trompeten.
Nom Die Trompete ist laut.
The trumpet is loud.
die Trompete (feminin) = trumpet · laut = loud. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Trompete is the subject.
Akk Ich höre die Trompete.
I hear the trumpet.
die Trompete (feminin) = trumpet · hören = to hear · höre = I hear. "Die" — feminin Akkusativ (die → die, no change). Trompete is the direct object of "hören."
Dat Er spielt in der Band mit der Trompete.
He plays in the band with the trumpet.
die Trompete (feminin) = trumpet · spielen = to play · die Band = band · mit = with. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after the Dativ preposition "mit" (with).
cool — cool
Borrowed straight from English and used constantly by younger Germans: "Das ist cool!" In casual speech it often stays uninflected even before a noun ("ein cool Typ"), but standard German still adds the ending ("ein cooler Typ").
Nom Die Musik ist cool.
The music is cool.
cool = cool · die Musik (feminin) = music · ist = is. Predicative use (after "ist") — no ending: just "cool." Musik is the subject in the Nominativ.
Akk Ich kenne den coolen Klub.
I know the cool club.
cool → coolen · kennen = to know · der Klub (maskulin) = club. Attributive: after "den" (maskulin Akkusativ, der → den) the adjective takes -en → "den coolen Klub." Klub is the direct object.
Dat Wir sitzen in der coolen Bar.
We are sitting in the cool bar.
cool → coolen · sitzen = to sit · die Bar (feminin) = bar · in = in. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" + Dativ; the adjective takes -en → "der coolen Bar." Pattern: cool → coolen → coolen.
falsch — wrong / false
The opposite of "richtig" (right/correct). "Das ist falsch" = That's wrong. Can also mean "fake" (falscher Schmuck = fake jewelry) or "insincere." A "falscher Freund" is a false friend — both a fake friend and a tricky look-alike word!
Nom Die Antwort ist falsch.
The answer is wrong.
falsch = wrong · die Antwort (feminin) = answer · ist = is. Predicative use (after "ist") — no ending: just "falsch." Antwort is the subject in the Nominativ.
Akk Du hast den falschen Termin notiert.
You noted the wrong appointment.
falsch → falschen · der Termin (maskulin) = appointment · notieren = to note. Attributive: after "den" (maskulin Akkusativ, der → den) the adjective takes -en → "den falschen Termin." Termin is the direct object.
Dat Ich stehe an der falschen Tür.
I am standing at the wrong door.
falsch → falschen · stehen = to stand · die Tür (feminin) = door · an = at. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "an" + Dativ (location); the adjective takes -en → "der falschen Tür."
das Problem — problem
"Kein Problem!" (No problem!) is very common. Plural: die Probleme. Also useful: "Das ist ein Problem" (That's a problem) and "Wo ist das Problem?" (What's the problem?).
Nom Das Problem ist nicht groß.
The problem is not big.
das Problem (neutrum) = problem · nicht = not · groß = big. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Problem is the subject.
Akk Ich verstehe das Problem.
I understand the problem.
das Problem (neutrum) = problem · verstehen = to understand · verstehe = I understand. "Das" — neutrum Akkusativ (das → das, no change). Problem is the direct object.
Dat Wir helfen dir mit dem Problem.
We help you with the problem.
das Problem (neutrum) = problem · helfen = to help (+ Dativ!) · dir = you (Dativ). "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after the Dativ preposition "mit" (with).
die Praxis — clinic / doctor's practice
In Germany, most doctors work in a "Praxis" (private practice), not in hospitals. "Arztpraxis" = doctor's office. You call to make a "Termin" (appointment). Plural: die Praxen.
Nom Die Praxis ist heute geschlossen.
The clinic is closed today.
die Praxis (feminin) = clinic/practice · heute = today · geschlossen = closed. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Praxis is the subject.
Akk Ich suche eine Praxis.
I am looking for a clinic.
die Praxis (feminin) = clinic · suchen = to search/look for · suche = I search. "Eine" — feminin Akkusativ indefinite (eine → eine, no change). Praxis is the direct object.
Dat Der Termin ist in der Praxis.
The appointment is at the clinic.
die Praxis (feminin) = clinic · der Termin (maskulin) = appointment · in = in/at. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" + Dativ (location, no movement).
schade — a pity / too bad
"Schade!" on its own = "What a shame!" It never changes form (indeclinable) and is used predicatively. "Wie schade!" (What a pity!) and "Zu schade zum Wegwerfen" (too good to throw away) are common.
Nom Die Party fällt aus. Schade!
The party is cancelled. Too bad!
schade = a pity · die Party (feminin) = party · ausfallen = to be cancelled · fällt aus = is cancelled. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Party is the subject. "Schade" never takes an ending.
Akk Wir finden den Ausfall schade.
We think the cancellation is a pity.
finden = to find/think · der Ausfall (maskulin) = cancellation · schade = a pity. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) — "finden" takes an Akkusativ object. Ausfall is the direct object.
Dat Bei dem schlechten Wetter ist es schade.
With the bad weather it's a pity.
schade = a pity · das Wetter (neutrum) = weather · schlecht → schlechten · bei = with/given. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "bei" (always Dativ); the adjective takes -en → "dem schlechten Wetter."
Tut mir leid. — I'm sorry.
Literally "it does me sorrow." Used to apologize or to express sympathy. The full form is "Es tut mir leid." Note "mir" is a Dativ pronoun — you can swap it: "Tut mir leid," "Tut uns leid" (we're sorry).
Nom Der Fehler tut mir leid.
I'm sorry about the mistake.
der Fehler (maskulin) = mistake · leidtun = to be sorry · tut ... leid = am sorry. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Fehler is the subject (the thing that "does" the sorrow).
Akk Ich habe den Termin vergessen. Tut mir leid!
I forgot the appointment. I'm sorry!
vergessen = to forget · der Termin (maskulin) = appointment. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Termin is the direct object of "vergessen."
Dat Es tut mir leid.
I'm sorry.
es = it (subject) · tun = to do · leid = sorrow · mir = to me (Dativ). "Mir" is the Dativ form of "ich" (ich → mir) — the sorrow is "done TO me," so the person is always in the Dativ.
Bitte entschuldigen Sie. — Please excuse (me).
A formal apology using the polite "Sie" form. In casual settings you'd say "Entschuldigung!" or "Sorry!" To apologize to someone specific: "sich bei jemandem entschuldigen" (+ Dativ).
Nom Der Gast sagt: Bitte entschuldigen Sie.
The guest says: Please excuse me.
der Gast (maskulin) = guest · sagen = to say · entschuldigen = to excuse · bitte = please. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Gast is the subject who apologizes.
Akk Bitte entschuldigen Sie die Verspätung.
Please excuse the delay.
entschuldigen = to excuse · die Verspätung (feminin) = delay/lateness. "Die" — feminin Akkusativ (die → die, no change). Verspätung is the direct object of "entschuldigen."
Dat Entschuldigen Sie sich bei dem Chef.
Apologize to the boss.
sich entschuldigen = to apologize · der Chef (maskulin) = boss · bei = to. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "bei" (always Dativ). You apologize "bei + Dativ" to someone.
Macht nichts. — Never mind. / It doesn't matter.
The friendly reply when someone apologizes — the German equivalent of "no worries." Short for "Das macht nichts" (that makes nothing). Pairs naturally with "Tut mir leid." → "Macht nichts!"
Nom Der Fehler macht nichts.
The mistake doesn't matter.
der Fehler (maskulin) = mistake · machen = to make · nichts = nothing. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Fehler is the subject; "macht nichts" literally = "makes nothing" = doesn't matter.
Akk Du hast den Bus verpasst? Macht nichts!
You missed the bus? Never mind!
verpassen = to miss · der Bus (maskulin) = bus. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Bus is the direct object of "verpasst."
Dat Bei dem kleinen Problem sagt er: Macht nichts.
Given the small problem he says: Never mind.
das Problem (neutrum) = problem · klein → kleinen · bei = with/given · sagen = to say. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "bei" (always Dativ); the adjective takes -en → "dem kleinen Problem."