Appearance
Netzwerk 7: Social Life
Chapter 7 — social interactions, common verbs, adjectives, and phrases.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
die Religion — religion (plural: die Religionen)
Germany is officially secular, but church tax (Kirchensteuer) is real: registered members of a church pay a percentage of their income tax. Many people leave the church officially ("austreten") to avoid it. "Religion" is feminin like most nouns ending in -ion.
Nom Die Religion ist ein interessantes Thema.
Religion is an interesting topic.
die Religion (feminin) = religion · ist = is · ein interessantes Thema = an interesting topic. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Religion is the subject.
Akk Ich respektiere die Religion von meinem Nachbarn.
I respect my neighbor's religion.
die Religion (feminin) = religion · respektieren = to respect · von = of/from. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Religion is the direct object.
Dat Wir sprechen über Fragen zu der Religion.
We talk about questions on religion.
die Religion (feminin) = religion · sprechen über = to talk about · Fragen = questions · zu = to/on. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "zu".
das Sprachinstitut — language institute (plural: die Sprachinstitute)
A compound word: Sprache (language) + Institut (institute). Famous examples are the Goethe-Institut and the Volkshochschule (VHS), where many people take German courses cheaply.
Nom Das Sprachinstitut ist im Zentrum.
The language institute is in the center.
das Sprachinstitut (neutrum) = language institute · ist = is · im Zentrum = in the center. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Sprachinstitut is the subject.
Akk Ich besuche das Sprachinstitut jeden Tag.
I attend the language institute every day.
das Sprachinstitut (neutrum) = language institute · besuchen = to attend/visit · jeden Tag = every day. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Sprachinstitut is the direct object.
Dat Ich lerne Deutsch in dem Sprachinstitut.
I learn German at the language institute.
das Sprachinstitut (neutrum) = language institute · lernen = to learn · in = in/at. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "in" (location).
die meisten — most (people)
"Die meisten" means "the majority" and is always plural. It usually stands alone (die meisten = most people) or before a plural noun (die meisten Studenten). It is the superlative of "viel".
Nom Die meisten Menschen trinken Kaffee.
Most people drink coffee.
die meisten (plural) = most · Menschen = people · trinken = to drink. "Die meisten" is the plural subject in Nominativ. Menschen is the plural noun it describes.
Akk Ich kenne die meisten Nachbarn hier.
I know most of the neighbors here.
die meisten (plural) = most · kennen = to know (a person) · Nachbarn = neighbors. "Die meisten" stays "die" because plural Akkusativ (die → die). It is the direct object.
Dat Mit den meisten Kollegen verstehe ich mich gut.
I get along well with most colleagues.
die meisten (plural) = most · Kollegen = colleagues · sich verstehen mit = to get along with. "Den meisten" because plural Dativ (die → den) after "mit". Kollegen already ends in -n.
langweilig — boring (adjective)
Memory aid: "lange Weile" = a long while, so something langweilig makes time feel long. The opposite is "spannend" (exciting) or "interessant".
Nom Der Film ist langweilig.
The film is boring.
langweilig = boring · der Film (maskulin) = the film · ist = is. Predicative use: after "sein" the adjective takes NO ending (langweilig). Der Film is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich lese langweilige Bücher nicht gern.
I don't like reading boring books.
langweilig = boring · lesen = to read · Bücher = books. Attributive use before a plural noun with no article: the adjective takes the ending -e here (langweilige Bücher, Akkusativ plural). Bücher is the direct object.
Dat Nach dem langweiligen Vortrag war ich müde.
After the boring lecture I was tired.
langweilig = boring · der Vortrag (maskulin) = the lecture · nach = after · müde = tired. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "nach"; the adjective takes -en (langweiligen) in the Dativ.
heiß — hot (adjective)
"Heiß" is temperature-hot (coffee, weather). For spicy food, Germans say "scharf", not "heiß". "Mir ist heiß" = "I feel hot" (uses Dativ for the person!).
Nom Der Sommer ist dieses Jahr sehr heiß.
The summer is very hot this year.
heiß = hot · der Sommer (maskulin) = the summer · dieses Jahr = this year. Predicative use: after "sein" the adjective takes NO ending (heiß). Der Sommer is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich trinke gern den heißen Tee.
I like drinking the hot tea.
heiß = hot · der Tee (maskulin) = the tea · trinken = to drink. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den); the adjective takes -en (heißen) in the Akkusativ. Tee is the direct object.
Dat Ich wärme mich mit der heißen Suppe.
I warm myself up with the hot soup.
heiß = hot · die Suppe (feminin) = the soup · sich wärmen = to warm oneself · mit = with. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit"; the adjective takes -en (heißen) in the Dativ.
schrecklich — awful / terrible (adjective)
From "der Schreck" (fright). "Schrecklich" can also work as an intensifier, like "terribly": "schrecklich nett" = "awfully nice" (positive!). Context decides.
Nom Das Wetter ist heute schrecklich.
The weather is terrible today.
schrecklich = terrible · das Wetter (neutrum) = the weather · heute = today. Predicative use: after "sein" the adjective takes NO ending (schrecklich). Das Wetter is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Wir hatten einen schrecklichen Tag.
We had a terrible day.
schrecklich = terrible · der Tag (maskulin) = the day · haben = to have. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ (ein → einen); the adjective takes -en (schrecklichen). Tag is the direct object.
Dat Nach der schrecklichen Nacht war er krank.
After the terrible night he was ill.
schrecklich = terrible · die Nacht (feminin) = the night · nach = after · krank = ill. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach"; the adjective takes -en (schrecklichen) in the Dativ.
oder — or (conjunction)
"Oder?" at the end of a sentence turns it into a tag question: "Das ist gut, oder?" = "That's good, isn't it?" Very common in spoken German.
Nom Der Kaffee oder der Tee — was möchtest du?
The coffee or the tea — what would you like?
oder = or · der Kaffee (maskulin) = coffee · der Tee = tea · möchten = would like. "Oder" connects two Nominativ subjects. Both nouns keep "der" (maskulin Nominativ).
Akk Nimmst du den Bus oder das Fahrrad?
Are you taking the bus or the bicycle?
oder = or · der Bus (maskulin) = bus · das Fahrrad = bicycle · nehmen = to take. "Den Bus" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) as the direct object. "Oder" links the two options.
Dat Fährst du mit dem Auto oder mit dem Zug?
Are you going by car or by train?
oder = or · das Auto (neutrum) = car · der Zug = train · fahren mit = to travel by. "Dem Auto" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "mit". "Oder" connects the two Dativ options.
Alles klar. — Understood! / All clear! (phrase)
Literally "everything clear". Used to confirm you understood, like "Got it!" Also a casual greeting: "Alles klar?" = "You okay?" / "All good?"
Nom — Der Chef kommt um neun. — Alles klar!
— The boss is coming at nine. — Got it!
Alles klar = understood/got it · der Chef (maskulin) = the boss · kommen = to come · um neun = at nine. Der Chef is the subject in Nominativ. "Alles klar" confirms the information.
Akk — Bring bitte den Schlüssel mit. — Alles klar.
— Please bring the key. — Understood.
Alles klar = understood · der Schlüssel (maskulin) = key · mitbringen = to bring along. "Den Schlüssel" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) as the direct object. "Alles klar" acknowledges the request.
Dat — Sprich bitte mit der Nachbarin. — Alles klar!
— Please talk to the neighbor. — All clear!
Alles klar = understood · die Nachbarin (feminin) = the (female) neighbor · sprechen mit = to talk with. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit". "Alles klar" confirms understanding.
So ein Zufall! — What a coincidence! (phrase)
"Der Zufall" is chance/coincidence. "So ein Zufall!" is what you exclaim when you bump into someone unexpectedly. "Zufällig" = by chance/coincidentally.
Nom Der Zufall war groß — wir trafen uns im Zug. So ein Zufall!
The coincidence was great — we met on the train. What a coincidence!
So ein Zufall = what a coincidence · der Zufall (maskulin) = coincidence · treffen = to meet · groß = big. Der Zufall is the subject in Nominativ. "So ein Zufall" is an exclamation with Zufall in the Nominativ.
Akk Ich sehe den alten Freund hier — so ein Zufall!
I see the old friend here — what a coincidence!
So ein Zufall = what a coincidence · der Freund (maskulin) = friend · sehen = to see · alt = old. "Den alten Freund" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den, adjective -en) as the direct object.
Dat Ich stehe mit der Kollegin im selben Kurs — so ein Zufall!
I'm in the same course with the colleague — what a coincidence!
So ein Zufall = what a coincidence · die Kollegin (feminin) = (female) colleague · stehen mit = to be/stand with · im selben Kurs = in the same course. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit".
Bis dann! — See you then! (phrase)
A casual goodbye when you have a specific next meeting in mind. Related: "Bis später!" (see you later), "Bis morgen!" (see you tomorrow), "Bis bald!" (see you soon).
Nom Der Termin ist am Freitag. Bis dann!
The appointment is on Friday. See you then!
Bis dann = see you then · der Termin (maskulin) = appointment · am Freitag = on Friday. Der Termin is the subject in Nominativ. "Bis dann" is the closing phrase.
Akk Ich sehe die Kollegen morgen. Bis dann!
I'll see the colleagues tomorrow. See you then!
Bis dann = see you then · die Kollegen (plural) = colleagues · sehen = to see · morgen = tomorrow. "Die Kollegen" stays "die" because plural Akkusativ (die → die) as the direct object.
Dat Wir treffen uns nach der Arbeit. Bis dann!
We'll meet after work. See you then!
Bis dann = see you then · die Arbeit (feminin) = work · sich treffen = to meet · nach = after. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach".
doch — however / but; also "yes (to a negative)"
Two big uses: (1) as a contradiction — if someone says "Du kommst nicht", you answer "Doch!" (Yes I am!). (2) as a softening particle in commands: "Komm doch!" (Do come!). Here it means "however / after all".
Nom Der Weg ist lang, doch wir schaffen das.
The path is long, but we'll manage it.
doch = however/but · der Weg (maskulin) = path/way · lang = long · schaffen = to manage. Der Weg is the subject in Nominativ. "Doch" connects two clauses like "aber".
Akk Ich mache den Test doch noch heute.
I'll do the test today after all.
doch = after all · der Test (maskulin) = test · machen = to do · noch heute = still today. "Den Test" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) as the direct object. "Doch" adds the sense "after all / contrary to expectation".
Dat Ich helfe der Nachbarin doch gern.
I'm happy to help the neighbor after all.
doch = after all · die Nachbarin (feminin) = (female) neighbor · helfen = to help (takes Dativ!). "Der" because "helfen" always takes the Dativ object (die → der). "Doch" softens the sentence.
der / die Erwachsene — adult (plural: die Erwachsenen)
This is an adjectival noun (from "erwachsen" = grown up), so its ending changes like an adjective: der Erwachsene (m), die Erwachsene (f), ein Erwachsener, die Erwachsenen (pl). In Germany you are legally an adult (volljährig) at 18.
Nom Der Erwachsene bezahlt mehr als das Kind.
The adult pays more than the child.
der Erwachsene (maskulin) = the adult · bezahlen = to pay · mehr als = more than · das Kind = child. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ; the ending is -e (der Erwachsene). It is the subject.
Akk Der Kurs sucht die Erwachsenen für einen Deutschkurs.
The course is looking for adults for a German course.
die Erwachsenen (plural) = the adults · suchen = to look for · für = for · der Deutschkurs = German course. "Die Erwachsenen" stays "die" because plural Akkusativ (die → die); the adjectival ending is -en. It is the direct object.
Dat Wir sprechen mit dem Erwachsenen über die Kinder.
We talk with the adult about the children.
der Erwachsene (maskulin) = the adult · sprechen mit = to talk with · über = about. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit"; the adjectival ending is -en (dem Erwachsenen).
nach Hause — (to) home [direction] (phrase)
Watch out: "nach Hause" = going home (direction), but "zu Hause" = being at home (location). "Ich gehe nach Hause" vs. "Ich bin zu Hause". The -e on "Hause" is a fixed old form.
Nom Der Vater geht jetzt nach Hause.
The father is going home now.
nach Hause = (to) home · der Vater (maskulin) = father · gehen = to go · jetzt = now. Der Vater is the subject in Nominativ. "Nach Hause" expresses direction (going home).
Akk Ich nehme das Paket nach Hause mit.
I'll take the package home with me.
nach Hause = (to) home · das Paket (neutrum) = package · mitnehmen = to take along. "Das Paket" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das) as the direct object. "Nach Hause" gives the direction.
Dat Nach der Arbeit fahre ich nach Hause.
After work I drive home.
nach Hause = (to) home · die Arbeit (feminin) = work · fahren = to drive · nach = after. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after the preposition "nach" (= after here). "Nach Hause" is the destination.
der Nachbar — neighbor, male (plural: die Nachbarn)
"Der Nachbar" is an N-noun (n-Deklination): it adds -n in every case except the Nominativ singular (den Nachbarn, dem Nachbarn, des Nachbarn). German neighborly life often means quiet hours (Ruhezeiten) and greeting in the stairwell.
Nom Der Nachbar ist sehr freundlich.
The neighbor is very friendly.
der Nachbar (maskulin) = the (male) neighbor · ist = is · sehr freundlich = very friendly. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ (the only form with no extra -n). Nachbar is the subject.
Akk Ich frage den Nachbarn nach dem Weg.
I ask the neighbor for directions.
der Nachbar (maskulin) = neighbor · fragen nach = to ask for · der Weg = the way. "Den Nachbarn" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) AND it is an N-noun, so it adds -n (Nachbar → Nachbarn). It is the direct object.
Dat Ich gebe dem Nachbarn das Paket.
I give the package to the neighbor.
der Nachbar (maskulin) = neighbor · geben = to give · das Paket = the package. "Dem Nachbarn" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) AND N-noun -n ending. The neighbor is the indirect object (receiver).
die Nachbarin — neighbor, female (plural: die Nachbarinnen)
Add -in to make many masculine person-words feminine: Nachbar → Nachbarin. The feminine version is a normal feminine noun and does NOT take the extra -n of the masculine N-noun.
Nom Die Nachbarin hat einen Hund.
The (female) neighbor has a dog.
die Nachbarin (feminin) = the (female) neighbor · haben = to have · einen Hund = a dog. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Nachbarin is the subject.
Akk Ich treffe die Nachbarin im Supermarkt.
I meet the neighbor at the supermarket.
die Nachbarin (feminin) = neighbor · treffen = to meet · im Supermarkt = at the supermarket. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Nachbarin is the direct object.
Dat Ich helfe der Nachbarin im Garten.
I help the neighbor in the garden.
die Nachbarin (feminin) = neighbor · helfen = to help (takes Dativ!) · im Garten = in the garden. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der); the verb "helfen" always requires a Dativ object.
das Paket — package (plural: die Pakete)
Online shopping is huge in Germany. If you're not home, the delivery driver often leaves the Paket with a neighbor (beim Nachbarn) and puts a note (Benachrichtigung) in your mailbox.
Nom Das Paket ist heute gekommen.
The package arrived today.
das Paket (neutrum) = package · kommen = to come/arrive · heute = today. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Paket is the subject.
Akk Ich hole das Paket bei der Nachbarin ab.
I pick the package up from the neighbor.
das Paket (neutrum) = package · abholen = to pick up · bei = at/from. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Paket is the direct object.
Dat In dem Paket ist ein Buch.
There is a book in the package.
das Paket (neutrum) = package · in = in · ein Buch = a book. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "in" (location). The package is where the book is.
annehmen — to accept / to assume (separable verb: er nimmt an)
Separable prefix "an-": in a main clause it jumps to the end — "Ich nehme das Paket an." Two meanings: accept (a package, a job) and assume (suppose). Conjugation follows "nehmen" (nimmt).
Nom Die Frau nimmt an, dass er kommt.
The woman assumes that he is coming.
annehmen = to assume · die Frau (feminin) = woman · dass = that. Die Frau is the subject in Nominativ; the verb splits (nimmt ... an). Here it means "assume".
Akk Ich nehme das Paket gern an.
I'll gladly accept the package.
annehmen = to accept · das Paket (neutrum) = package · gern = gladly. "Das Paket" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das) as the direct object. The prefix "an" goes to the end.
Dat Ich nehme die Einladung von dem Freund an.
I accept the invitation from the friend.
annehmen = to accept (separable: nehme ... an) · die Einladung = invitation · der Freund (maskulin) = friend · von = from (+ Dativ). "Dem Freund" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "von". The verb annehmen is what accepts the invitation.
bedeuten — to mean (verb)
Your best friend in class: "Was bedeutet das?" = "What does that mean?" The noun is "die Bedeutung" (the meaning). It is a regular verb: es bedeutet.
Nom Das Wort bedeutet "Haus".
The word means "house".
bedeuten = to mean · das Wort (neutrum) = word · das Haus = house. Das Wort is the subject in Nominativ; the verb conjugates as "bedeutet" (es-form).
Akk Ich verstehe die Bedeutung nicht — was bedeutet das?
I don't understand the meaning — what does that mean?
bedeuten = to mean · die Bedeutung (feminin) = meaning · verstehen = to understand. "Die Bedeutung" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die) as the direct object of "verstehen".
Dat Der Urlaub bedeutet der Familie sehr viel.
The vacation means a lot to the family.
bedeuten = to mean (to someone) · der Urlaub = vacation · die Familie (feminin) = family · viel = a lot. "Der Familie" is Dativ (die → der): "bedeuten" takes a Dativ for the person to whom something matters.
dauern — to last / to take (of time) (verb)
Use it for durations: "Wie lange dauert der Film?" (How long does the film last?). Do not confuse with "brauchen" (to need). Regular verb: es dauert.
Nom Der Kurs dauert drei Stunden.
The course lasts three hours.
dauern = to last · der Kurs (maskulin) = course · drei Stunden = three hours. Der Kurs is the subject in Nominativ; the verb conjugates as "dauert" (es-form).
Akk Die Reise dauert einen Tag.
The trip takes one day.
dauern = to last · die Reise (feminin) = trip · der Tag (maskulin) = day. "Einen Tag" is Akkusativ (ein → einen): a time duration takes the Akkusativ (Zeitdauer im Akkusativ). Subject of the sentence: die Reise.
Dat Mit dem Zug dauert die Fahrt zwei Stunden.
By train the journey takes two hours.
dauern = to last · der Zug (maskulin) = train · die Fahrt = journey · mit = by/with. "Dem Zug" is Dativ (der → dem) after "mit". Die Fahrt is the subject.
bleiben — to stay / to remain (verb)
"Bleiben" takes "sein" in the perfect: "Ich bin zu Hause geblieben." It is also a "linking" verb, so a following adjective stays in the Nominativ: "Ich bleibe ruhig" (I stay calm).
Nom Der Gast bleibt bis morgen.
The guest is staying until tomorrow.
bleiben = to stay · der Gast (maskulin) = guest · bis morgen = until tomorrow. Der Gast is the subject in Nominativ; the verb conjugates as "bleibt" (er-form).
Akk Ich bleibe den ganzen Tag hier.
I'm staying here the whole day.
bleiben = to stay · der Tag (maskulin) = day · ganz = whole · hier = here. "Den ganzen Tag" is Akkusativ (der → den, adjective -en) because a time span uses the Akkusativ. "Ich" is the subject.
Dat Wir bleiben bei der Familie in München.
We are staying with the family in Munich.
bleiben = to stay · die Familie (feminin) = family · bei = with/at · München = Munich. "Der Familie" is Dativ (die → der) after "bei". "Wir" is the subject.
denken — to think (verb)
Irregular past: "ich dachte" (I thought). "Denken an" + Akkusativ = to think of/about someone. Don't confuse "denken" (have an opinion / think of) with "meinen" (to mean/opine) or "glauben" (to believe).
Nom Die Lehrerin denkt viel nach.
The teacher reflects a lot.
denken = to think · die Lehrerin (feminin) = (female) teacher · nachdenken = to reflect · viel = a lot. Die Lehrerin is the subject in Nominativ; the verb conjugates as "denkt" (sie-form).
Akk Ich denke oft an den Urlaub.
I often think about the vacation.
denken an = to think about · der Urlaub (maskulin) = vacation · oft = often. "An den Urlaub" is Akkusativ (der → den): "denken an" always takes the Akkusativ. "Ich" is the subject.
Dat Bei der Arbeit denke ich an nichts anderes.
At work I think of nothing else.
denken = to think · die Arbeit (feminin) = work · bei = at/during · nichts anderes = nothing else. "Der Arbeit" is Dativ (die → der) after "bei". "Ich" is the subject.
mitnehmen — to take along (separable verb: er nimmt mit)
Separable prefix "mit-" goes to the end: "Ich nehme den Regenschirm mit." Conjugates like "nehmen" (du nimmst mit, er nimmt mit). Think "mit" (with) + "nehmen" (take) = take with you.
Nom Die Mutter nimmt das Kind mit.
The mother takes the child along.
mitnehmen = to take along · die Mutter (feminin) = mother · das Kind = child. Die Mutter is the subject in Nominativ; the verb splits (nimmt ... mit).
Akk Ich nehme den Schirm mit.
I'm taking the umbrella along.
mitnehmen = to take along · der Schirm (maskulin) = umbrella · ich = I. "Den Schirm" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) as the direct object. The prefix "mit" goes to the end.
Dat Ich nehme der Nachbarin die Post mit.
I bring the mail along for the neighbor.
mitnehmen = to take along (for someone) · die Nachbarin (feminin) = neighbor · die Post = mail. "Der Nachbarin" is Dativ (die → der): the person you take something for is the Dativ object. "Die Post" is the Akkusativ direct object.
verwenden — to use (verb)
A close synonym of "benutzen" (to use). "Verwenden" often sounds a touch more formal or is used for ingredients/materials: "Ich verwende nur frische Zutaten." Regular verb: er verwendet.
Nom Der Koch verwendet viel Butter.
The cook uses a lot of butter.
verwenden = to use · der Koch (maskulin) = cook · die Butter = butter · viel = a lot. Der Koch is the subject in Nominativ; the verb conjugates as "verwendet" (er-form).
Akk Ich verwende das Wörterbuch oft.
I use the dictionary often.
verwenden = to use · das Wörterbuch (neutrum) = dictionary · oft = often. "Das Wörterbuch" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das) as the direct object. "Ich" is the subject.
Dat Bei der Arbeit verwenden wir einen Computer.
At work we use a computer.
verwenden = to use · die Arbeit (feminin) = work · bei = at · der Computer = computer. "Der Arbeit" is Dativ (die → der) after "bei". "Einen Computer" is the Akkusativ direct object. "Wir" is the subject.
anders — differently / otherwise (adverb)
"Anders" (with -s) is the adverb "differently"; "andere" (without -s) is the adjective "other". "Anders als" = "different from / differently than". Compare: "Er denkt anders" vs. "andere Leute".
Nom Der Bruder ist ganz anders als die Schwester.
The brother is completely different from the sister.
anders = differently · der Bruder (maskulin) = brother · die Schwester = sister · als = than. Der Bruder is the subject in Nominativ. "Anders als" compares the two.
Akk Ich mache den Kaffee heute anders.
I'm making the coffee differently today.
anders = differently · der Kaffee (maskulin) = coffee · machen = to make · heute = today. "Den Kaffee" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) as the direct object. "Anders" modifies how I make it.
Dat Mit dem neuen Chef läuft alles anders.
With the new boss everything runs differently.
anders = differently · der Chef (maskulin) = boss · neu = new · mit = with · laufen = to run/go. "Dem neuen Chef" is Dativ (der → dem, adjective -en) after "mit". "Anders" describes how it runs.
beliebt — popular (adjective)
"Beliebt" = well-liked/popular. "Beliebt bei" = popular with (a group). It comes from "lieben" (to love). Not the same as "populär", which can imply mass-market fame.
Nom Der Lehrer ist bei den Schülern sehr beliebt.
The teacher is very popular with the students.
beliebt = popular · der Lehrer (maskulin) = teacher · bei = with · die Schüler = students. Predicative use: after "sein" the adjective takes NO ending (beliebt). Der Lehrer is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Wir besuchen den beliebten Markt in der Stadt.
We visit the popular market in the city.
beliebt = popular · der Markt (maskulin) = market · besuchen = to visit. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den); the adjective takes -en (beliebten) in the Akkusativ. Markt is the direct object.
Dat In dem beliebten Café ist immer viel los.
In the popular café there is always a lot going on.
beliebt = popular · das Café (neutrum) = café · in = in · viel los = a lot going on. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "in"; the adjective takes -en (beliebten) in the Dativ.
leicht — easy / light (adjective)
Two meanings: not difficult (leichte Aufgabe = easy task) and not heavy (leichte Tasche = light bag). Its opposites are "schwer" (difficult/heavy) for both senses.
Nom Die Aufgabe ist heute sehr leicht.
The task is very easy today.
leicht = easy · die Aufgabe (feminin) = task · heute = today. Predicative use: after "sein" the adjective takes NO ending (leicht). Die Aufgabe is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich nehme die leichte Tasche.
I'll take the light bag.
leicht = light · die Tasche (feminin) = bag · nehmen = to take. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die); the adjective takes -e (leichte) in the feminin Akkusativ. Tasche is the direct object.
Dat Mit der leichten Sprache lernt man schnell.
With the simple language you learn quickly.
leicht = easy · die Sprache (feminin) = language · mit = with · schnell = quickly. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit"; the adjective takes -en (leichten) in the Dativ.
schwer — difficult / heavy (adjective)
Mirror of "leicht": difficult (schwere Prüfung) and heavy (schwerer Koffer). "Schwer" can also mean "seriously": "schwer krank" = seriously ill. A synonym for "difficult" is "schwierig".
Nom Die Prüfung war sehr schwer.
The exam was very difficult.
schwer = difficult · die Prüfung (feminin) = exam · war = was. Predicative use: after "sein/war" the adjective takes NO ending (schwer). Die Prüfung is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich trage den schweren Koffer.
I'm carrying the heavy suitcase.
schwer = heavy · der Koffer (maskulin) = suitcase · tragen = to carry. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den); the adjective takes -en (schweren) in the Akkusativ. Koffer is the direct object.
Dat Mit der schweren Tasche gehe ich langsam.
With the heavy bag I walk slowly.
schwer = heavy · die Tasche (feminin) = bag · mit = with · langsam = slowly. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit"; the adjective takes -en (schweren) in the Dativ.
gar — even / at all (adverb, intensifier)
Most common as an intensifier of the negative: "gar nicht" = not at all, "gar nichts" = nothing at all, "gar kein" = no ... whatsoever. On its own before an adjective it can mean "even/quite". (Note: "gar" as an adjective also means "cooked/done" in the kitchen.)
Nom Der Film war gar nicht langweilig.
The film was not boring at all.
gar = at all (intensifier) · der Film (maskulin) = film · langweilig = boring. Der Film is the subject in Nominativ. "Gar nicht" strongly negates "langweilig".
Akk Ich habe gar keine Freunde in der Stadt.
I have no friends at all in the city.
gar = at all · keine Freunde (plural) = no friends · haben = to have. "Keine Freunde" is the Akkusativ plural direct object (kein → keine). "Gar keine" = "none whatsoever".
Dat Mit dem Wetter bin ich gar nicht zufrieden.
I'm not at all happy with the weather.
gar = at all · das Wetter (neutrum) = weather · mit = with · zufrieden = satisfied. "Dem Wetter" is Dativ (das → dem) after "mit". "Gar nicht" intensifies the negation.
eigentlich — actually (adverb / particle)
As an adverb it means "actually / in fact" (contrasting with reality). As a softening question particle it makes a question feel more casual or curious: "Was machst du eigentlich?" = "So, what do you actually do?"
Nom Der Plan ist eigentlich gut.
The plan is actually good.
eigentlich = actually · der Plan (maskulin) = plan · gut = good. Der Plan is the subject in Nominativ. "Eigentlich" signals "in fact / when you think about it".
Akk Ich wollte eigentlich den Bus nehmen.
I actually wanted to take the bus.
eigentlich = actually · der Bus (maskulin) = bus · wollen = to want · nehmen = to take. "Den Bus" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) as the direct object. "Eigentlich" hints the plan changed.
Dat Mit der Nachbarin verstehe ich mich eigentlich gut.
I actually get along well with the neighbor.
eigentlich = actually · die Nachbarin (feminin) = neighbor · sich verstehen mit = to get along with. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit". "Eigentlich" adds "in fact".
endlich — finally / at last (adverb)
Expresses relief after a long wait: "Endlich Wochenende!" (Finally the weekend!). Don't confuse with "schließlich" (finally = lastly, in a sequence) or "am Ende" (at the end).
Nom Der Sommer ist endlich da!
Summer is finally here!
endlich = finally · der Sommer (maskulin) = summer · da = here/there. Der Sommer is the subject in Nominativ. "Endlich" expresses relief after waiting.
Akk Ich habe endlich das Paket bekommen.
I finally received the package.
endlich = finally · das Paket (neutrum) = package · bekommen = to receive. "Das Paket" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das) as the direct object. "Endlich" shows the long wait is over.
Dat Nach der Prüfung kann ich endlich schlafen.
After the exam I can finally sleep.
endlich = finally · die Prüfung (feminin) = exam · nach = after · schlafen = to sleep. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach". "Endlich" expresses relief.
gestern — yesterday (adverb)
Family: "gestern" (yesterday), "heute" (today), "morgen" (tomorrow), "vorgestern" (day before yesterday). "Gestern" usually pairs with the Perfekt tense: "Gestern habe ich ... gemacht."
Nom Der Tag gestern war sehr schön.
Yesterday's day was very nice.
gestern = yesterday · der Tag (maskulin) = day · schön = nice. Der Tag is the subject in Nominativ. "Gestern" places the event in the past.
Akk Gestern habe ich den Nachbarn getroffen.
Yesterday I met the neighbor.
gestern = yesterday · der Nachbar (maskulin) = neighbor · treffen = to meet. "Den Nachbarn" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) plus the N-noun -n ending. "Gestern" starts the sentence, so the verb "habe" comes second.
Dat Gestern war ich bei der Familie Müller.
Yesterday I was at the Müller family's place.
gestern = yesterday · die Familie (feminin) = family · bei = at (someone's place). "Der Familie" is Dativ (die → der) after "bei". "Gestern" begins the sentence, so "war" comes second.
später — later (adverb)
"Bis später!" = "See you later!" "Später" is the comparative of "spät" (late). "Früher oder später" = "sooner or later".
Nom Der Bus kommt später als sonst.
The bus comes later than usual.
später = later · der Bus (maskulin) = bus · kommen = to come · als sonst = than usual. Der Bus is the subject in Nominativ. "Später" (comparative of spät) tells when.
Akk Ich rufe den Chef später an.
I'll call the boss later.
später = later · der Chef (maskulin) = boss · anrufen = to call (separable). "Den Chef" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) as the direct object. "An" goes to the end; "später" says when.
Dat Nach der Pause reden wir später weiter.
After the break we'll continue talking later.
später = later · die Pause (feminin) = break · nach = after · weiterreden = to keep talking. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach". "Später" indicates the time.
wohin — (to) where / where to (question word)
German splits "where": "wo?" = where (location), "wohin?" = where to (direction), "woher?" = where from (origin). "Wohin" often splits in speech: "Wo gehst du hin?"
Nom Wohin geht der Bus?
Where does the bus go?
wohin = where to · der Bus (maskulin) = bus · gehen = to go. Der Bus is the subject in Nominativ. "Wohin" asks for the direction/destination.
Akk Wohin bringst du das Paket?
Where are you taking the package?
wohin = where to · das Paket (neutrum) = package · bringen = to bring/take. "Das Paket" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das) as the direct object. "Wohin" asks the destination.
Dat Wohin fährst du mit dem Auto?
Where are you driving with the car?
wohin = where to · das Auto (neutrum) = car · fahren mit = to drive with. "Dem Auto" is Dativ (das → dem) after "mit". "Wohin" asks for the destination.
zu — to (preposition, + Dativ)
"Zu" is a two-face word: (1) a Dativ preposition meaning "to (a person/place)" — "zu dem" shortens to "zum", "zu der" to "zur"; (2) an adverb "too" (zu heiß = too hot). As a preposition it always triggers the Dativ.
Nom Der Weg zu dir ist kurz.
The way to you is short.
zu = to · der Weg (maskulin) = way · dir = to you (Dativ of du) · kurz = short. Der Weg is the subject in Nominativ. "Zu dir" uses the Dativ pronoun after "zu".
Akk Ich finde den Kaffee zu heiß.
I find the coffee too hot.
zu = too (adverb here) · der Kaffee (maskulin) = coffee · finden = to find · heiß = hot. "Den Kaffee" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) as the direct object of "finden". Here "zu" intensifies "heiß" (too hot).
Dat Ich gehe zu der Nachbarin (zur Nachbarin).
I'm going to the neighbor's.
zu = to · die Nachbarin (feminin) = neighbor · gehen = to go. "Der Nachbarin" is Dativ (die → der) because "zu" always takes the Dativ; "zu der" contracts to "zur". This shows the core Dativ-preposition use.