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Netzwerk 8: Medicine
Chapter 8 — medicine, hospital vocabulary, classroom actions, and leisure.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
total — totally / completely
"Total" is a super common filler in casual German — "Ich bin total müde!" (I'm totally tired!). It intensifies the word right after it, just like "totally" in English.
Nom Der Tag war total anstrengend.
The day was totally exhausting.
der Tag (maskulin) = day · war = was · total = totally · anstrengend = exhausting. "Der Tag" is the subject in Nominativ. "Total" intensifies the adjective "anstrengend" and never changes its form.
Akk Ich finde die Übung total leicht.
I find the exercise totally easy.
finden = to find/think · die Übung (feminin) = exercise · total = totally · leicht = easy. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Übung is the direct object. "Total" intensifies "leicht".
Dat Mit dem Medikament geht es mir total gut.
With the medication I feel totally fine.
mit (+Dat) = with · das Medikament (neutrum) = medication · es geht mir gut = I'm doing well · total = totally. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "mit". "Total" intensifies "gut".
schlecht — bad
"Mir ist schlecht" means "I feel sick / nauseous" — a very useful health phrase, and it uses the Dativ (mir), not "ich"! The opposite is "gut" (good).
Nom Das Ergebnis ist schlecht.
The result is bad.
das Ergebnis (neutrum) = result · schlecht = bad. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Ergebnis is the subject. Here "schlecht" is predicative (after "ist"), so it takes no ending.
Akk Er hat einen schlechten Tag.
He is having a bad day.
haben = to have · der Tag (maskulin) = day · schlecht = bad. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ (ein → einen); the attributive adjective adds "-en": schlechten. Tag is the direct object.
Dat Nach der schlechten Nachricht weint sie.
After the bad news she cries.
nach (+Dat) = after · die Nachricht (feminin) = news · schlecht = bad · weinen = to cry. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach"; the attributive adjective adds "-en": schlechten.
die …schmerzen (Pl.) — pains (Halsschmerzen, Kopfschmerzen …)
"Schmerzen" (pains) almost always appears in the plural. Add a body part in front: Kopf + schmerzen = Kopfschmerzen (headache), Hals + schmerzen = Halsschmerzen (sore throat), Bauch + schmerzen = Bauchschmerzen (stomachache).
Nom Die Kopfschmerzen sind schlimm.
The headache is severe.
die Kopfschmerzen (Plural) = headache · schlimm = severe/bad. "Die" — Plural Nominativ. Schmerzen is the subject; the verb "sind" is plural to match.
Akk Ich habe Halsschmerzen.
I have a sore throat.
haben = to have · die Halsschmerzen (Plural) = sore throat. In "Ich habe Schmerzen" no article is used, but the noun is the direct object (Akkusativ). This is the standard way to say what hurts.
Dat Mit den Bauchschmerzen geht er zum Arzt.
With the stomachache he goes to the doctor.
mit (+Dat) = with · die Bauchschmerzen (Plural) = stomachache · zum Arzt gehen = to go to the doctor. "Den" because Plural Dativ (die → den) after "mit". Note: plural nouns add "-n" in Dativ, but Schmerzen already ends in -n.
dürfen, er darf — may / to be allowed to
"Dürfen" is a modal verb — it sends the main verb to the end as an infinitive. "Darf ich…?" (May I…?) is the polite way to ask permission. Its opposite is "nicht dürfen" or the adjective "verboten" (forbidden).
Nom Du darfst hier nicht rauchen.
You may not smoke here.
dürfen = may/to be allowed · du darfst = you may · hier = here · nicht = not · rauchen = to smoke. "Du" is the subject (Nominativ). The modal verb "darfst" is conjugated; "rauchen" goes to the end as infinitive.
Akk Er darf das Medikament nicht nehmen.
He is not allowed to take the medication.
er darf = he may · das Medikament (neutrum) = medication · nicht = not · nehmen = to take. "Das" — neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Medikament is the direct object of nehmen.
Dat Darf ich mit dem Arzt sprechen?
May I speak with the doctor?
dürfen = may · ich = I · mit (+Dat) = with · der Arzt (maskulin) = doctor · sprechen = to speak. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit". Question word order: verb first.
erlaubt — allowed / permitted
"Erlaubt" is the past participle of "erlauben" (to allow), but it's used like an adjective: "Das ist erlaubt" (That's allowed). It's the opposite of "verboten" (forbidden). Common on signs and rules.
Nom Das Rauchen ist hier nicht erlaubt.
Smoking is not allowed here.
das Rauchen (neutrum) = smoking (verb used as a noun) · hier = here · nicht = not · erlaubt = allowed. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Rauchen is the subject. "Erlaubt" is predicative here, so it takes no ending.
Akk Der Arzt findet den Sport erlaubt.
The doctor considers the sport allowed.
der Arzt (maskulin) = doctor · finden = to consider/find · der Sport (maskulin) = sport · erlaubt = allowed. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Sport is the direct object of finden.
Dat Bei der Diät ist Obst erlaubt.
With the diet, fruit is allowed.
bei (+Dat) = with/during · die Diät (feminin) = diet · das Obst = fruit · erlaubt = allowed. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "bei".
verboten — prohibited / forbidden
You'll see "verboten" on signs everywhere: "Rauchen verboten!" (No smoking!), "Parken verboten!" (No parking!). It's the past participle of "verbieten" (to forbid), used as an adjective. The opposite is "erlaubt".
Nom Das Handy ist im Kurs verboten.
The mobile phone is forbidden in the class.
das Handy (neutrum) = mobile phone · im Kurs = in the course · verboten = forbidden. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Handy is the subject. "Verboten" is predicative here and takes no ending.
Akk Er ignoriert den verbotenen Weg.
He ignores the forbidden path.
ignorieren = to ignore · der Weg (maskulin) = path/way · verboten = forbidden. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den); the attributive adjective adds "-en": verbotenen. Weg is the direct object.
Dat Auf der verbotenen Straße fährt niemand.
Nobody drives on the forbidden street.
auf (+Dat, location) = on · die Straße (feminin) = street · verboten = forbidden · fahren = to drive · niemand = nobody. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "auf" (location); the adjective adds "-en": verbotenen.
rauchen — to smoke
Germany has strict smoking laws — "Rauchen verboten" signs are everywhere, and smoking indoors in public places is banned. The noun form is "das Rauchen" (smoking) or "der Raucher" (a smoker).
Nom Mein Vater raucht nicht mehr.
My father doesn't smoke anymore.
mein Vater (maskulin) = my father · rauchen = to smoke · nicht mehr = not anymore. "Mein Vater" is the subject (Nominativ). The verb "rauchen" becomes "raucht" for er/sie/es.
Akk Er raucht eine Zigarette.
He smokes a cigarette.
rauchen = to smoke · die Zigarette (feminin) = cigarette. "Eine" because feminin Akkusativ (eine → eine, no change). Zigarette is the direct object of rauchen.
Dat In dem Restaurant darf man nicht rauchen.
In the restaurant you may not smoke.
in (+Dat, location) = in · das Restaurant (neutrum) = restaurant · man = one/you · dürfen = may · rauchen = to smoke. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "in" (location, no movement).
das Medikament, -e — medication (ein Medikament nehmen = to take a medication)
"Ein Medikament nehmen" (to take a medication) is the standard phrase — you "nehmen" (take), not "essen" (eat) medicine. Words ending in "-ment" are usually neutrum (das). Buy it at the Apotheke (pharmacy).
Nom Das Medikament hilft gegen Fieber.
The medication helps against fever.
das Medikament (neutrum) = medication · helfen = to help · gegen (+Akk) = against · das Fieber = fever. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Medikament is the subject.
Akk Ich nehme das Medikament jeden Morgen.
I take the medication every morning.
nehmen = to take · das Medikament (neutrum) = medication · jeden Morgen = every morning. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Medikament is the direct object — "ein Medikament nehmen".
Dat Mit dem Medikament fühle ich mich besser.
With the medication I feel better.
mit (+Dat) = with · das Medikament (neutrum) = medication · sich fühlen = to feel · besser = better. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "mit".
die Tablette, -n — tablet / pill
In Germany, pharmacies (Apotheken) are the only place to buy most medications — you won't find them in supermarkets. "Tablette" is the most common word for a pill.
Nom Die Tablette ist sehr klein.
The tablet is very small.
die Tablette (feminin) = tablet · sehr = very · klein = small. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Tablette is the subject.
Akk Ich nehme die Tablette nach dem Essen.
I take the tablet after the meal.
die Tablette (feminin) = tablet · nehmen = to take · nach = after · das Essen = the meal/food. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Tablette is the direct object of nehmen.
Dat Er beginnt den Tag mit der Tablette.
He starts the day with the tablet.
der Tag (maskulin) = day · beginnen = to begin · mit (+Dat) = with · die Tablette (feminin) = tablet. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit".
der Saft, Säfte — juice / syrup
In a medical context, "Saft" means liquid medicine or syrup. In everyday life, it means juice — "Orangensaft" (orange juice) is very popular in Germany. Context tells you which meaning!
Nom Der Saft schmeckt süß.
The juice tastes sweet.
der Saft (maskulin) = juice · schmecken = to taste · süß = sweet. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Saft is the subject. (In a medical context "Saft" can also mean liquid medicine / syrup — see the examples below.)
Akk Sie trinkt den Saft dreimal am Tag.
She drinks the syrup three times a day.
der Saft (maskulin) = syrup · trinken = to drink · dreimal = three times · am Tag = per day. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Saft is the direct object of trinken.
Dat Der Arzt hilft dem Kind mit dem Saft.
The doctor helps the child with the syrup.
der Arzt (maskulin) = doctor · helfen (+Dat) = to help · das Kind (neutrum) = child · mit (+Dat) = with · der Saft (maskulin) = syrup. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
gegen — against
"Gegen" always takes the Akkusativ. In medical talk it means "for/against" a symptom: "eine Tablette gegen Kopfschmerzen" (a pill for headaches). It can also mean physically "against" or "around" a time.
Nom Diese Tablette ist gegen Husten.
This tablet is for (against) cough.
diese Tablette (feminin) = this tablet · gegen (+Akk) = against · der Husten = cough. "Diese Tablette" is the subject (Nominativ). Note: after "gegen", "Husten" would be Akkusativ, but here it stands without an article.
Akk Ich brauche etwas gegen den Schmerz.
I need something for (against) the pain.
brauchen = to need · etwas = something · gegen (+Akk) = against · der Schmerz (maskulin) = pain. "Den" because "gegen" always takes Akkusativ (der → den). Schmerz is the object of the preposition.
Akk Der Saft hilft gegen die Grippe.
The syrup helps against the flu.
der Saft (maskulin) = syrup · helfen = to help · gegen (+Akk) = against · die Grippe (feminin) = flu. "Die" stays "die" because "gegen" takes Akkusativ (die → die). Grippe is the object of the preposition. (Note: "gegen" only ever pairs with Akkusativ, never Dativ.)
der Tropfen, - — drop
"Tropfen" (drops) are liquid medicine you count out — "dreimal täglich zehn Tropfen" (ten drops three times a day). The plural is identical to the singular: der Tropfen → die Tropfen. Nose drops = Nasentropfen, eye drops = Augentropfen.
Nom Der Tropfen fällt langsam.
The drop falls slowly.
der Tropfen (maskulin) = drop · fallen = to fall · langsam = slowly. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Tropfen is the subject.
Akk Nimm den Tropfen vor dem Schlafen.
Take the drop before sleeping.
nehmen = to take (imperative: Nimm!) · der Tropfen (maskulin) = drop · vor (+Dat) = before · das Schlafen = sleeping. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Tropfen is the direct object of nimm.
Dat Mit dem Tropfen geht es besser.
With the drop it gets better.
mit (+Dat) = with · der Tropfen (maskulin) = drop · es geht besser = it gets better. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
die Spritze, -n — syringe / injection
Germans commonly say "Ich bekomme eine Spritze" (I'm getting an injection) at the doctor's office. Vaccinations (Impfungen) are given by Spritzen — and they're usually free with German health insurance.
Nom Die Spritze tut nicht weh.
The injection doesn't hurt.
die Spritze (feminin) = injection · wehtun = to hurt · nicht = not. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Spritze is the subject.
Akk Du brauchst die Spritze gegen Grippe.
You need the injection against the flu.
brauchen = to need · die Spritze (feminin) = injection · gegen (+Akk) = against · die Grippe = flu. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Spritze is the direct object of brauchen.
Dat Die Ärztin beginnt mit der Spritze.
The doctor begins with the injection.
die Ärztin (feminin) = female doctor · beginnen = to begin · mit (+Dat) = with · die Spritze (feminin) = injection. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit".
das Hausmittel, - — home remedy
Germans love Hausmittel! Common ones include chamomile tea (Kamillentee) for stomach aches, warm milk with honey for sore throats, and chicken soup (Hühnersuppe) for colds. "Haus" = home + "Mittel" = means/remedy.
Nom Das Hausmittel hilft gut gegen Husten.
The home remedy helps well against cough.
das Hausmittel (neutrum) = home remedy · helfen = to help · gut = well · gegen (+Akk) = against · der Husten = cough. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Hausmittel is the subject.
Akk Meine Oma kennt das Hausmittel.
My grandma knows the home remedy.
meine Oma = my grandma · kennen = to know (a person/thing). "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Hausmittel is the direct object of kennen.
Dat Wir versuchen es mit dem Hausmittel.
We try it with the home remedy.
wir = we · versuchen = to try · es = it · mit (+Dat) = with · das Hausmittel (neutrum) = home remedy. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "mit".
die Kontrolle, -n — check-up / control
At the doctor, "Kontrolle" means a follow-up check-up. "Kommen Sie nächste Woche zur Kontrolle" is a phrase you'll hear often. It also means control/inspection in general — like ticket checks on public transport!
Nom Die Kontrolle ist am Montag.
The check-up is on Monday.
die Kontrolle (feminin) = check-up · am Montag = on Monday. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Kontrolle is the subject.
Akk Er braucht die Kontrolle jede Woche.
He needs the check-up every week.
brauchen = to need · die Kontrolle (feminin) = check-up · jede Woche = every week. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Kontrolle is the direct object of brauchen.
Dat Nach der Kontrolle gehen wir nach Hause.
After the check-up we go home.
nach (+Dat) = after · die Kontrolle (feminin) = check-up · gehen = to go · nach Hause = (to) home. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach".
Danke für Ihre Hilfe! — Thanks for your help!
A polite, formal way to thank someone — note "Ihre" (capitalized) is the formal "your". With friends you'd say "Danke für deine Hilfe!". "Für" always takes the Akkusativ, which is why it's "Ihre Hilfe".
Nom Ihre Hilfe ist sehr wichtig für mich.
Your help is very important to me.
die Hilfe (feminin) = help · wichtig = important · für mich = for me. "Ihre Hilfe" is the subject (Nominativ). "Ihre" is the formal possessive "your".
Akk Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe!
Many thanks for your help!
vielen Dank = many thanks · für (+Akk) = for · die Hilfe (feminin) = help. "Ihre" (feminin Akkusativ) because "für" always takes the Akkusativ. Hilfe is the object of the preposition "für".
Dat Mit Ihrer Hilfe schaffe ich das.
With your help I'll manage it.
mit (+Dat) = with · die Hilfe (feminin) = help · schaffen = to manage · das = that/it. "Ihrer" because feminin Dativ (die → der ending → Ihrer) after "mit".
der Notarzt, Notärzte — emergency doctor
In Germany, dial 112 for emergencies — the Notarzt comes to you! Unlike many countries, German emergency doctors arrive at the scene in a special car (Notarztwagen) alongside the ambulance. "Not" = emergency + "Arzt" = doctor.
Nom Der Notarzt kommt sofort.
The emergency doctor comes immediately.
der Notarzt (maskulin) = emergency doctor · kommen = to come · sofort = immediately. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Notarzt is the subject.
Akk Wir rufen den Notarzt!
We're calling the emergency doctor!
wir = we · rufen = to call. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Notarzt is the direct object of rufen.
Dat Ich erzähle dem Notarzt alles.
I tell the emergency doctor everything.
erzählen = to tell · der Notarzt (maskulin) = emergency doctor · alles = everything. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem). Notarzt is the indirect object — the person receiving the information.
die Physiotherapeutin, -nen — physiotherapist (female)
The male form is "der Physiotherapeut". Germans often shorten this to "Physio" in speech: "Ich gehe zur Physio" (I'm going to physiotherapy). The "-in / -innen" ending marks female professionals.
Nom Die Physiotherapeutin ist sehr nett.
The physiotherapist is very nice.
die Physiotherapeutin (feminin) = female physiotherapist · sehr = very · nett = nice. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Physiotherapeutin is the subject.
Akk Ich besuche die Physiotherapeutin zweimal pro Woche.
I visit the physiotherapist twice a week.
besuchen = to visit · die Physiotherapeutin (feminin) = physiotherapist · zweimal pro Woche = twice a week. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Physiotherapeutin is the direct object of besuchen.
Dat Ich mache die Übungen mit der Physiotherapeutin.
I do the exercises with the physiotherapist.
machen = to do · die Übungen (Plural) = exercises · mit (+Dat) = with · die Physiotherapeutin (feminin) = physiotherapist. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit".
die Übung, -en — exercise
"Übung macht den Meister!" = Practice makes perfect! (literally: Exercise makes the master.) This word works for physical therapy exercises, language exercises, and workout exercises alike.
Nom Die Übung ist anstrengend.
The exercise is exhausting.
die Übung (feminin) = exercise · anstrengend = exhausting. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Übung is the subject.
Akk Die Physiotherapeutin zeigt die Übung.
The physiotherapist demonstrates the exercise.
die Physiotherapeutin (feminin) = female physiotherapist · zeigen = to show/demonstrate · die Übung (feminin) = exercise. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Übung is the direct object of zeigen.
Dat Wir beginnen mit der Übung.
We begin with the exercise.
wir = we · beginnen = to begin · mit (+Dat) = with · die Übung (feminin) = exercise. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit".
der Krankenpfleger, - — male nurse
The female form is "die Krankenpflegerin" or "die Krankenschwester." Germany has a serious nursing shortage — Krankenpfleger are in very high demand. "Kranken" = sick (people) + "Pfleger" = caretaker.
Nom Der Krankenpfleger ist sehr freundlich.
The nurse is very friendly.
der Krankenpfleger (maskulin) = male nurse · sehr = very · freundlich = friendly. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Krankenpfleger is the subject.
Akk Ich suche den Krankenpfleger.
I'm looking for the nurse.
suchen = to look for/search · der Krankenpfleger (maskulin) = male nurse. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Krankenpfleger is the direct object of suchen.
Dat Sie gibt dem Krankenpfleger die Tabletten.
She gives the nurse the tablets.
geben = to give · der Krankenpfleger (maskulin) = nurse · die Tabletten (Plural) = tablets. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem). Krankenpfleger is the indirect object — the person receiving the tablets.
die Laborantin, -nen — laboratory assistant (female)
The male form is "der Laborant". A Laborantin works in the "Labor" (lab), where blood and samples are analyzed. Stress falls on the last syllable: La-bo-RAN-tin.
Nom Die Laborantin untersucht das Blut.
The lab assistant examines the blood.
die Laborantin (feminin) = female lab assistant · untersuchen = to examine · das Blut (neutrum) = blood. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Laborantin is the subject.
Akk Ich frage die Laborantin nach dem Ergebnis.
I ask the lab assistant about the result.
fragen = to ask · die Laborantin (feminin) = lab assistant · nach (+Dat) = about/after · das Ergebnis = result. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Laborantin is the direct object of fragen.
Dat Ich gebe der Laborantin das Blut.
I give the lab assistant the blood.
geben = to give · die Laborantin (feminin) = lab assistant · das Blut (neutrum) = blood. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der). Laborantin is the indirect object — the person receiving the blood sample.
untersuchen — to examine
"Untersuchen" is an inseparable prefix verb — "unter-" stays attached. At the doctor: "Der Arzt untersucht mich" (The doctor examines me). The noun form is "die Untersuchung" (the examination).
Nom Der Arzt untersucht den Patienten.
The doctor examines the patient.
der Arzt (maskulin) = doctor · untersuchen = to examine · der Patient (maskulin, weak noun) = patient. "Der Arzt" — maskulin Nominativ (subject). "Den Patienten" — maskulin Akkusativ (der → den), weak noun adds -en.
Akk Sie untersucht das Blut im Labor.
She examines the blood in the lab.
sie = she · untersuchen = to examine · das Blut (neutrum) = blood · im Labor = in the lab. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Blut is the direct object.
Dat Nach der Untersuchung gibt er mir das Ergebnis.
After the examination he gives me the result.
nach (+Dat) = after · die Untersuchung (feminin) = examination · geben = to give · mir = to me (Dat) · das Ergebnis (neutrum) = result. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach".
das Blut — blood (no plural)
"Blut" is only used in singular. "Blut abnehmen" (literally: to take off blood) means to draw blood — a very common phrase at the doctor. Your blood type is your "Blutgruppe."
Nom Das Blut ist im Labor.
The blood is in the laboratory.
das Blut (neutrum, Sg.) = blood · im = in dem (in the) · das Labor = laboratory. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Blut is the subject.
Akk Die Laborantin untersucht das Blut.
The lab assistant examines the blood.
die Laborantin (feminin) = female lab assistant · untersuchen = to examine · das Blut (neutrum) = blood. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Blut is the direct object of untersuchen.
Dat Die Ärztin ist zufrieden mit dem Blut.
The doctor is satisfied with the blood.
die Ärztin (feminin) = female doctor · zufrieden = satisfied · mit (+Dat) = with · das Blut (neutrum) = blood. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "mit".
das Ergebnis, -se — result
Words ending in "-nis" are almost always neutrum (das) — a helpful pattern! "Ergebnis" is used for test results, exam results, and even sports scores. "Das Ergebnis ist da" = the result is here.
Nom Das Ergebnis ist sehr gut.
The result is very good.
das Ergebnis (neutrum) = result · sehr = very · gut = good. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Ergebnis is the subject.
Akk Wir bekommen das Ergebnis morgen.
We get the result tomorrow.
wir = we · bekommen = to get/receive · morgen = tomorrow. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Ergebnis is the direct object of bekommen.
Dat Der Arzt ist zufrieden mit dem Ergebnis.
The doctor is satisfied with the result.
der Arzt (maskulin) = doctor · zufrieden = satisfied · mit (+Dat) = with · das Ergebnis (neutrum) = result. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "mit".
anstrengend — exhausting / tiring
"Anstrengend" describes anything that takes a lot of effort — a workout, a job, or even a difficult person! "Ein anstrengender Tag" (an exhausting day) is a phrase you'll use often. It comes from the verb "sich anstrengen" (to make an effort).
Nom Die Physiotherapie ist anstrengend.
The physiotherapy is exhausting.
die Physiotherapie (feminin) = physiotherapy · anstrengend = exhausting. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Physiotherapie is the subject. Here "anstrengend" is predicative (after "ist"), so it takes no ending.
Akk Ich hatte einen anstrengenden Tag.
I had an exhausting day.
haben = to have (hatte = had) · der Tag (maskulin) = day · anstrengend = exhausting. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ (ein → einen); the attributive adjective adds "-en": anstrengenden. Tag is the direct object.
Dat Nach der anstrengenden Übung ruht sie sich aus.
After the exhausting exercise she rests.
nach (+Dat) = after · die Übung (feminin) = exercise · anstrengend = exhausting · sich ausruhen = to rest. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach"; the adjective adds "-en": anstrengenden.
wiederholen — to repeat
"Wiederholen" is an inseparable verb here (the prefix stays attached): "Ich wiederhole" (I repeat). "Können Sie das bitte wiederholen?" (Can you please repeat that?) is essential for language learners. "Wieder" = again + "holen" = to fetch.
Nom Die Lehrerin wiederholt die Regel.
The teacher repeats the rule.
die Lehrerin (feminin) = female teacher · wiederholen = to repeat · die Regel = rule. "Die Lehrerin" is the subject (Nominativ). The verb becomes "wiederholt" for sie.
Akk Ich wiederhole den Satz.
I repeat the sentence.
wiederholen = to repeat · der Satz (maskulin) = sentence. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Satz is the direct object of wiederhole.
Dat Nach der Pause wiederholen wir alles.
After the break we repeat everything.
nach (+Dat) = after · die Pause (feminin) = break · wiederholen = to repeat · alles = everything. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach".
auf|schreiben — to write down
A separable verb: the "auf-" jumps to the end in a main clause — "Ich schreibe das Wort auf" (I write the word down). "Schreib das bitte auf!" (Write that down, please!) is very common in the classroom.
Nom Der Student schreibt die Wörter auf.
The student writes the words down.
der Student (maskulin) = student · aufschreiben = to write down · die Wörter (Plural) = words. "Der Student" is the subject (Nominativ). Separable verb: "schreibt … auf" — the prefix "auf" goes to the end.
Akk Ich schreibe den Termin auf.
I write the appointment down.
aufschreiben = to write down · der Termin (maskulin) = appointment. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Termin is the direct object. The prefix "auf" moves to the end.
Dat Sie schreibt alles auf dem Zettel auf.
She writes everything down on the note.
aufschreiben = to write down · alles = everything · auf (+Dat, location) = on · der Zettel (maskulin) = slip of paper/note. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "auf" (location, no movement).
vor|lesen, er liest vor — to read aloud
A separable verb with a vowel change: "lesen" becomes "er liest", so "er liest … vor". "Vor" = before/in front of + "lesen" = to read. Parents "lesen ihren Kindern vor" (read aloud to their children) at bedtime.
Nom Der Lehrer liest den Text vor.
The teacher reads the text aloud.
der Lehrer (maskulin) = teacher · vorlesen = to read aloud · der Text = text. "Der Lehrer" is the subject (Nominativ). Separable verb with vowel change: "liest … vor" (er/sie form is "liest").
Akk Ich lese die Geschichte vor.
I read the story aloud.
vorlesen = to read aloud · die Geschichte (feminin) = story. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Geschichte is the direct object. The prefix "vor" goes to the end.
Dat Die Mutter liest dem Kind vor.
The mother reads aloud to the child.
die Mutter (feminin) = mother · vorlesen = to read aloud · das Kind (neutrum) = child. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem). Kind is the indirect object — the person being read to.
auf|machen — to open (up)
A friendly, everyday separable verb: "Mach bitte das Fenster auf!" (Open the window, please!). The opposite is "zumachen" (to close). More formal is "öffnen".
Nom Die Lehrerin macht die Tür auf.
The teacher opens the door.
die Lehrerin (feminin) = female teacher · aufmachen = to open · die Tür = door. "Die Lehrerin" is the subject (Nominativ). Separable verb: "macht … auf".
Akk Kannst du bitte das Fenster aufmachen?
Can you please open the window?
können = can · aufmachen = to open · das Fenster (neutrum) = window. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Fenster is the direct object. With the modal "kannst", the verb stays as infinitive "aufmachen".
Dat Vor der Stunde macht er das Buch auf.
Before the lesson he opens the book.
vor (+Dat) = before · die Stunde (feminin) = lesson/hour · aufmachen = to open · das Buch = book. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "vor" (time).
die Tafel, -n — board / blackboard
"Tafel" can also mean a bar (of chocolate) — "eine Tafel Schokolade." In the classroom, "Schreib das an die Tafel!" (Write that on the board!) is a phrase every student knows. Fun fact: "Die Tafel" is also a charity that distributes food to people in need.
Nom Die Tafel ist sauber.
The board is clean.
die Tafel (feminin) = board · sauber = clean. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Tafel is the subject.
Akk Der Lehrer putzt die Tafel.
The teacher cleans the board.
der Lehrer (maskulin) = teacher · putzen = to clean. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Tafel is the direct object of putzen.
Dat Das Wort steht an der Tafel.
The word is on the board.
das Wort (neutrum) = word · stehen = to stand/be (written) · an (+Dat, location) = on/at · die Tafel (feminin) = board. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "an" (location, no movement).
das Fenster, - — window
Germans believe strongly in "Lüften" — regularly opening windows to let fresh air in, even in winter. "Mach bitte das Fenster auf!" (Please open the window!) is something you'll hear daily in classrooms and offices.
Nom Das Fenster ist offen.
The window is open.
das Fenster (neutrum) = window · offen = open (adjective). "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Fenster is the subject.
Akk Kannst du bitte das Fenster aufmachen?
Can you please open the window?
können = can · du = you · bitte = please · aufmachen = to open (separable verb: auf|machen). "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Fenster is the direct object of aufmachen.
Dat Die Katze sitzt an dem Fenster.
The cat sits at the window.
die Katze (feminin) = cat · sitzen = to sit · an (+Dat, location) = at · das Fenster (neutrum) = window. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "an" (location, no movement).
leise — quietly / quiet
"Leise" (quiet, soft) is the opposite of "laut" (loud). "Sprich bitte leise!" (Please speak quietly!). It works both as an adjective (a quiet room) and as an adverb (to speak quietly).
Nom Die Musik ist leise.
The music is quiet.
die Musik (feminin) = music · leise = quiet. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Musik is the subject. Here "leise" is predicative (after "ist"), so it takes no ending.
Akk Sie liest den Text leise.
She reads the text quietly.
lesen = to read · der Text (maskulin) = text · leise = quietly. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Text is the direct object. Here "leise" is an adverb describing how she reads.
Dat In der Bibliothek spricht man leise.
In the library one speaks quietly.
in (+Dat, location) = in · die Bibliothek (feminin) = library · man = one · sprechen = to speak · leise = quietly. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" (location, no movement).
ruhig — calm / quiet
"Ruhig" describes a calm mood or a peaceful place. "Bleib ruhig!" (Stay calm!). As a particle, it can also soften a command: "Frag ruhig!" = "Go ahead and ask!". Related noun: "die Ruhe" (calm, peace).
Nom Der Patient ist ganz ruhig.
The patient is completely calm.
der Patient (maskulin) = patient · ganz = completely · ruhig = calm. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Patient is the subject. "Ruhig" is predicative (after "ist"), so it takes no ending.
Akk Ich suche ein ruhiges Zimmer.
I'm looking for a quiet room.
suchen = to look for · das Zimmer (neutrum) = room · ruhig = quiet. "Ein" (neutrum Akkusativ stays "ein"); the attributive adjective adds "-es": ruhiges. Zimmer is the direct object.
Dat In der ruhigen Nacht schläft er gut.
In the calm night he sleeps well.
in (+Dat) = in · die Nacht (feminin) = night · ruhig = calm · schlafen = to sleep. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in"; the adjective adds "-en": ruhigen.
die Freizeit — free time / leisure time (no plural)
Germans take their Freizeit seriously! Work-life balance is highly valued — many shops close by 8 PM, and Sundays are protected rest days. "Was machst du in deiner Freizeit?" is a classic conversation starter.
Nom Die Freizeit ist mir wichtig.
Free time is important to me.
die Freizeit (feminin, Sg.) = free time · mir = to me (Dativ) · wichtig = important. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Freizeit is the subject.
Akk Ich genieße die Freizeit am Wochenende.
I enjoy the free time on the weekend.
genießen = to enjoy · die Freizeit (feminin) = free time · am Wochenende = on the weekend. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Freizeit is the direct object of genießen.
Dat In der Freizeit lese ich gern Bücher.
In my free time I like to read books.
in (+Dat) = in · die Freizeit (feminin) = free time · lesen = to read · gern = gladly/with pleasure · die Bücher (Plural) = books. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" (no movement).
das Experiment, -e — experiment
An international word — easy to remember! Words ending in "-ment" are neutrum (das): das Experiment, das Medikament, das Instrument. "Ein Experiment machen" = to do an experiment.
Nom Das Experiment ist interessant.
The experiment is interesting.
das Experiment (neutrum) = experiment · interessant = interesting. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Experiment is the subject.
Akk Die Kinder machen das Experiment zusammen.
The children do the experiment together.
die Kinder (Plural) = children · machen = to do · das Experiment (neutrum) = experiment · zusammen = together. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Experiment is the direct object of machen.
Dat Mit dem Experiment lernen sie viel.
With the experiment they learn a lot.
mit (+Dat) = with · das Experiment (neutrum) = experiment · lernen = to learn · viel = a lot. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "mit".
der Tipp, -s — tip / hint
Spelled with double "p" in German: "der Tipp". "Hast du einen Tipp für mich?" (Do you have a tip for me?). The plural takes "-s" like many loanwords: die Tipps.
Nom Der Tipp ist wirklich gut.
The tip is really good.
der Tipp (maskulin) = tip · wirklich = really · gut = good. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Tipp is the subject.
Akk Ich gebe dir einen guten Tipp.
I'll give you a good tip.
geben = to give · dir = to you (Dativ) · der Tipp (maskulin) = tip · gut = good. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ (ein → einen); the adjective adds "-en": guten. Tipp is the direct object.
Dat Mit dem Tipp finde ich die Adresse.
With the tip I find the address.
mit (+Dat) = with · der Tipp (maskulin) = tip · finden = to find · die Adresse = address. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
jemand — someone / somebody
"Jemand" (someone) is the opposite of "niemand" (no one). In everyday speech it usually stays unchanged: "Jemand ist hier." You can add endings in Akkusativ/Dativ (jemanden / jemandem), but leaving it plain is common and accepted.
Nom Jemand klopft an die Tür.
Someone knocks on the door.
jemand = someone · klopfen = to knock · an (+Akk, movement) = on/at · die Tür (feminin) = door. "Jemand" is the subject (Nominativ). "Die Tür" is Akkusativ after "an" (movement toward).
Akk Ich suche jemanden für den Kurs.
I'm looking for someone for the course.
suchen = to look for · jemanden = someone (Akkusativ form) · für (+Akk) = for · der Kurs (maskulin) = course. "Jemanden" and "den Kurs" are both Akkusativ — "jemanden" is the direct object, "den" follows "für".
Dat Ich helfe jemandem mit der Übung.
I help someone with the exercise.
helfen (+Dat) = to help · jemandem = someone (Dativ form) · mit (+Dat) = with · die Übung (feminin) = exercise. "Jemandem" is Dativ because "helfen" always takes the Dativ; "der Übung" is Dativ after "mit".
ein|schlafen, er schläft ein — to fall asleep
A separable verb with a vowel change: "schlafen" → "er schläft", so "er schläft … ein". "Einschlafen" = to fall asleep; "aufwachen" = to wake up. Don't confuse it with "schlafen" (to sleep) — "ein-" adds the "falling into" sleep.
Nom Das Baby schläft schnell ein.
The baby falls asleep quickly.
das Baby (neutrum) = baby · einschlafen = to fall asleep · schnell = quickly. "Das Baby" is the subject (Nominativ). Separable verb with vowel change: "schläft … ein".
Akk Er liest ein Buch und schläft dann ein.
He reads a book and then falls asleep.
lesen = to read · das Buch (neutrum) = book · einschlafen = to fall asleep · dann = then. "Ein" (neutrum Akkusativ stays "ein"). Buch is the direct object of "liest". Then the separable verb "schläft … ein" follows.
Dat Nach der Tablette schläft sie schnell ein.
After the tablet she falls asleep quickly.
nach (+Dat) = after · die Tablette (feminin) = tablet · einschlafen = to fall asleep · schnell = quickly. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach".
versuchen — to try
"Versuchen" (to try/attempt) is an inseparable verb. "Ich versuche es!" (I'll give it a try!). It can be followed by "zu + infinitive": "Ich versuche zu schlafen" (I try to sleep). Related noun: "der Versuch" (the attempt).
Nom Die Ärztin versucht ein neues Medikament.
The doctor tries a new medication.
die Ärztin (feminin) = female doctor · versuchen = to try · das Medikament = medication · neu = new. "Die Ärztin" is the subject (Nominativ). The verb becomes "versucht" for sie.
Akk Ich versuche den neuen Tipp.
I try the new tip.
versuchen = to try · der Tipp (maskulin) = tip · neu = new. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den); the adjective adds "-en": neuen. Tipp is the direct object of versuche.
Dat Wir versuchen es mit dem Hausmittel.
We try it with the home remedy.
versuchen = to try · es = it · mit (+Dat) = with · das Hausmittel (neutrum) = home remedy. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "mit".
baden — to bathe / take a bath
"Baden" means to take a bath or to swim (in a lake/sea). "Baden gehen" = to go for a swim. Don't confuse it with "duschen" (to shower). The famous spa town "Baden-Baden" gets its name from this word!
Nom Das Kind badet gern.
The child likes to bathe.
das Kind (neutrum) = child · baden = to bathe · gern = gladly. "Das Kind" is the subject (Nominativ). The verb adds "-et" after the stem "bad-": "badet".
Akk Die Mutter badet das Baby.
The mother bathes the baby.
die Mutter (feminin) = mother · baden = to bathe · das Baby (neutrum) = baby. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Baby is the direct object of badet.
Dat Im Sommer baden wir in dem See.
In summer we swim in the lake.
der Sommer = summer · baden = to swim/bathe · in (+Dat, location) = in · der See (maskulin) = lake. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in" (location, no movement).
glücklich — happy
"Glücklich" (happy) comes from "das Glück" (luck/happiness). "Ich bin glücklich!" (I'm happy!). The opposite is "traurig" (sad). Great memory link: happiness = das Glück.
Nom Die Mutter ist sehr glücklich.
The mother is very happy.
die Mutter (feminin) = mother · sehr = very · glücklich = happy. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Mutter is the subject. "Glücklich" is predicative (after "ist"), so it takes no ending.
Akk Ich sehe ein glückliches Kind.
I see a happy child.
sehen = to see · das Kind (neutrum) = child · glücklich = happy. "Ein" (neutrum Akkusativ stays "ein"); the attributive adjective adds "-es": glückliches. Kind is the direct object.
Dat Mit dem guten Ergebnis sind wir glücklich.
With the good result we are happy.
mit (+Dat) = with · das Ergebnis (neutrum) = result · gut = good · glücklich = happy. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "mit"; the adjective adds "-en": guten.
perfekt — perfect
An easy international word. "Perfekt!" on its own is a common way to say "Great! / That works!". As an adjective before a noun it takes endings, just like any other adjective.
Nom Der Tag war perfekt.
The day was perfect.
der Tag (maskulin) = day · war = was · perfekt = perfect. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Tag is the subject. "Perfekt" is predicative (after "war"), so it takes no ending.
Akk Sie hat einen perfekten Plan.
She has a perfect plan.
haben = to have · der Plan (maskulin) = plan · perfekt = perfect. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ (ein → einen); the adjective adds "-en": perfekten. Plan is the direct object.
Dat Bei dem perfekten Wetter gehen wir baden.
With the perfect weather we go swimming.
bei (+Dat) = with/in · das Wetter (neutrum) = weather · perfekt = perfect · baden gehen = to go swimming. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "bei"; the adjective adds "-en": perfekten.
sofort — immediately / right away
"Sofort!" means "Right away!" — a handy one-word answer. "Ich komme sofort" (I'm coming right away). In emergencies: "Ruf sofort den Notarzt!" (Call the emergency doctor immediately!).
Nom Der Notarzt kommt sofort.
The emergency doctor comes immediately.
der Notarzt (maskulin) = emergency doctor · kommen = to come · sofort = immediately. "Der Notarzt" is the subject (Nominativ). "Sofort" is an adverb of time and never changes form.
Akk Nimm die Tablette sofort!
Take the tablet immediately!
nehmen = to take (imperative: Nimm!) · die Tablette (feminin) = tablet · sofort = immediately. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Tablette is the direct object.
Dat Ich helfe dem Patienten sofort.
I help the patient immediately.
helfen (+Dat) = to help · der Patient (maskulin, weak noun) = patient · sofort = immediately. "Dem Patienten" is Dativ because "helfen" always takes the Dativ (der → dem, weak noun adds -en).
Hurra! — Hurray!
A joyful exclamation, just like English "Hurray!". "Hurra, wir haben gewonnen!" (Hurray, we won!). It's an interjection — it stands alone and doesn't change form.
Nom Hurra, das Ergebnis ist gut!
Hurray, the result is good!
Hurra = hurray · das Ergebnis (neutrum) = result · gut = good. "Das Ergebnis" is the subject (Nominativ). "Hurra" is an interjection standing outside the sentence structure.
Akk Hurra, ich habe die Prüfung bestanden!
Hurray, I passed the exam!
Hurra = hurray · die Prüfung (feminin) = exam · bestehen = to pass. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Prüfung is the direct object of "habe … bestanden".
Dat Hurra, mit dem neuen Tipp klappt es!
Hurray, with the new tip it works!
Hurra = hurray · mit (+Dat) = with · der Tipp (maskulin) = tip · neu = new · klappen = to work out. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit"; the adjective adds "-en": neuen.
sicher — sure / safe / certainly
"Sicher" has two useful meanings: "sure/certain" ("Bist du sicher?" — Are you sure?) and "safe" ("ein sicherer Ort" — a safe place). As an adverb it means "certainly/probably": "Das ist sicher gut."
Nom Die Ärztin ist ganz sicher.
The doctor is completely sure.
die Ärztin (feminin) = female doctor · ganz = completely · sicher = sure. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Ärztin is the subject. "Sicher" is predicative (after "ist"), so it takes no ending.
Akk Wir suchen einen sicheren Weg.
We're looking for a safe way.
suchen = to look for · der Weg (maskulin) = way/path · sicher = safe. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ (ein → einen); the adjective adds "-en": sicheren. Weg is the direct object.
Dat An dem sicheren Ort warten wir.
We wait at the safe place.
an (+Dat, location) = at · der Ort (maskulin) = place · sicher = safe · warten = to wait. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "an" (location); the adjective adds "-en": sicheren.
die App, -s — app / application
Even though it's a borrowed word, "die App" is feminin in German (from "die Applikation"). "Ich lade eine App herunter" (I download an app). Plural takes "-s": die Apps.
Nom Die App ist sehr praktisch.
The app is very practical.
die App (feminin) = app · sehr = very · praktisch = practical. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. App is the subject.
Akk Ich benutze die App zum Deutschlernen.
I use the app for learning German.
benutzen = to use · die App (feminin) = app · zum Deutschlernen = for learning German. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). App is the direct object of benutze.
Dat Mit der App lerne ich jeden Tag.
With the app I learn every day.
mit (+Dat) = with · die App (feminin) = app · lernen = to learn · jeden Tag = every day. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit".