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Netzwerk 9: Home Details
Chapter 9 — moving, location prepositions, colors, and miscellaneous words.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
umziehen — to move / to relocate
A separable verb: "um" splits off and goes to the end — "Ich ziehe um." It uses "sein" in the perfect: "Ich bin umgezogen." Don't confuse it with "sich umziehen" (to change clothes)!
Nom Mein Bruder zieht bald um.
My brother is moving soon.
der Bruder (maskulin) = brother · umziehen = to move · bald = soon. "Mein Bruder" is the subject in Nominativ. The separable prefix "um" jumps to the end of the sentence.
Akk Wir packen den Umzugskarton und ziehen um.
We pack the moving box and relocate.
packen = to pack · der Umzugskarton (maskulin) = moving box · umziehen = to move. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) — the box is the direct object of packen.
Dat Sie zieht mit der Familie nach Berlin um.
She is moving to Berlin with the family.
umziehen = to move · mit (+Dat) = with · die Familie (feminin) = family · nach = to. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit".
der Umzug, Umzüge — move / relocation
The noun form of "umziehen". In Germany, moving day often means asking friends to help — many people rent a van and reward helpers with pizza and beer afterwards. The plural adds an Umlaut: Umzüge.
Nom Der Umzug ist am Samstag.
The move is on Saturday.
der Umzug (maskulin) = move · am Samstag = on Saturday. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Umzug is the subject.
Akk Wir planen den Umzug genau.
We plan the move exactly.
planen = to plan · der Umzug (maskulin) = move · genau = exactly. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Umzug is the direct object of planen.
Dat Nach dem Umzug sind wir müde.
After the move we are tired.
nach (+Dat) = after · der Umzug (maskulin) = move · müde = tired. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "nach".
stellen — to put / to place (upright)
"Stellen" means to place something standing up (a bottle, a lamp). Compare "legen" (to lay flat) and "setzen" (to set/seat). It takes a direction, so it triggers Akkusativ after two-way prepositions.
Nom Die Mutter stellt die Vase auf den Tisch.
The mother puts the vase on the table.
die Mutter (feminin) = mother · stellen = to place · die Vase = vase · auf = on · der Tisch = table. "Die Mutter" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich stelle die Lampe in die Ecke.
I put the lamp in the corner.
stellen = to place · die Lampe (feminin) = lamp · in die Ecke = into the corner. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Lampe is the direct object of stellen.
Dat Er stellt die Flasche zu dem Glas.
He puts the bottle next to the glass.
stellen = to place · die Flasche = bottle · zu (+Dat) = to/by · das Glas (neutrum) = glass. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "zu".
die Feier, -n — celebration / party
A "Feier" is a celebration for a special occasion — a birthday, a wedding, or an Einweihungsfeier (housewarming party). The related verb is "feiern" (to celebrate). Plural: die Feiern.
Nom Die Feier ist heute Abend.
The party is this evening.
die Feier (feminin) = party · heute Abend = this evening. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Feier is the subject.
Akk Wir organisieren die Feier zusammen.
We organize the party together.
organisieren = to organize · die Feier (feminin) = party · zusammen = together. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Feier is the direct object.
Dat Auf der Feier tanzen alle.
At the party everyone dances.
auf (+Dat, location) = at · die Feier (feminin) = party · tanzen = to dance · alle = everyone. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) — "auf" here shows location, so it takes Dativ.
hinter — behind
A two-way preposition (Wechselpräposition): use Akkusativ for movement toward ("wohin?") and Dativ for a fixed location ("wo?"). Memory tip: motion → Akkusativ, no motion → Dativ.
Nom Der Garten ist hinter dem Haus.
The garden is behind the house.
der Garten (maskulin) = garden · hinter = behind · das Haus = house. "Der Garten" is the subject in Nominativ; "hinter dem Haus" shows location (Dativ).
Akk Ich stelle das Fahrrad hinter die Tür.
I put the bike behind the door.
stellen = to place · das Fahrrad = bike · hinter (+Akk, direction) = behind · die Tür (feminin) = door. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ — there is movement (wohin?), so hinter takes Akkusativ.
Dat Das Auto steht hinter dem Haus.
The car is standing behind the house.
das Auto = car · stehen = to stand · hinter (+Dat, location) = behind · das Haus (neutrum) = house. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) — no movement (wo?), so hinter takes Dativ.
neben — next to / beside
Another two-way preposition. "Neben" also means "besides / apart from" in a figurative sense. For position: Dativ (where?), for movement: Akkusativ (where to?).
Nom Die Lampe steht neben dem Sofa.
The lamp stands next to the sofa.
die Lampe (feminin) = lamp · stehen = to stand · neben = next to · das Sofa = sofa. "Die Lampe" is the subject in Nominativ; "neben dem Sofa" shows location.
Akk Sie legt das Buch neben den Teller.
She lays the book next to the plate.
legen = to lay · das Buch = book · neben (+Akk, direction) = next to · der Teller (maskulin) = plate. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) — there is movement, so neben takes Akkusativ.
Dat Ich sitze neben der Lehrerin.
I sit next to the (female) teacher.
sitzen = to sit · neben (+Dat, location) = next to · die Lehrerin (feminin) = teacher. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) — no movement (wo?), so neben takes Dativ.
über — above / over
A two-way preposition meaning "above / over". It also means "about" (a topic): "ein Film über Berlin" (a film about Berlin) — and in that meaning it always takes Akkusativ.
Nom Das Bild hängt über dem Bett.
The picture hangs above the bed.
das Bild (neutrum) = picture · hängen = to hang · über = above · das Bett = bed. "Das Bild" is the subject in Nominativ; "über dem Bett" shows location.
Akk Wir hängen die Lampe über den Tisch.
We hang the lamp above the table.
hängen = to hang · die Lampe = lamp · über (+Akk, direction) = above · der Tisch (maskulin) = table. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) — there is movement, so über takes Akkusativ.
Dat Über der Tür ist ein Fenster.
Above the door there is a window.
über (+Dat, location) = above · die Tür (feminin) = door · das Fenster = window. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) — no movement (wo?), so über takes Dativ.
unter — under / below
A two-way preposition. "Unter" can also mean "among" ("unter Freunden" = among friends). For a physical position under something: Dativ for location, Akkusativ for movement.
Nom Die Katze schläft unter dem Tisch.
The cat sleeps under the table.
die Katze (feminin) = cat · schlafen = to sleep · unter = under · der Tisch = table. "Die Katze" is the subject in Nominativ; "unter dem Tisch" shows location.
Akk Der Hund legt sich unter das Bett.
The dog lies down under the bed.
der Hund = dog · sich legen = to lie down · unter (+Akk, direction) = under · das Bett (neutrum) = bed. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das) — there is movement, so unter takes Akkusativ.
Dat Die Schuhe stehen unter dem Stuhl.
The shoes are standing under the chair.
die Schuhe = shoes · stehen = to stand · unter (+Dat, location) = under · der Stuhl (maskulin) = chair. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) — no movement (wo?), so unter takes Dativ.
zwischen — between
A two-way preposition. "Zwischen" usually links two things: "zwischen dem Sofa und dem Schrank" (between the sofa and the wardrobe). Dativ for location, Akkusativ for movement.
Nom Der Tisch steht zwischen den Stühlen.
The table stands between the chairs.
der Tisch (maskulin) = table · stehen = to stand · zwischen = between · die Stühle (plural) = chairs. "Der Tisch" is the subject in Nominativ; "zwischen den Stühlen" shows location (Dativ Plural adds -n).
Akk Ich stelle die Pflanze zwischen das Fenster und die Tür.
I put the plant between the window and the door.
stellen = to place · die Pflanze = plant · zwischen (+Akk, direction) = between · das Fenster (neutrum) = window. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ — there is movement, so zwischen takes Akkusativ.
Dat Das Bild hängt zwischen der Tür und dem Regal.
The picture hangs between the door and the shelf.
das Bild = picture · hängen = to hang · zwischen (+Dat, location) = between · die Tür (feminin) = door. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) — no movement (wo?), so zwischen takes Dativ.
blau — blue
Idiom alert: "blau sein" colloquially means "to be drunk"! Otherwise blau is the normal color word. As an attributive adjective it takes endings that agree with the noun's gender and case.
Nom Der Himmel ist blau.
The sky is blue.
der Himmel (maskulin) = sky · blau = blue. Used predicatively (after "ist"), so blau takes NO ending. "Der Himmel" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich kaufe den blauen Pullover.
I buy the blue sweater.
kaufen = to buy · blau = blue · der Pullover (maskulin) = sweater. Attributive adjective: after "den" (maskulin Akkusativ, der → den) the ending is -en → "blauen". Pullover is the direct object.
Dat Sie kommt mit dem blauen Auto.
She comes with the blue car.
mit (+Dat) = with · blau = blue · das Auto (neutrum) = car. Attributive adjective: after "dem" (neutrum Dativ, das → dem) the ending is -en → "blauen".
braun — brown
"Braun" also means "tanned" — "Du bist braun!" means "You've got a tan!" Wooden furniture in Germany is often described as braun. Adjective endings follow the article.
Nom Der Tisch ist braun.
The table is brown.
der Tisch (maskulin) = table · braun = brown. Predicative (after "ist"), so no ending. "Der Tisch" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Wir haben die braune Tür gestrichen.
We painted the brown door.
streichen = to paint · braun = brown · die Tür (feminin) = door. Attributive: after "die" (feminin Akkusativ, die → die) the ending is -e → "braune". Tür is the direct object.
Dat Das Buch liegt auf dem braunen Tisch.
The book lies on the brown table.
liegen = to lie · auf (+Dat, location) = on · braun = brown · der Tisch (maskulin) = table. Attributive: after "dem" (maskulin Dativ, der → dem) the ending is -en → "braunen".
gelb — yellow
Yellow is the color of Deutsche Post mailboxes and the ADAC roadside assistance. "Die Gelbe Karte" (yellow card) is the soccer warning — useful to recognize!
Nom Die Blume ist gelb.
The flower is yellow.
die Blume (feminin) = flower · gelb = yellow. Predicative (after "ist"), so no ending. "Die Blume" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich möchte die gelbe Tasche.
I'd like the yellow bag.
möchten = would like · gelb = yellow · die Tasche (feminin) = bag. Attributive: after "die" (feminin Akkusativ, die → die) the ending is -e → "gelbe". Tasche is the direct object.
Dat Der Brief ist in dem gelben Umschlag.
The letter is in the yellow envelope.
der Brief = letter · in (+Dat, location) = in · gelb = yellow · der Umschlag (maskulin) = envelope. Attributive: after "dem" (maskulin Dativ, der → dem) the ending is -en → "gelben".
grau — gray
A very German color for weather ("Es ist grau draußen" = it's gray/overcast outside). Warm grey is also popular for modern furniture. Note the spelling with "au".
Nom Der Himmel ist heute grau.
The sky is gray today.
der Himmel (maskulin) = sky · heute = today · grau = gray. Predicative (after "ist"), so no ending. "Der Himmel" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich trage den grauen Mantel.
I wear the gray coat.
tragen = to wear · grau = gray · der Mantel (maskulin) = coat. Attributive: after "den" (maskulin Akkusativ, der → den) the ending is -en → "grauen". Mantel is the direct object.
Dat Sie wohnt in dem grauen Haus.
She lives in the gray house.
wohnen = to live · in (+Dat, location) = in · grau = gray · das Haus (neutrum) = house. Attributive: after "dem" (neutrum Dativ, das → dem) the ending is -en → "grauen".
grün — green
"Grün" is closely tied to nature and to Die Grünen (the Green Party). Idiom: "Alles im grünen Bereich" means "everything's fine / under control".
Nom Der Baum ist grün.
The tree is green.
der Baum (maskulin) = tree · grün = green. Predicative (after "ist"), so no ending. "Der Baum" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Er pflanzt den grünen Baum im Garten.
He plants the green tree in the garden.
pflanzen = to plant · grün = green · der Baum (maskulin) = tree · im Garten = in the garden. Attributive: after "den" (maskulin Akkusativ, der → den) the ending is -en → "grünen". Baum is the direct object.
Dat Die Kinder spielen auf der grünen Wiese.
The children play on the green meadow.
spielen = to play · auf (+Dat, location) = on · grün = green · die Wiese (feminin) = meadow. Attributive: after "der" (feminin Dativ, die → der) the ending is -en → "grünen".
lila — purple / violet
Special case! "Lila" (like "rosa" and "orange") is one of the rare German colors that normally does NOT take adjective endings — it stays "lila" in every case. That actually makes it easier to use.
Nom Die Blume ist lila.
The flower is purple.
die Blume (feminin) = flower · lila = purple. Predicative (after "ist"), no ending. "Die Blume" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich kaufe den lila Schal.
I buy the purple scarf.
kaufen = to buy · lila = purple · der Schal (maskulin) = scarf. The article "den" shows maskulin Akkusativ (der → den), but lila stays "lila" — it never takes an ending. Schal is the direct object.
Dat Sie kommt mit der lila Tasche.
She comes with the purple bag.
mit (+Dat) = with · lila = purple · die Tasche (feminin) = bag. The article "der" shows feminin Dativ (die → der), but lila stays "lila" — no ending change.
orange — orange (color)
Like "lila" and "rosa", "orange" normally stays unchanged and does not take adjective endings in careful German. Fun fact: orange is the classic color of construction workers' safety vests!
Nom Die Jacke ist orange.
The jacket is orange.
die Jacke (feminin) = jacket · orange = orange. Predicative (after "ist"), no ending. "Die Jacke" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich trage den orange Helm.
I wear the orange helmet.
tragen = to wear · orange = orange · der Helm (maskulin) = helmet. The article "den" shows maskulin Akkusativ (der → den), but orange stays "orange" — no ending. Helm is the direct object.
Dat Der Ball liegt in der orange Tasche.
The ball lies in the orange bag.
der Ball = ball · in (+Dat, location) = in · orange = orange · die Tasche (feminin) = bag. The article "der" shows feminin Dativ (die → der), but orange stays "orange".
rot — red
"Rot" is everywhere in Germany: the "rote Ampel" (red traffic light) you must stop at, and "rot werden" means to blush. Adjective endings apply normally.
Nom Die Ampel ist rot.
The traffic light is red.
die Ampel (feminin) = traffic light · rot = red. Predicative (after "ist"), no ending. "Die Ampel" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich nehme den roten Apfel.
I take the red apple.
nehmen = to take · rot = red · der Apfel (maskulin) = apple. Attributive: after "den" (maskulin Akkusativ, der → den) the ending is -en → "roten". Apfel is the direct object.
Dat Die Blumen sind in der roten Vase.
The flowers are in the red vase.
die Blumen = flowers · in (+Dat, location) = in · rot = red · die Vase (feminin) = vase. Attributive: after "der" (feminin Dativ, die → der) the ending is -en → "roten".
schwarz — black
Watch the spelling: schw-a-rz. Idiom: "schwarzfahren" means to ride public transport without a ticket. Adjective endings apply normally.
Nom Die Katze ist schwarz.
The cat is black.
die Katze (feminin) = cat · schwarz = black. Predicative (after "ist"), no ending. "Die Katze" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Er kauft den schwarzen Kaffee.
He buys the black coffee.
kaufen = to buy · schwarz = black · der Kaffee (maskulin) = coffee. Attributive: after "den" (maskulin Akkusativ, der → den) the ending is -en → "schwarzen". Kaffee is the direct object.
Dat Sie geht mit dem schwarzen Hund spazieren.
She goes for a walk with the black dog.
mit (+Dat) = with · schwarz = black · der Hund (maskulin) = dog · spazieren gehen = to go for a walk. Attributive: after "dem" (maskulin Dativ, der → dem) the ending is -en → "schwarzen".
weiß — white
Careful — "weiß" (white) looks identical to "(ich) weiß" (I know, from the verb "wissen"). Context tells them apart. The ß is written "ss" in Switzerland: "weiss".
Nom Der Schnee ist weiß.
The snow is white.
der Schnee (maskulin) = snow · weiß = white. Predicative (after "ist"), no ending. "Der Schnee" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich streiche die weiße Wand.
I paint the white wall.
streichen = to paint · weiß = white · die Wand (feminin) = wall. Attributive: after "die" (feminin Akkusativ, die → die) the ending is -e → "weiße". Wand is the direct object.
Dat Das Baby schläft in dem weißen Bett.
The baby sleeps in the white bed.
das Baby = baby · schlafen = to sleep · in (+Dat, location) = in · weiß = white · das Bett (neutrum) = bed. Attributive: after "dem" (neutrum Dativ, das → dem) the ending is -en → "weißen".
schließen — to close / to lock
"Schließen" means to close (a door, a window) and also to lock ("abschließen" = to lock up). The opposite is "öffnen" (to open). It's an irregular verb: schließen → schloss → geschlossen.
Nom Der Supermarkt schließt um 20 Uhr.
The supermarket closes at 8 p.m.
der Supermarkt (maskulin) = supermarket · schließen = to close · um 20 Uhr = at 8 p.m. "Der Supermarkt" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Bitte schließ die Tür!
Please close the door!
schließen = to close · die Tür (feminin) = door · bitte = please. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Tür is the direct object of schließen.
Dat Er schließt das Haus mit dem Schlüssel ab.
He locks the house with the key.
abschließen = to lock · das Haus = house · mit (+Dat) = with · der Schlüssel (maskulin) = key. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
bald — soon
A super useful little word. "Bis bald!" is a common way to say "See you soon!" at the end of a conversation or message.
Nom Der Sommer kommt bald.
Summer is coming soon.
der Sommer (maskulin) = summer · kommen = to come · bald = soon. "Der Sommer" is the subject in Nominativ; bald is an adverb of time.
Akk Wir besuchen die Oma bald.
We will visit grandma soon.
besuchen = to visit · die Oma (feminin) = grandma · bald = soon. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die) — Oma is the direct object; bald modifies the verb.
Dat Bald wohnen wir in der neuen Wohnung.
Soon we'll live in the new apartment.
bald = soon · wohnen = to live · in (+Dat, location) = in · die Wohnung (feminin) = apartment. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" showing location; adjective "neuen" takes -en.
nie — never
"Nie" is the opposite of "immer" (always). For extra emphasis Germans say "nie im Leben!" (never in my life!). It negates the whole action.
Nom Mein Chef ist nie zufrieden.
My boss is never satisfied.
der Chef (maskulin) = boss · nie = never · zufrieden = satisfied. "Mein Chef" is the subject in Nominativ; nie is an adverb of frequency.
Akk Ich trinke nie den Kaffee ohne Milch.
I never drink the coffee without milk.
trinken = to drink · nie = never · der Kaffee (maskulin) = coffee · ohne = without. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) — Kaffee is the direct object; nie modifies the verb.
Dat Sie spricht nie mit dem Nachbarn.
She never talks to the neighbor.
nie = never · sprechen = to speak · mit (+Dat) = with · der Nachbar (maskulin) = neighbor. "Dem Nachbarn" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit" — "Nachbar" is an n-noun, so it adds -n in Dativ.
ein paar — a few / a couple of
Lowercase "ein paar" = a few/some; capitalized "ein Paar" = a pair/couple. Don't confuse them! "ein paar" is followed by a plural noun and never changes its own form.
Nom Ein paar Freunde helfen beim Umzug.
A few friends help with the move.
ein paar = a few · die Freunde (plural) = friends · helfen = to help · beim Umzug = with the move. "Ein paar Freunde" is the subject (Nominativ Plural). "ein paar" itself never changes.
Akk Ich kaufe ein paar Blumen.
I buy a few flowers.
kaufen = to buy · ein paar = a few · die Blumen (plural) = flowers. "Blumen" is the direct object (Akkusativ Plural); "ein paar" stays the same. Plural has no separate article change here.
Dat Er kommt mit ein paar Freunden.
He comes with a few friends.
mit (+Dat) = with · ein paar = a few · die Freunde (plural) = friends. Dativ Plural adds -n to the noun → "Freunden". "ein paar" itself does not change.
genau — exactly / precise
"Genau!" on its own means "Exactly! / That's right!" — a very common way to agree in conversation. As an adjective it means "precise / accurate".
Nom Die Uhr ist sehr genau.
The clock is very precise.
die Uhr (feminin) = clock · sehr = very · genau = precise. Predicative (after "ist"), no ending. "Die Uhr" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich weiß den Weg genau.
I know the way exactly.
wissen = to know · der Weg (maskulin) = way/route · genau = exactly. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) — Weg is the direct object; genau is an adverb modifying "wissen".
Dat Wir treffen uns genau um 8 an der Haltestelle.
We meet exactly at 8 at the bus stop.
sich treffen = to meet · genau = exactly · an (+Dat, location) = at · die Haltestelle (feminin) = bus stop. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "an" showing location.
hässlich — ugly
The opposite of "schön" (beautiful). Note the ä and the double s. A polite alternative when you don't want to be harsh is "nicht so schön".
Nom Der Teppich ist hässlich.
The carpet is ugly.
der Teppich (maskulin) = carpet · hässlich = ugly. Predicative (after "ist"), no ending. "Der Teppich" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich mag die hässliche Lampe nicht.
I don't like the ugly lamp.
mögen = to like · hässlich = ugly · die Lampe (feminin) = lamp. Attributive: after "die" (feminin Akkusativ, die → die) the ending is -e → "hässliche". Lampe is the direct object.
Dat In dem hässlichen Zimmer möchte ich nicht wohnen.
I don't want to live in the ugly room.
in (+Dat, location) = in · hässlich = ugly · das Zimmer (neutrum) = room · wohnen = to live. Attributive: after "dem" (neutrum Dativ, das → dem) the ending is -en → "hässlichen".
jung — young
The opposite of "alt" (old). Comparative forms take an Umlaut: jung → jünger → am jüngsten. "die Jungen" can mean the young ones / the boys.
Nom Die Frau ist noch jung.
The woman is still young.
die Frau (feminin) = woman · noch = still · jung = young. Predicative (after "ist"), no ending. "Die Frau" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich kenne den jungen Mann.
I know the young man.
kennen = to know · jung = young · der Mann (maskulin) = man. Attributive: after "den" (maskulin Akkusativ, der → den) the ending is -en → "jungen". Mann is the direct object.
Dat Sie hilft dem jungen Kind.
She helps the young child.
helfen (+Dat) = to help · jung = young · das Kind (neutrum) = child. The verb "helfen" always takes Dativ. Attributive: after "dem" (neutrum Dativ, das → dem) the ending is -en → "jungen".
zufrieden — satisfied / content
"Zufrieden" describes a calm, content satisfaction. Often paired with "mit" (+Dativ): "Ich bin zufrieden mit der Wohnung" (I'm happy with the apartment).
Nom Der Chef ist zufrieden.
The boss is satisfied.
der Chef (maskulin) = boss · zufrieden = satisfied. Predicative (after "ist"), no ending. "Der Chef" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Wir haben die zufriedene Katze gefüttert.
We fed the content cat.
füttern = to feed · zufrieden = content · die Katze (feminin) = cat. Attributive: after "die" (feminin Akkusativ, die → die) the ending is -e → "zufriedene". Katze is the direct object.
Dat Ich bin zufrieden mit der neuen Wohnung.
I am satisfied with the new apartment.
zufrieden = satisfied · mit (+Dat) = with · neu = new · die Wohnung (feminin) = apartment. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit"; the adjective "neuen" also takes -en in Dativ.
besonders — especially / particularly
"Besonders" intensifies: "besonders schön" = especially beautiful. "Nicht besonders" politely means "not particularly (good)" — a soft way to say something was mediocre.
Nom Der Garten ist besonders schön.
The garden is especially beautiful.
der Garten (maskulin) = garden · besonders = especially · schön = beautiful. "Der Garten" is the subject in Nominativ; besonders intensifies the adjective "schön".
Akk Ich mag die Feier besonders gern.
I especially like the party.
mögen = to like · die Feier (feminin) = party · besonders gern = especially (much). "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die) — Feier is the direct object; besonders intensifies "gern".
Dat Bei dem Wetter bleibe ich besonders gern zu Hause.
In this weather I especially like to stay home.
bei (+Dat) = with/in (the case of) · das Wetter (neutrum) = weather · besonders = especially · zu Hause = at home. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "bei".
positiv — positive
An international word — easy to remember! Note the German spelling with "v" and stress on the last syllable: po-si-TIV. Opposite: "negativ".
Nom Die Antwort war positiv.
The answer was positive.
die Antwort (feminin) = answer · positiv = positive · war = was. Predicative (after "war"), no ending. "Die Antwort" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Wir haben den positiven Bescheid bekommen.
We received the positive decision/notice.
bekommen = to receive · positiv = positive · der Bescheid (maskulin) = notice/decision. Attributive: after "den" (maskulin Akkusativ, der → den) the ending is -en → "positiven". Bescheid is the direct object.
Dat Mit der positiven Nachricht sind alle glücklich.
With the positive news everyone is happy.
mit (+Dat) = with · positiv = positive · die Nachricht (feminin) = news/message · glücklich = happy. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit"; adjective "positiven" takes -en in Dativ.
negativ — negative
Another international word. Stress on the last syllable: ne-ga-TIV. Opposite of "positiv". Used for test results, feedback, and moods.
Nom Das Ergebnis ist negativ.
The result is negative.
das Ergebnis (neutrum) = result · negativ = negative. Predicative (after "ist"), no ending. "Das Ergebnis" is the subject in Nominativ.
Akk Ich verstehe die negative Antwort nicht.
I don't understand the negative answer.
verstehen = to understand · negativ = negative · die Antwort (feminin) = answer. Attributive: after "die" (feminin Akkusativ, die → die) the ending is -e → "negative". Antwort is the direct object.
Dat Nach dem negativen Test war er traurig.
After the negative test he was sad.
nach (+Dat) = after · negativ = negative · der Test (maskulin) = test · traurig = sad. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "nach"; adjective "negativen" takes -en in Dativ.
oben — above / up / upstairs
"Oben" tells you WHERE something is (up there, upstairs), unlike "nach oben" (to go up). Opposite: "unten" (below/downstairs). In a building: "Ich wohne oben" = I live upstairs.
Nom Das Schlafzimmer ist oben.
The bedroom is upstairs.
das Schlafzimmer (neutrum) = bedroom · oben = upstairs. "Das Schlafzimmer" is the subject in Nominativ; oben is an adverb of place.
Akk Oben haben wir das Bad renoviert.
Upstairs we renovated the bathroom.
oben = upstairs · renovieren = to renovate · das Bad (neutrum) = bathroom. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das) — Bad is the direct object; oben tells where.
Dat Die Bücher stehen oben in dem Regal.
The books are up in the shelf.
die Bücher = books · stehen = to stand · oben = up · in (+Dat, location) = in · das Regal (neutrum) = shelf. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "in" showing location.
die Blume, -n — flower
In Germany, bringing "Blumen" is a classic gift when invited to someone's home — but give an odd number and never chrysanthemums (they're for graves). Plural: die Blumen.
Nom Die Blume steht auf dem Tisch.
The flower is standing on the table.
die Blume (feminin) = flower · stehen = to stand · auf dem Tisch = on the table. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Blume is the subject.
Akk Ich schenke dir die Blume.
I give you the flower.
schenken = to give (as a gift) · dir = to you (Dativ) · die Blume (feminin) = flower. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ (die → die). Blume is the direct object; "dir" is the indirect object.
Dat Sie kommt mit der Blume zur Feier.
She comes to the party with the flower.
kommen = to come · mit (+Dat) = with · die Blume (feminin) = flower · zur Feier = to the party. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit".
der Baum, Bäume — tree
"Der Weihnachtsbaum" (Christmas tree) is central to German holidays. Plural takes an Umlaut: Bäume. Memory tip: a tree is tall and strong — maskulin "der".
Nom Der Baum ist sehr alt.
The tree is very old.
der Baum (maskulin) = tree · sehr = very · alt = old. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Baum is the subject.
Akk Wir pflanzen den Baum im Garten.
We plant the tree in the garden.
pflanzen = to plant · der Baum (maskulin) = tree · im Garten = in the garden. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Baum is the direct object of pflanzen.
Dat Die Katze sitzt unter dem Baum.
The cat sits under the tree.
die Katze = cat · sitzen = to sit · unter (+Dat, location) = under · der Baum (maskulin) = tree. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) — no movement (wo?), so unter takes Dativ.
das Holz, Hölzer — wood
"Holz" is neutrum: das Holz. It's usually uncountable ("aus Holz" = made of wood). Germans love wooden (Holz-) furniture and traditional Fachwerkhäuser (half-timbered houses). Plural (types of wood): Hölzer.
Nom Das Holz ist warm und schön.
The wood is warm and beautiful.
das Holz (neutrum) = wood · warm = warm · schön = beautiful. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Holz is the subject.
Akk Er braucht das Holz für den Tisch.
He needs the wood for the table.
brauchen = to need · das Holz (neutrum) = wood · für (+Akk) = for · der Tisch = table. "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Holz is the direct object of brauchen.
Dat Der Stuhl ist aus dem Holz gemacht.
The chair is made from the wood.
der Stuhl = chair · aus (+Dat) = out of/from · das Holz (neutrum) = wood · gemacht = made. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "aus".
das Heft, -e — notebook / booklet
"Das Heft" is a thin exercise book or booklet (like a school workbook), not a thick "Buch". German students write in "Hefte" with squared or lined paper. Plural: die Hefte.
Nom Das Heft liegt auf dem Tisch.
The notebook lies on the table.
das Heft (neutrum) = notebook · liegen = to lie · auf dem Tisch = on the table. "Das" — neutrum Nominativ. Heft is the subject.
Akk Ich brauche das Heft für Deutsch.
I need the notebook for German.
brauchen = to need · das Heft (neutrum) = notebook · für (+Akk) = for · Deutsch = German (class). "Das" stays "das" because neutrum Akkusativ (das → das). Heft is the direct object.
Dat Sie schreibt in dem Heft.
She writes in the notebook.
schreiben = to write · in (+Dat, location) = in · das Heft (neutrum) = notebook. "Dem" because neutrum Dativ (das → dem) — "in" here shows location (wo?), so it takes Dativ.
der Wunsch, Wünsche — wish / desire
From the verb "wünschen" (to wish). "Auf Wunsch" means "on request". Plural takes an Umlaut: Wünsche. In a shop: "Haben Sie noch einen Wunsch?" = "Anything else you'd like?"
Nom Der Wunsch ist einfach.
The wish is simple.
der Wunsch (maskulin) = wish · einfach = simple. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Wunsch is the subject.
Akk Ich habe einen Wunsch.
I have a wish.
haben = to have · der Wunsch (maskulin) = wish. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ (ein → einen). Wunsch is the direct object of haben.
Dat Mit dem Wunsch bin ich zufrieden.
I'm content with the wish.
mit (+Dat) = with · der Wunsch (maskulin) = wish · zufrieden = content. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
der Glückwunsch, Glückwünsche — congratulation / good wish
"Herzlichen Glückwunsch!" is THE phrase for "Congratulations!" — for birthdays, weddings, exams. Literally "heartfelt good wish". Built from "Glück" (luck) + "Wunsch" (wish). Plural: Glückwünsche.
Nom Der Glückwunsch kommt von Herzen.
The congratulation comes from the heart.
der Glückwunsch (maskulin) = congratulation · kommen = to come · von Herzen = from the heart. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Glückwunsch is the subject.
Akk Ich schicke dir den Glückwunsch per Post.
I send you the congratulation by mail.
schicken = to send · dir = to you (Dativ) · der Glückwunsch (maskulin) = congratulation · per Post = by mail. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Glückwunsch is the direct object.
Dat Mit dem Glückwunsch freut sie sich sehr.
She is very happy with the congratulation.
mit (+Dat) = with · der Glückwunsch (maskulin) = congratulation · sich freuen = to be happy · sehr = very. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
nicht mehr — no longer / not anymore
"Nicht mehr" means something has stopped: "Ich wohne nicht mehr hier" = I don't live here anymore. Compare "kein ... mehr" for nouns ("kein Geld mehr" = no more money).
Nom Der Bus fährt nicht mehr.
The bus no longer runs.
der Bus (maskulin) = bus · fahren = to run/go · nicht mehr = no longer. "Der Bus" is the subject in Nominativ; "nicht mehr" negates the verb.
Akk Ich brauche den alten Tisch nicht mehr.
I don't need the old table anymore.
brauchen = to need · alt = old · der Tisch (maskulin) = table · nicht mehr = no longer. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den); adjective "alten" takes -en. Tisch is the direct object.
Dat Sie wohnt nicht mehr in der alten Wohnung.
She no longer lives in the old apartment.
wohnen = to live · nicht mehr = no longer · in (+Dat, location) = in · alt = old · die Wohnung (feminin) = apartment. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in"; adjective "alten" takes -en.
zurzeit — currently / at the moment
Written as one word "zurzeit" = currently. Don't confuse with "zur Zeit" (two words, more formal/dated). Synonym: "momentan". Great for describing a temporary situation.
Nom Der Vermieter ist zurzeit im Urlaub.
The landlord is currently on holiday.
der Vermieter (maskulin) = landlord · zurzeit = currently · im Urlaub = on holiday. "Der Vermieter" is the subject in Nominativ; zurzeit is an adverb of time.
Akk Ich suche zurzeit eine Wohnung.
I'm currently looking for an apartment.
suchen = to look for · zurzeit = currently · die Wohnung (feminin) = apartment. "Eine" because feminin Akkusativ (eine → eine) — Wohnung is the direct object; zurzeit modifies the verb.
Dat Zurzeit wohne ich bei der Familie.
At the moment I'm living with the family.
zurzeit = currently · wohnen = to live · bei (+Dat) = with/at · die Familie (feminin) = family. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "bei".