Appearance
Netzwerk 12: Weather
Chapter 12 — weather, cardinal directions, and miscellaneous expressions.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
scheinen — to shine / to seem
Two meanings in one verb: "Die Sonne scheint" (the sun shines) and "Es scheint gut zu sein" (it seems to be good). Context makes it clear. In weather talk it almost always means "to shine."
Nom Die Sonne scheint heute.
The sun is shining today.
scheinen = to shine (er/sie/es form: scheint) · die Sonne (feminin) = the sun · heute = today. "Die Sonne" is the subject → feminin Nominativ. The verb is conjugated for 3rd person singular: scheinen → scheint.
Akk Ich sehe die Sonne nicht, sie scheint nicht.
I don't see the sun, it isn't shining.
scheinen = to shine · sehen = to see · die Sonne (feminin) = the sun · nicht = not. "Die Sonne" is the direct object of "sehen" → feminin Akkusativ. Feminin "die" does not change in Akkusativ (die → die).
Dat Wir sitzen in der Sonne und sie scheint warm.
We sit in the sun and it shines warmly.
scheinen = to shine · sitzen = to sit · in = in · warm = warm. "Der Sonne" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" showing location (where we sit).
die Hitze — heat
Only used in singular (Sg.). German summers can bring a real "Hitzewelle" (heat wave). Note: heat as a feeling is "die Hitze," but the heating in your home is "die Heizung."
Nom Die Hitze ist heute unangenehm.
The heat is unpleasant today.
die Hitze (feminin) = heat · heute = today · unangenehm = unpleasant. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Hitze is the subject.
Akk Ich mag die Hitze im Sommer nicht.
I don't like the heat in summer.
die Hitze (feminin) = heat · mögen = to like · im Sommer = in summer · nicht = not. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ does not change. Hitze is the direct object of mögen.
Dat Bei der Hitze trinke ich viel Wasser.
In this heat I drink a lot of water.
die Hitze (feminin) = heat · bei = at/in (+ Dativ) · trinken = to drink · viel = a lot. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after the Dativ preposition "bei".
die Wolke — cloud
Plural is "die Wolken" (add -n). "Auf Wolke sieben sein" (to be on cloud seven) is the German version of "on cloud nine" — being very happy, often in love.
Nom Die Wolke ist groß und grau.
The cloud is big and grey.
die Wolke (feminin) = cloud · groß = big · grau = grey. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Wolke is the subject.
Akk Siehst du die Wolke dort?
Do you see the cloud there?
die Wolke (feminin) = cloud · sehen = to see (du form: siehst) · dort = there. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ does not change. Wolke is the direct object.
Dat Die Sonne verschwindet hinter der Wolke.
The sun disappears behind the cloud.
die Wolke (feminin) = cloud · verschwinden = to disappear · hinter = behind. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "hinter" showing location.
bewölkt — cloudy
Built from "die Wolke" (cloud). You will hear "Es ist bewölkt" (it's cloudy) constantly in the Wetterbericht. Compare: "wolkig" also means cloudy and is used the same way.
Nom Der Himmel ist heute bewölkt.
The sky is cloudy today.
bewölkt = cloudy (used predicatively here, so no ending) · der Himmel (maskulin) = the sky · heute = today. "Der Himmel" is the subject → maskulin Nominativ. After "ist", the adjective is predicative and takes no ending.
Akk Ich sehe den bewölkten Himmel.
I see the cloudy sky.
bewölkt → bewölkten here (attributive adjective before a noun) · sehen = to see · der Himmel (maskulin) = sky. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den); with "den", the adjective takes the ending -en → bewölkten. Himmel is the direct object.
Dat Bei dem bewölkten Himmel bleiben wir zu Hause.
With the cloudy sky we stay at home.
bewölkt → bewölkten (attributive, Dativ) · bei = at/with (+ Dativ) · bleiben = to stay · zu Hause = at home. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "bei"; the adjective takes -en → bewölkten. Ending pattern: -∅ → -en → -en.
der Regen — rain
Germany gets a lot of rain, especially in the north and west. Always carry a Regenschirm (umbrella) — Germans love compound words, and this one literally means "rain screen."
Nom Der Regen ist heute sehr stark.
The rain is very heavy today.
der Regen (maskulin) = rain · heute = today · sehr = very · stark = strong/heavy. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Regen is the subject.
Akk Ich mag den Regen nicht.
I don't like the rain.
der Regen (maskulin) = rain · mögen = to like · nicht = not. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Regen is the direct object of mögen.
Dat Wir gehen bei dem Regen nicht spazieren.
We don't go for a walk in the rain.
der Regen (maskulin) = rain · spazieren gehen = to go for a walk · bei = at/in (+ Dativ). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "bei".
regnen — to rain
A weather verb that is almost always used with the impersonal "es": "Es regnet" (it's raining). You cannot really say who or what is doing the raining — "es" is the dummy subject.
Nom Es regnet den ganzen Tag.
It rains all day long.
regnen = to rain (es form: regnet) · es = it (impersonal subject, Nominativ) · der ganze Tag = the whole day. "Es" is the grammatical subject in Nominativ. The verb is conjugated for it: regnen → regnet.
Akk Es regnet den ganzen Nachmittag.
It rains the whole afternoon.
regnen = to rain · der Nachmittag (maskulin) = afternoon · ganz = whole. Time spans use Akkusativ: "den ganzen Nachmittag" — maskulin Akkusativ (der → den), adjective ending -en. This tells us how long it rained.
Dat Bei dem Wetter regnet es oft.
In this weather it often rains.
regnen = to rain · das Wetter (Neutrum) = weather · bei = at/in (+ Dativ) · oft = often. "Dem" because Neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "bei". Wetter is the object of the preposition.
der Schnee — snow
Southern Germany and the Alps get plenty of snow in winter. "Schnee von gestern" (yesterday's snow) is a common expression meaning "old news" or "water under the bridge."
Nom Der Schnee kommt im Dezember.
The snow comes in December.
der Schnee (maskulin) = snow · kommen = to come · im = in dem (in the) · Dezember = December. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Schnee is the subject.
Akk Die Kinder lieben den Schnee.
The children love the snow.
der Schnee (maskulin) = snow · die Kinder = the children · lieben = to love. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Schnee is the direct object of lieben.
Dat Wir spielen in dem Schnee.
We play in the snow.
der Schnee (maskulin) = snow · spielen = to play · in = in. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in" showing location (where we play).
schneien — to snow
Like "regnen", this weather verb uses the impersonal "es": "Es schneit" (it's snowing). A magical word for winter — kids love to shout "Es schneit!" at the first flakes.
Nom Es schneit seit gestern.
It has been snowing since yesterday.
schneien = to snow (es form: schneit) · es = it (impersonal subject, Nominativ) · seit = since · gestern = yesterday. "Es" is the subject in Nominativ. Verb conjugated: schneien → schneit.
Akk Es schneit die ganze Nacht.
It snows the whole night.
schneien = to snow · die Nacht (feminin) = night · ganz = whole. Time duration uses Akkusativ: "die ganze Nacht" — feminin Akkusativ, so "die" stays "die" and the adjective takes -e → ganze. This tells us how long it snowed.
Dat In dem Winter schneit es oft.
In winter it often snows.
schneien = to snow · der Winter (maskulin) = winter · in = in · oft = often. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in" for a time period. Note: "in dem Winter" is often shortened to "im Winter".
... Grad minus / plus — degrees below / above zero
Germans say the number of degrees plus "Grad": "Es sind fünf Grad" (it's five degrees). For below zero, add "minus": "minus drei Grad" or "drei Grad minus" (–3°C). Everything is Celsius.
Nom Die Temperatur ist heute zehn Grad plus.
The temperature is ten degrees above zero today.
Grad = degree(s) · plus = above zero · die Temperatur (feminin) = temperature · heute = today. "Die Temperatur" is the subject → feminin Nominativ. "Grad" stays singular after numbers in German (never "Grade").
Akk Ich sehe den Wetterbericht: morgen minus zwei Grad.
I see the weather report: tomorrow minus two degrees.
Grad = degrees · minus = below zero · der Wetterbericht (maskulin) = weather report · morgen = tomorrow. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Wetterbericht is the direct object of "sehen".
Dat Bei der Kälte von minus fünf Grad friere ich.
In the cold of minus five degrees I'm freezing.
Grad = degrees · minus = below zero · die Kälte (feminin) = cold · bei = at (+ Dativ) · frieren = to freeze. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "bei".
der Wind — wind
Plural is "die Winde" (add -e). Northern Germany, near the coast, is famously windy — perfect for Windkraft (wind power), a big part of German energy.
Nom Der Wind ist heute sehr kalt.
The wind is very cold today.
der Wind (maskulin) = wind · heute = today · kalt = cold. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Wind is the subject.
Akk Ich spüre den Wind im Gesicht.
I feel the wind on my face.
der Wind (maskulin) = wind · spüren = to feel · das Gesicht = face. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Wind is the direct object of spüren.
Dat Bei dem Wind fliegt mein Hut weg.
In this wind my hat flies away.
der Wind (maskulin) = wind · bei = at/in (+ Dativ) · wegfliegen = to fly away · der Hut = hat. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "bei".
windig — windy
Built from "der Wind" + the adjective ending -ig (very common: sonnig/sunny, regnerisch/rainy, neblig/foggy). "Es ist windig" is a staple of the daily forecast.
Nom Der Tag ist heute windig.
The day is windy today.
windig = windy (predicative, no ending) · der Tag (maskulin) = day · heute = today. "Der Tag" is the subject → maskulin Nominativ. After "ist", the adjective is predicative and takes no ending.
Akk Ich mag den windigen Herbst.
I like the windy autumn.
windig → windigen (attributive adjective before the noun) · mögen = to like · der Herbst (maskulin) = autumn. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den); with "den", the adjective takes -en → windigen. Herbst is the direct object.
Dat An dem windigen Tag bleiben wir drinnen.
On the windy day we stay inside.
windig → windigen (attributive, Dativ) · an = on · der Tag (maskulin) = day · drinnen = inside. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "an" for time; adjective takes -en → windigen. Ending pattern: -∅ → -en → -en.
der Wetterbericht — weather report / forecast
Plural is "die Wetterberichte" (add -e). A compound of "das Wetter" (weather) + "der Bericht" (report) — the last part sets the gender, so it's "der". You'll hear it after the Nachrichten (news).
Nom Der Wetterbericht sagt Regen voraus.
The weather report predicts rain.
der Wetterbericht (maskulin) = weather report · vorhersagen = to forecast/predict · der Regen = rain. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Wetterbericht is the subject.
Akk Ich höre den Wetterbericht jeden Morgen.
I listen to the weather report every morning.
der Wetterbericht (maskulin) = weather report · hören = to hear/listen · jeden Morgen = every morning. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Wetterbericht is the direct object.
Dat In dem Wetterbericht gibt es gute Nachrichten.
In the weather report there is good news.
der Wetterbericht (maskulin) = weather report · in = in · es gibt = there is · die Nachrichten = news. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in" showing location. Often shortened to "im Wetterbericht".
die Himmelsrichtung — cardinal direction
Plural is "die Himmelsrichtungen" (add -en). Literally "sky direction" (der Himmel = sky + die Richtung = direction). The four are Norden, Osten, Süden, Westen — remember them clockwise as "Nie ohne Seife waschen".
Nom Die Himmelsrichtung ist wichtig auf der Karte.
The cardinal direction is important on the map.
die Himmelsrichtung (feminin) = cardinal direction · wichtig = important · die Karte = map. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Himmelsrichtung is the subject.
Akk Ich kenne die Himmelsrichtung nicht.
I don't know the cardinal direction.
die Himmelsrichtung (feminin) = cardinal direction · kennen = to know · nicht = not. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ does not change. Himmelsrichtung is the direct object.
Dat Wir sprechen von der Himmelsrichtung Norden.
We are talking about the cardinal direction north.
die Himmelsrichtung (feminin) = cardinal direction · sprechen von = to talk about · von = of/about (+ Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after the Dativ preposition "von".
der Norden — north
Only singular. Used with "im" for location: "im Norden" (in the north). Hamburg and the coast are "im Norden Deutschlands". The adjective is "nördlich".
Nom Der Norden ist oft kalt und windig.
The north is often cold and windy.
der Norden (maskulin) = north · oft = often · kalt = cold · windig = windy. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Norden is the subject.
Akk Ich besuche den Norden im Sommer.
I visit the north in summer.
der Norden (maskulin) = north · besuchen = to visit · im Sommer = in summer. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Norden is the direct object of besuchen.
Dat Meine Familie wohnt im Norden.
My family lives in the north.
der Norden (maskulin) = north · wohnen = to live · im = in dem (in the). "Im Norden" = "in dem Norden" → maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in" for location. This is the standard way to say "in the north".
der Osten — east
Only singular. "Der Osten" also refers historically to former East Germany (die ehemalige DDR). The sun rises "im Osten" — a good memory aid. Adjective: "östlich".
Nom Der Osten hat viele schöne Städte.
The east has many beautiful cities.
der Osten (maskulin) = east · viele = many · schön = beautiful · die Städte = cities. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Osten is the subject.
Akk Wir entdecken den Osten von Deutschland.
We are discovering the east of Germany.
der Osten (maskulin) = east · entdecken = to discover · von = of. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Osten is the direct object of entdecken.
Dat Die Sonne geht im Osten auf.
The sun rises in the east.
der Osten (maskulin) = east · aufgehen = to rise · im = in dem (in the). "Im Osten" = "in dem Osten" → maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in" for location.
der Süden — south
Only singular. "Der Süden" (Bavaria, the Alps) is warmer and mountainous. Germans go "in den Süden" for sun. Adjective: "südlich".
Nom Der Süden ist im Sommer sehr warm.
The south is very warm in summer.
der Süden (maskulin) = south · im Sommer = in summer · warm = warm. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Süden is the subject.
Akk Viele Menschen lieben den Süden.
Many people love the south.
der Süden (maskulin) = south · viele Menschen = many people · lieben = to love. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Süden is the direct object of lieben.
Dat Wir machen Urlaub im Süden.
We take a holiday in the south.
der Süden (maskulin) = south · Urlaub machen = to take a holiday · im = in dem (in the). "Im Süden" = "in dem Süden" → maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in" for location.
der Westen — west
Only singular. "Der Westen" (Cologne, the Ruhr area) is densely populated and industrial. The sun sets "im Westen". Adjective: "westlich".
Nom Der Westen ist sehr grün.
The west is very green.
der Westen (maskulin) = west · sehr = very · grün = green. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Westen is the subject.
Akk Ich kenne den Westen gut.
I know the west well.
der Westen (maskulin) = west · kennen = to know · gut = well. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Westen is the direct object of kennen.
Dat Köln liegt im Westen.
Cologne is located in the west.
der Westen (maskulin) = west · liegen = to be located · im = in dem (in the). "Im Westen" = "in dem Westen" → maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in" for location.
denn — because / for
A key word: "denn" means "because" but is a coordinating conjunction, so the verb stays in second position (unlike "weil", which pushes the verb to the end). It can also be a softening flavor particle in questions: "Was machst du denn?"
Nom Ich bleibe zu Hause, denn der Regen ist stark.
I'm staying home, because the rain is heavy.
denn = because (verb keeps normal word order) · bleiben = to stay · zu Hause = at home · der Regen (maskulin) = rain · stark = heavy. After "denn" the subject "der Regen" is in Nominativ and the verb "ist" stays in position 2 (unlike weil).
Akk Wir nehmen den Schirm mit, denn es regnet.
We take the umbrella, because it's raining.
denn = because · mitnehmen = to take along · der Schirm (maskulin) = umbrella · regnen = to rain. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) — Schirm is the direct object in the first clause. "denn" then joins the reason.
Dat Ich fahre mit dem Bus, denn mein Auto ist kaputt.
I go by bus, because my car is broken.
denn = because · fahren = to go/drive · mit = with (+ Dativ) · der Bus (maskulin) = bus · kaputt = broken. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit". "denn" adds the reason.
erst — first / only / not until
Versatile little word. Time sequence: "erst ..., dann ..." (first ..., then ...). Also "not until": "Er kommt erst um acht" (he's not coming until eight). Don't confuse with "zuerst" (firstly).
Nom Erst kommt die Suppe, dann der Hauptgang.
First comes the soup, then the main course.
erst = first (in a sequence) · kommen = to come · die Suppe (feminin) = soup · dann = then · der Hauptgang = main course. "Die Suppe" is the subject → feminin Nominativ. "Erst" starts the sentence, so the verb "kommt" is in position 2.
Akk Ich mache erst die Hausaufgabe, dann spiele ich.
I do the homework first, then I play.
erst = first · machen = to do · die Hausaufgabe (feminin) = homework · dann = then · spielen = to play. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ does not change. Hausaufgabe is the direct object.
Dat Ich komme erst nach der Arbeit nach Hause.
I only come home after work.
erst = not until/only (time) · kommen = to come · nach = after (+ Dativ) · die Arbeit (feminin) = work. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach". Here "erst" means "not until".
zum Schluss — finally / in the end
A fixed phrase (zu + dem Schluss). Great for structuring what you say: "Erst ..., dann ..., zum Schluss ..." (first, then, finally). "Der Schluss" itself means "the end/conclusion".
Nom Zum Schluss kommt der beste Teil.
In the end comes the best part.
zum Schluss = finally/in the end · kommen = to come · der Teil (maskulin) = part · best- = best. "Der beste Teil" is the subject → maskulin Nominativ. The phrase "zum Schluss" opens the sentence, so the verb "kommt" is in position 2.
Akk Zum Schluss essen wir den Nachtisch.
Finally we eat the dessert.
zum Schluss = finally · essen = to eat · der Nachtisch (maskulin) = dessert. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Nachtisch is the direct object of essen.
Dat Zum Schluss danke ich der Lehrerin.
In the end I thank the teacher.
zum Schluss = in the end · danken = to thank (takes Dativ) · die Lehrerin (feminin) = teacher (female). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) — "danken" always takes a Dativ object.
unten — below / down / downstairs
Position word for "at the bottom" or "downstairs". Opposite is "oben" (above/upstairs). For movement downward you'd use "nach unten" (downwards).
Nom Unten wartet der Bus schon.
Downstairs the bus is already waiting.
unten = below/downstairs · warten = to wait · der Bus (maskulin) = bus · schon = already. "Der Bus" is the subject → maskulin Nominativ. "Unten" opens the sentence, so the verb "wartet" is in position 2.
Akk Ich sehe die Stadt von unten.
I see the city from below.
unten = below · sehen = to see · die Stadt (feminin) = city · von unten = from below. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ does not change. Stadt is the direct object of sehen.
Dat Unten in dem Keller ist es kalt.
Down in the cellar it's cold.
unten = below/down · in = in · der Keller (maskulin) = cellar · kalt = cold. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in" showing location. Often shortened to "im Keller".
vorne — in front / at the front / ahead
Position word: "vorne" (at the front), opposite "hinten" (at the back). On a bus, "vorne einsteigen" means to board at the front. For direction toward the front, use "nach vorne".
Nom Vorne steht der Lehrer.
At the front stands the teacher.
vorne = at the front · stehen = to stand · der Lehrer (maskulin) = teacher. "Der Lehrer" is the subject → maskulin Nominativ. "Vorne" opens the sentence, so the verb "steht" is in position 2.
Akk Ich nehme vorne den Platz am Fenster.
At the front I take the seat by the window.
vorne = at the front · nehmen = to take · der Platz (maskulin) = seat · am Fenster = by the window. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Platz is the direct object of nehmen.
Dat Vorne an der Tür steht eine Frau.
At the front by the door a woman is standing.
vorne = at the front · an = at/by · die Tür (feminin) = door · stehen = to stand. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "an" showing location.
die Kultur — culture
Used mostly in singular for "culture" in general, but "die Kulturen" exists for different cultures. Germany takes its Kultur seriously — theaters, museums, and concerts are heavily supported.
Nom Die Kultur in Deutschland ist vielfältig.
The culture in Germany is diverse.
die Kultur (feminin) = culture · vielfältig = diverse. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Kultur is the subject.
Akk Ich liebe die Kultur dieser Stadt.
I love the culture of this city.
die Kultur (feminin) = culture · lieben = to love · diese Stadt = this city. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ does not change. Kultur is the direct object of lieben.
Dat Wir sprechen über die Unterschiede in der Kultur.
We talk about the differences in the culture.
die Kultur (feminin) = culture · sprechen über = to talk about · der Unterschied = difference · in = in. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" showing an abstract location/domain.
die Kunst — art
Irregular plural: "die Künste" (with Umlaut). Idiom: "Was macht die Kunst?" is a casual "How's it going?" The related word "der Künstler / die Künstlerin" means artist.
Nom Die Kunst im Museum ist berühmt.
The art in the museum is famous.
die Kunst (feminin) = art · das Museum = museum · berühmt = famous. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Kunst is the subject.
Akk Ich studiere die Kunst des Mittelalters.
I study the art of the Middle Ages.
die Kunst (feminin) = art · studieren = to study · das Mittelalter = the Middle Ages. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ does not change. Kunst is the direct object of studieren.
Dat Sie interessiert sich für die Geschichte von der Kunst.
She is interested in the history of art.
die Kunst (feminin) = art · sich interessieren für = to be interested in · die Geschichte = history · von = of (+ Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "von".
die Landschaft — landscape / scenery
Plural is "die Landschaften" (add -en). From "das Land" + "-schaft" (a suffix that makes abstract nouns, always feminin — like Freundschaft, Mannschaft). German landscapes range from Alpine peaks to flat northern plains.
Nom Die Landschaft hier ist wunderschön.
The landscape here is beautiful.
die Landschaft (feminin) = landscape · hier = here · wunderschön = beautiful. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Landschaft is the subject.
Akk Wir genießen die Landschaft vom Zug.
We enjoy the landscape from the train.
die Landschaft (feminin) = landscape · genießen = to enjoy · vom Zug = from the train. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ does not change. Landschaft is the direct object of genießen.
Dat In der Landschaft gibt es viele Seen.
In the landscape there are many lakes.
die Landschaft (feminin) = landscape · in = in · es gibt = there are · der See = lake. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in" showing location.
das Dorf — village
Irregular plural: "die Dörfer" (Umlaut + -er). A "Dorf" is smaller than a "Stadt" (city). Rural German villages are famously tidy and quiet — the opposite of the Großstadt (big city).
Nom Das Dorf ist klein und ruhig.
The village is small and quiet.
das Dorf (Neutrum) = village · klein = small · ruhig = quiet. "Das" — Neutrum Nominativ. Dorf is the subject.
Akk Ich besuche das Dorf meiner Großeltern.
I visit my grandparents' village.
das Dorf (Neutrum) = village · besuchen = to visit · die Großeltern = grandparents. "Das" stays "das" because Neutrum Akkusativ does not change. Dorf is the direct object of besuchen.
Dat Wir wohnen in dem Dorf am See.
We live in the village by the lake.
das Dorf (Neutrum) = village · wohnen = to live · in = in · am See = by the lake. "Dem" because Neutrum Dativ (das → dem) after "in" showing location. Often shortened to "im Dorf".
spazieren gehen — to go for a walk
A separable-verb-like combination: "spazieren" (to stroll) + "gehen" (to go). In a sentence: "Ich gehe spazieren." Going for a Spaziergang (a walk) is a beloved German pastime, in any weather.
Nom Meine Oma geht jeden Tag spazieren.
My grandma goes for a walk every day.
spazieren gehen = to go for a walk (gehen conjugates: geht) · die Oma (feminin) = grandma · jeden Tag = every day. "Meine Oma" is the subject → feminin Nominativ. "gehen" is conjugated (geht) and "spazieren" goes to the end.
Akk Wir gehen den ganzen Weg spazieren.
We walk the whole path.
spazieren gehen = to go for a walk · der Weg (maskulin) = path · ganz = whole. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) with adjective ending -en → ganzen. Weg is the direct object describing the extent walked.
Dat Ich gehe mit dem Hund spazieren.
I go for a walk with the dog.
spazieren gehen = to go for a walk · mit = with (+ Dativ) · der Hund (maskulin) = dog. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit". Hund is the object of the preposition.
gehören — to belong (to)
Important: "gehören" always takes a Dativ object for the owner — "Das Buch gehört mir" (the book belongs to me). No preposition needed. Don't confuse with "gehören zu" (to be part of).
Nom Das Auto gehört meinem Vater.
The car belongs to my father.
gehören = to belong (er/sie/es form: gehört) · das Auto (Neutrum) = car · der Vater = father. "Das Auto" is the subject → Neutrum Nominativ. The verb agrees with the thing that belongs, not the owner.
Akk Ich sehe die Tasche, aber sie gehört mir nicht.
I see the bag, but it doesn't belong to me.
gehören = to belong · sehen = to see · die Tasche (feminin) = bag · mir = to me (Dativ). "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ — Tasche is the direct object of "sehen". Note: "gehören" itself takes the Dativ "mir".
Dat Dieses Haus gehört der Familie Meier.
This house belongs to the Meier family.
gehören = to belong · dieses Haus = this house · die Familie (feminin) = family. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) — "gehören" requires the owner in the Dativ case. This is the core rule for this verb.
sauber — clean
Opposite of "schmutzig" (dirty). "Sauber machen" means to clean up. Germans are known for keeping things "sauber" — a clean street or home is a point of pride.
Nom Die Küche ist jetzt sauber.
The kitchen is clean now.
sauber = clean (predicative, no ending) · die Küche (feminin) = kitchen · jetzt = now. "Die Küche" is the subject → feminin Nominativ. After "ist", the adjective is predicative and takes no ending.
Akk Ich mag die saubere Wohnung.
I like the clean apartment.
sauber → saubere (attributive adjective before the noun) · mögen = to like · die Wohnung (feminin) = apartment. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ; with "die" the adjective takes -e → saubere. Wohnung is the direct object.
Dat In der sauberen Stadt lebe ich gern.
I like living in the clean city.
sauber → sauberen (attributive, Dativ) · in = in · die Stadt (feminin) = city · gern = gladly. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "in"; the adjective takes -en → sauberen. Ending pattern here: -∅ → -e → -en.
froh — glad / happy
A warm, everyday word for being glad or relieved. "Ich bin froh" (I'm glad). You'll see it in "Frohe Weihnachten!" (Merry Christmas) and "Frohe Ostern!" (Happy Easter). Compare "glücklich" = happy (deeper).
Nom Die Mutter ist froh über die gute Nachricht.
The mother is glad about the good news.
froh = glad (predicative, no ending) · die Mutter (feminin) = mother · über = about · die Nachricht = news. "Die Mutter" is the subject → feminin Nominativ. After "ist", the adjective is predicative and takes no ending.
Akk Ich sehe den frohen Mann im Park.
I see the happy man in the park.
froh → frohen (attributive adjective before the noun) · sehen = to see · der Mann (maskulin) = man · im Park = in the park. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den); with "den" the adjective takes -en → frohen. Mann is the direct object.
Dat Ich gratuliere der frohen Braut.
I congratulate the happy bride.
froh → frohen (attributive, Dativ) · gratulieren = to congratulate (takes Dativ) · die Braut (feminin) = bride. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) — "gratulieren" takes a Dativ object; the adjective takes -en → frohen. Pattern: -∅ → -en → -en.
wunderbar — wonderful
Literally "wonder" (das Wunder) + "-bar" (a suffix like English "-able"). A common, enthusiastic word for "wonderful/marvelous". "Wunderbar!" alone works as a happy exclamation.
Nom Das Wetter ist heute wunderbar.
The weather is wonderful today.
wunderbar = wonderful (predicative, no ending) · das Wetter (Neutrum) = weather · heute = today. "Das Wetter" is the subject → Neutrum Nominativ. After "ist", the adjective is predicative and takes no ending.
Akk Wir hatten einen wunderbaren Tag.
We had a wonderful day.
wunderbar → wunderbaren (attributive adjective before the noun) · haben = to have · der Tag (maskulin) = day. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ (ein → einen); after "einen" the adjective takes -en → wunderbaren. Tag is the direct object.
Dat Nach der wunderbaren Reise sind wir müde.
After the wonderful trip we are tired.
wunderbar → wunderbaren (attributive, Dativ) · nach = after (+ Dativ) · die Reise (feminin) = trip · müde = tired. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "nach"; the adjective takes -en → wunderbaren. Pattern: -∅ → -en → -en.
der Traum — dream
Irregular plural: "die Träume" (Umlaut + -e). Means both a dream while sleeping and a life goal. "Träum schön!" (Sweet dreams!). The verb is "träumen" (to dream).
Nom Der Traum war sehr schön.
The dream was very beautiful.
der Traum (maskulin) = dream · war = was · schön = beautiful. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Traum is the subject.
Akk Ich habe einen Traum: eine Reise nach Japan.
I have a dream: a trip to Japan.
der Traum (maskulin) = dream · haben = to have · die Reise = trip · nach Japan = to Japan. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ (ein → einen). Traum is the direct object of haben.
Dat In dem Traum konnte ich fliegen.
In the dream I could fly.
der Traum (maskulin) = dream · in = in · können = can/could (konnte = could) · fliegen = to fly. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "in" showing location. Often shortened to "im Traum".
der / die Bekannte — acquaintance
This is an adjectival noun (from "bekannt" = known): "der Bekannte" (male) / "die Bekannte" (female), plural "die Bekannten". A Bekannter is more than a Fremder (stranger) but less than a Freund (friend). Endings change like adjectives.
Nom Der Bekannte wohnt in Berlin.
The acquaintance (male) lives in Berlin.
der Bekannte (maskulin, adjectival noun) = acquaintance · wohnen = to live. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ; after "der" the adjectival noun takes -e → Bekannte. He is the subject.
Akk Ich treffe den Bekannten im Café.
I meet the acquaintance at the café.
der Bekannte → den Bekannten · treffen = to meet · im Café = at the café. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den); the adjectival noun ending changes to -en → Bekannten. He is the direct object.
Dat Ich helfe der Bekannten beim Umzug.
I help the acquaintance (female) with the move.
die Bekannte → der Bekannten · helfen = to help (takes Dativ) · der Umzug = move. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) — "helfen" requires Dativ; the adjectival noun ending is -en → Bekannten.
die Tante — aunt
Plural is "die Tanten" (add -n). The male counterpart is "der Onkel" (uncle). Simple family vocabulary — easy to remember since it's close to English "aunt".
Nom Meine Tante wohnt in München.
My aunt lives in Munich.
die Tante (feminin) = aunt · wohnen = to live · München = Munich. "Meine Tante" is the subject → feminin Nominativ (possessive "meine" follows the "die" pattern).
Akk Ich besuche die Tante am Wochenende.
I visit the aunt at the weekend.
die Tante (feminin) = aunt · besuchen = to visit · am Wochenende = at the weekend. "Die" stays "die" because feminin Akkusativ does not change. Tante is the direct object of besuchen.
Dat Ich schreibe der Tante einen Brief.
I write the aunt a letter.
die Tante (feminin) = aunt · schreiben = to write · der Brief = letter. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) — the aunt is the indirect object (the receiver), while "einen Brief" is the direct object in Akkusativ.
Auskunft geben — to give information
A fixed expression: "die Auskunft" (information) + "geben" (to give). At a station, "die Auskunft" is also the information desk. You give information "über etwas" (about something).
Nom Die Frau gibt gern Auskunft.
The woman gladly gives information.
Auskunft geben = to give information (geben conjugates: gibt) · die Frau (feminin) = woman · gern = gladly. "Die Frau" is the subject → feminin Nominativ. The verb "geben" is conjugated (gibt) for she.
Akk Der Mann gibt mir eine gute Auskunft.
The man gives me good information.
Auskunft geben = to give information · der Mann = man · mir = to me · gut = good. "Eine" because feminin Akkusativ (eine stays eine); "gute Auskunft" is the direct object (the thing given). "mir" is the Dativ receiver.
Dat Ich gebe dem Touristen Auskunft über den Weg.
I give the tourist information about the way.
Auskunft geben = to give information · der Tourist (maskulin, n-noun) = tourist · der Weg = way. "Dem Touristen" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) — the tourist is the receiver (indirect object). "Tourist" adds -en in Dativ (n-declension).
der Vorschlag — suggestion / proposal
Irregular plural: "die Vorschläge" (Umlaut + -e). From "vor" (forward) + "schlagen" (to hit/propose). To make a suggestion is "einen Vorschlag machen". The verb is "vorschlagen" (to suggest).
Nom Der Vorschlag ist wirklich gut.
The suggestion is really good.
der Vorschlag (maskulin) = suggestion · wirklich = really · gut = good. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Vorschlag is the subject.
Akk Ich habe einen Vorschlag für das Wochenende.
I have a suggestion for the weekend.
der Vorschlag (maskulin) = suggestion · haben = to have · für = for · das Wochenende = weekend. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ (ein → einen). Vorschlag is the direct object of haben.
Dat Mit dem Vorschlag bin ich einverstanden.
I agree with the suggestion.
der Vorschlag (maskulin) = suggestion · mit = with (+ Dativ) · einverstanden sein = to agree. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit". Vorschlag is the object of the preposition.
wecken — to wake (someone) up
"wecken" means to wake someone else up (transitive) — "Ich wecke dich um sieben." To wake up yourself, use "aufwachen". The alarm clock is "der Wecker" (the waker).
Nom Die Mutter weckt die Kinder am Morgen.
The mother wakes the children in the morning.
wecken = to wake up (er/sie/es form: weckt) · die Mutter (feminin) = mother · die Kinder = children · am Morgen = in the morning. "Die Mutter" is the subject → feminin Nominativ. Verb conjugated: wecken → weckt.
Akk Ich wecke den Sohn um sieben Uhr.
I wake the son at seven o'clock.
wecken = to wake up · der Sohn (maskulin) = son · um sieben Uhr = at seven o'clock. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) — the person being woken is the direct object of "wecken".
Dat Mit der Musik wecke ich meine Tochter.
With the music I wake my daughter.
wecken = to wake up · mit = with (+ Dativ) · die Musik (feminin) = music · die Tochter = daughter. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) after "mit". Music is the means used to wake her.
wünschen — to wish
Used to wish someone something: "Ich wünsche dir alles Gute" (I wish you all the best). The person gets the Dativ, the thing wished gets the Akkusativ. "Der Wunsch" is the noun (wish).
Nom Der Vater wünscht sich ein neues Auto.
The father wishes for a new car.
wünschen = to wish (er/sie/es form: wünscht) · der Vater (maskulin) = father · sich wünschen = to wish for oneself · ein Auto = a car. "Der Vater" is the subject → maskulin Nominativ. Verb conjugated: wünschen → wünscht.
Akk Ich wünsche dir einen schönen Tag.
I wish you a nice day.
wünschen = to wish · dir = to you (Dativ) · der Tag (maskulin) = day · schön = nice. "Einen schönen Tag" because maskulin Akkusativ (ein → einen, adjective -en) — the thing wished is the direct object. "dir" is the Dativ receiver.
Dat Wir wünschen der Familie frohe Weihnachten.
We wish the family a merry Christmas.
wünschen = to wish · die Familie (feminin) = family · frohe Weihnachten = merry Christmas. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der) — the family is the receiver (indirect object) of the wish, while "frohe Weihnachten" is the Akkusativ thing wished.