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German Student Dictionary — Part 14
Dictionary entries, alphabetical: damit – denken.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
damit — in order that; so that
Subordinating conjunction — introduces a clause explaining purpose ("so that"), and pushes the conjugated verb to the very end of that clause.
Ich trage eine Brille, damit ich besser sehen kann.
I wear glasses so that I can see better.
damit = so that/in order that · tragen = to wear · sehen = to see. As a subordinating conjunction, "damit" sends the conjugated verb ("kann") to the end of its clause.
der Dampfer — steamship
Plural: die Dampfer (unchanged). Literally a "steamer" — from der Dampf (steam). Mostly historical/vintage vocabulary now; a modern ship is das Schiff.
Nom Der Dampfer kam in New York an.
The steamship arrived in New York.
der Dampfer (maskulin) = steamship · ankommen = to arrive (separable, Präteritum "kam...an"). "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Dampfer is the subject.
Akk Wir besichtigen den Dampfer im Hafen.
We are touring the steamship in the harbor.
besichtigen = to tour/view · der Hafen = harbor. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Dampfer is the direct object.
Dat Die Familie steigt aus dem Dampfer.
The family disembarks from the steamship.
aussteigen aus = to get off/disembark from (+ Dativ). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem).
Nom Ein Dampfer liegt am Kai.
A steamship is docked at the pier.
der Kai = pier/quay. "Ein" — no ending before maskulin Nominativ, same pattern as "der".
Akk Sie sehen einen Dampfer auf dem Fluss.
They see a steamship on the river.
der Fluss = river. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ indefinite (ein → einen) — mirrors der → den.
Dat Früher reiste man mit den Dampfern über den Atlantik.
In the old days, people traveled across the Atlantic on steamships.
reisen = to travel · der Atlantik = the Atlantic. Plural Dativ: article "den"; Dampfer adds "-n" (Dampfer → Dampfern) since it doesn't already end in -n or -s.
danach — afterwards
Adverb meaning "afterwards/after that" — refers back to a previously mentioned event or time. Built from "da" (that) + "nach" (after).
Wir aßen zu Abend, und danach gingen wir spazieren.
We ate dinner, then afterwards we went for a walk.
zu Abend essen = to eat dinner · spazieren gehen = to go for a walk. "Danach" as the first element sends the verb ("gingen") into second position.
Dänemark — Denmark
Neuter country name, used without an article (no "das Dänemark"), like most countries. Adjective: dänisch. People: der Däne / die Dänin.
Nom Dänemark ist ein Land in Nordeuropa.
Denmark is a country in northern Europe.
das Land = country · Nordeuropa = northern Europe. No article — Dänemark is the subject directly.
Akk Wir besuchen Dänemark im Sommer.
We are visiting Denmark in the summer.
besuchen = to visit · der Sommer = summer. No article/ending change — country names without an article stay the same in every case.
Dat Der Winter in Dänemark ist mild.
Winter in Denmark is mild.
der Winter = winter · mild = mild. "In" + Dativ here, but no article/ending change for the country name itself.
dänisch — Danish
Adjective, lowercase, unlike the country name "Dänemark." Takes normal adjective endings when it comes before a noun.
Das dänische Design ist weltberühmt.
Danish design is world-famous.
das Design = design · weltberühmt = world-famous. "-e" ending because it follows "das" (neutral Nominativ, weak adjective ending).
der Däne — Dane (person)
Feminine: die Dänin, plural die Däninnen. Weak noun — like der Junge, der Kunde — adds -n in every case except Nominativ singular: der Däne, but den/dem/die Dänen.
Nom Der Däne wohnt in Kopenhagen.
The Dane lives in Copenhagen.
der Däne (maskulin) = Dane (person) · wohnen = to live. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Däne is the subject.
Akk Ich kenne den Dänen aus meinem Urlaub.
I know the Dane from my vacation.
kennen = to know (be familiar with) · der Urlaub = vacation. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den) — and Däne is a weak noun, adding -n → Dänen.
Dat Sie hilft dem Dänen mit der Übersetzung.
She helps the Dane with the translation.
helfen = to help (+ Dativ) · die Übersetzung = translation. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem); Däne adds -n in Dativ too (weak noun).
Nom Ein Däne sitzt neben mir.
A Dane is sitting next to me.
neben = next to. "Ein" — no ending before maskulin Nominativ, and no weak "-n" either: weak nouns never add "-n" in Nominativ singular.
Akk Wir treffen einen Dänen am Flughafen.
We are meeting a Dane at the airport.
treffen = to meet · der Flughafen = airport. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ indefinite (ein → einen) — and Däne adds -n (weak noun) → Dänen.
Dat Der Lehrer spricht mit den Dänen.
The teacher speaks with the Danes.
sprechen mit = to speak with (+ Dativ). Plural Dativ: article "den"; Dänen already ends in "-n" as a weak noun, so it looks identical to the singular Akkusativ/Dativ form.
danken — to thank (+ Dativ)
Verb governing the Dativ case — you thank "to" someone: ich danke dir, wir danken ihm. Fixed phrase: Vielen Dank! = "thank you very much" (used constantly in everyday speech).
Sie danken der Gastgeberin, bevor sie gehen.
They thank the hostess before leaving.
danken = to thank (+ Dativ) · die Gastgeberin = hostess · bevor = before.
Vielen Dank für deine Hilfe!
Thank you very much for your help!
Vielen Dank! = thank you very much (fixed phrase, from "danken") · die Hilfe = help.
dann — then
Adverb meaning "then/next" — sequences events. Like any adverb that starts a clause, it triggers verb-second word order (dann machen wir...).
Wir fahren nach Hause; dann machen wir Abendbrot.
We'll get home, then we'll make dinner.
nach Hause fahren = to go/drive home · das Abendbrot = (evening) dinner. "Dann" as the first element sends the verb ("machen") into second position.
darin — inside; in it
Adverb meaning "in it/inside" — a da-compound (da + in), used instead of "in + pronoun" when referring back to a thing already mentioned.
Hier ist ein alter Reisekoffer. Was ist darin?
Here is an old trunk. What is inside?
der Reisekoffer = trunk/travel case · darin = inside it (refers back to "Reisekoffer" — not "in ihm").
das — that; this; the (neuter)
Neuter definite article ("the") and also a demonstrative pronoun ("that/this/it"). Fixed phrases: das ist = that is, das sind = those are, das ist schade! = that's too bad!, das ist alles = that's all.
Das Kind ist zwei Jahre alt.
The child is two years old.
das Kind (neutral) = child · Jahre alt = years old. Here "das" is the ordinary neuter definite article.
Das ist meine Schwester.
That is my sister.
die Schwester = sister. Here "das" is a demonstrative pronoun ("that") — it doesn't agree in gender with "Schwester" (feminine); "das ist" points at a whole idea/person, not just a noun.
dasselbe — the same
Pronoun meaning "the same (thing)" — combines "das" + "selbe." Declines like an adjective for other genders/cases: derselbe, dieselbe.
Für mich ist es alles dasselbe.
It's all the same to me.
für = for · alles = everything. "Dasselbe" agrees with neuter "es."
das Datum — date
Irregular plural: die Daten (not "Datume") — the same word also means "data" in general. From Latin "datum" (given). Don't confuse das Datum (date) with die Uhrzeit (time of day).
Nom Das Datum steht oben auf dem Brief.
The date is at the top of the letter.
das Datum (neutral) = date · der Brief = letter. "Das" — neutral Nominativ. Datum is the subject.
Akk Bitte gib das Datum an.
Please state the date.
angeben = to state/specify (separable). Neutral Akkusativ keeps the same form as Nominativ (das → das).
Dat An welchem Datum ist dein Termin?
What date is your appointment?
an + Dativ = on (asking "on which date") · der Termin = appointment. "Welchem" (which) is Dativ neuter, taking the same "-em" ending pattern as "dem."
Nom Ein Datum fehlt noch in der Tabelle.
A date is still missing in the table.
fehlen = to be missing · die Tabelle = table (chart). "Ein" — no ending before neutral Nominativ, same as "das."
Akk Wir brauchen ein Datum für die Feier.
We need a date for the celebration.
brauchen = to need · die Feier = celebration. Neutral Akkusativ indefinite looks identical to Nominativ (ein Datum → ein Datum) — the article never changes for neuter nouns between these two cases.
Dat Die Software sortiert die Einträge nach den Daten.
The software sorts the entries by the dates.
nach + Dativ = by/according to · der Eintrag = entry. Plural Dativ: article "den"; the irregular plural "Daten" already ends in "-n", so no extra marker is added.
die Dauerwelle — perm(anent)
Plural: die Dauerwellen. Literally "lasting wave" (dauer- = lasting + die Welle = wave) — a permanent wave set into the hair.
Nom Die Dauerwelle hält mehrere Monate.
The perm lasts several months.
die Dauerwelle (feminin) = perm · halten = to last/hold. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Dauerwelle is the subject.
Akk Der Friseur macht die Dauerwelle vorsichtig.
The hairdresser does the perm carefully.
der Friseur = hairdresser · vorsichtig = carefully. Feminin Akkusativ keeps the same form as Nominativ (die → die).
Dat Sie ist mit der Dauerwelle sehr zufrieden.
She is very happy with the perm.
zufrieden sein mit = to be satisfied with (+ Dativ). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
Nom Eine Dauerwelle kostet oft viel Geld.
A perm often costs a lot of money.
kosten = to cost · das Geld = money. "Eine" — feminin Nominativ indefinite, same pattern as "die."
Akk Sie geht zum Friseur, um sich eine Dauerwelle machen zu lassen.
She goes to the hairdresser's to get a perm.
sich etwas machen lassen = to have something done. "Eine" — feminin Akkusativ indefinite; Dauerwelle is the direct object of "machen."
Dat Die Kundinnen sind zufrieden mit den Dauerwellen.
The customers are happy with the perms.
die Kundin = (female) customer. Plural Dativ: article "den"; Dauerwellen already ends in "-n", so no extra marker is added.
der Daumen — thumb
Plural: die Daumen (unchanged — like der Wagen). Idiom: (jemandem) die Daumen drücken = to keep your fingers crossed for someone (literally "to press the thumbs").
Nom Der Daumen ist wichtig zum Greifen.
The thumb is important for grasping.
der Daumen (maskulin) = thumb · greifen = to grasp. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Daumen is the subject.
Akk Das Kind hält den Daumen hoch.
The child holds its thumb up.
hochhalten = to hold up (separable). "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den). Daumen is the direct object.
Dat Das Kind lutscht an dem Daumen.
The child is sucking its thumb.
lutschen an = to suck on (+ Dativ). "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem).
Nom Ein Daumen ist verletzt.
One thumb is injured.
verletzt = injured. "Ein" — no ending before maskulin Nominativ, same pattern as "der".
Akk Sie hebt einen Daumen zur Begrüßung.
She raises a thumb in greeting.
heben = to raise · die Begrüßung = greeting. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ indefinite (ein → einen) — mirrors der → den.
Dat Der Affe greift mit den Daumen nach der Banane.
The monkey reaches for the banana with its thumbs.
der Affe = monkey · greifen nach = to reach for (+ Dativ). Plural Dativ: article "den"; Daumen already ends in "-n," so it looks the same as the singular.
die Decke — ceiling
Plural: die Decken. Note the homonym "die Decke" (blanket, below) — same spelling, unrelated meaning; both happen to pluralize as "die Decken."
Nom Die Decke ist frisch gestrichen.
The ceiling is freshly painted.
die Decke (feminin) = ceiling · streichen = to paint. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Decke is the subject.
Akk Der Maler streicht die Decke weiß.
The painter paints the ceiling white.
der Maler = painter · weiß = white. Feminin Akkusativ keeps the same form as Nominativ (die → die).
Dat An der Decke ist eine Fliege.
There is a fly on the ceiling.
an + Dativ = on (surface contact) · die Fliege = fly. "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
Nom Eine niedrige Decke wirkt gemütlich.
A low ceiling feels cozy.
niedrig = low · gemütlich = cozy. "Eine" — feminin Nominativ indefinite, same pattern as "die."
Akk Der Architekt plant eine hohe Decke für den Saal.
The architect is planning a high ceiling for the hall.
der Architekt = architect · der Saal = hall. "Eine" — feminin Akkusativ indefinite; Decke is the direct object of "plant."
Dat Die Firma repariert Risse in den Decken.
The company repairs cracks in the ceilings.
der Riss = crack. Plural Dativ: article "den"; Decken already ends in "-n", so no extra marker is added.
die Decke — blanket
Plural: die Decken. Note the homonym "die Decke" (ceiling, above) — same spelling, unrelated everyday meaning. Compounds: die Bettdecke (bed cover/duvet), die Wolldecke (wool blanket).
Nom Die Decke ist warm.
The blanket is warm.
die Decke (feminin) = blanket · warm = warm. "Die" — feminin Nominativ. Decke is the subject.
Akk Ich wasche die Decke jede Woche.
I wash the blanket every week.
waschen = to wash · jede Woche = every week. Feminin Akkusativ keeps the same form as Nominativ (die → die).
Dat Das Baby schläft unter der Decke.
The baby sleeps under the blanket.
schlafen = to sleep · unter + Dativ = under (location). "Der" because feminin Dativ (die → der).
Nom Eine warme Decke liegt auf dem Bett.
A warm blanket lies on the bed.
das Bett = bed. "Eine" — feminin Nominativ indefinite, same pattern as "die."
Akk Er kauft eine neue Decke für den Winter.
He buys a new blanket for the winter.
der Winter = winter. "Eine" — feminin Akkusativ indefinite; Decke is the direct object of "kauft."
Dat Wir wärmen uns unter den Decken.
We warm ourselves under the blankets.
sich wärmen = to warm oneself. Plural Dativ: article "den"; Decken already ends in "-n", so no extra marker is added.
bedeckt — covered
Past-participle adjective from "bedecken" (to cover) — very often used for overcast weather: der Himmel ist bedeckt.
Der Himmel ist heute bedeckt.
The sky is overcast today.
der Himmel = sky · heute = today.
bedecken — to cover
Regular verb — ich bedecke, du bedeckst, er bedeckt. Related to "die Decke" (blanket) and "bedeckt" (covered, adjective).
Schnee bedeckt die Straßen.
Snow covers the streets.
der Schnee = snow · die Straße = street.
der Deckel — cover (lid)
Plural: die Deckel (unchanged). From "decken" (to cover) — a Deckel is literally "that which covers."
Nom Der Deckel passt nicht auf den Topf.
The lid doesn't fit the pot.
der Deckel (maskulin) = cover/lid · der Topf = pot. "Der" — maskulin Nominativ. Deckel is the subject.
Akk Sie öffnet den Deckel vorsichtig.
She opens the lid carefully.
öffnen = to open · vorsichtig = carefully. "Den" because maskulin Akkusativ (der → den).
Dat Der Topf ist mit dem Deckel verschlossen.
The pot is sealed with the lid.
verschlossen = sealed/closed. "Dem" because maskulin Dativ (der → dem) after "mit".
Nom Ein Deckel liegt auf dem Tisch.
A lid is lying on the table.
liegen = to lie. "Ein" — no ending before maskulin Nominativ, same pattern as "der".
Akk Dieser Topf hat einen Deckel.
This pot has a cover (lid).
haben = to have. "Einen" because maskulin Akkusativ indefinite (ein → einen) — mirrors der → den. Deckel is the direct object.
Dat Wir stapeln die Töpfe mit den Deckeln.
We stack the pots with the lids.
stapeln = to stack. Plural Dativ: article "den"; Deckel adds "-n" (Deckel → Deckeln) since it doesn't already end in -n or -s.
decken — to set; to cover
Two meanings: "to cover" in general, and in the fixed phrase den Tisch decken, "to set the table" (literally "to cover the table" with a cloth, plates, etc.).
Der Tisch ist für vier Personen gedeckt.
The table is set for four people.
die Person = person. "Gedeckt" — past participle used with "sein" here to describe the resulting state (the table stands ready, set).
Kannst du bitte den Tisch decken?
Can you please set the table?
den Tisch decken = to set the table · bitte = please.
dein — your
Possessive determiner for "du" (informal singular "your") — declines like "ein": dein Heft, deine Tasche, dein Buch. Compare "euer" (plural "your") and "Ihr" (formal "your").
Wo ist dein Heft?
Where is your notebook?
das Heft = notebook. "Dein" — no ending before neutral Nominativ, same pattern as "ein".
den, die, das (relative pronoun) — who; whom; that; which
Relative pronoun — introduces a clause describing a noun ("the man whom..."). Uses the same forms as the definite article in almost every case, except Dativ plural (denen) and the Genitiv forms.
Der Mann, den wir am Bahnhof sahen, unterrichtet an meiner Schule.
The man whom we saw at the station teaches in my school.
der Bahnhof = train station · unterrichten = to teach. "Den" is maskulin Akkusativ, referring back to "der Mann" as the object of "sahen."
denken — to think
Irregular verb: ich denke, du denkst, er denkt — but Präteritum "dachte", Perfekt "hat gedacht." Fixed prepositional pairings: denken an (+ Akk) = to think of, nachdenken über (+ Akk) = to think about/reflect on.
Ich denke oft an meine Familie.
I often think of my family.
denken an (+ Akk) = to think of/about · oft = often · die Familie = family.
Wir müssen gut nachdenken, bevor wir antworten.
We need to think carefully before we answer.
nachdenken über (+ Akk) = to think about/reflect on (separable) · bevor = before · antworten = to answer.