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Vocab: Music & arts — A1
Music & arts vocabulary at A1 level.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
der Aufzug — elevator, lift; outfit, get-up
In everyday German, der Aufzug usually means “elevator”; the plural is die Aufzüge. Do not confuse this sense with der Aufzug meaning an outfit or appearance.
Der Aufzug ist kaputt.
The elevator is broken.
ist kaputt means “is broken.” Der Aufzug is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Ich nehme den Aufzug in den dritten Stock.
I take the elevator to the third floor.
nehme means “take,” in den dritten Stock means “to the third floor,” and dritten means “third.” den Aufzug is accusative because nehmen takes a direct object; nehme is in position two.
Wir fahren mit dem Aufzug nach oben.
We are going up by elevator.
fahren means “go,” mit means “by or with,” and nach oben means “upwards.” dem Aufzug is dative because mit always requires the dative; the finite verb fahren is in position two.
Die Tür des Aufzugs öffnet sich automatisch.
The elevator door opens automatically.
die Tür means “the door,” and öffnet sich automatisch means “opens automatically.” des Aufzugs is genitive because it identifies whose door it is; the genitive ending -s is added to Aufzug.
In unserem Haus gibt es zwei Aufzüge.
There are two elevators in our building.
in unserem Haus means “in our building,” and zwei means “two.” Aufzüge is the plural with an umlaut and -e; after es gibt, the noun is accusative, although the plural article is not visible here.
Was für ein Aufzug!
What an outfit!
was für ein means “what a,” and the sentence expresses surprise about someone’s Aufzug, or outfit. The noun is nominative in this verbless exclamation, and the exclamation mark supplies the emotional force.
Er erschien in einem auffälligen Aufzug.
He appeared in a striking outfit.
erschien means “appeared,” auffällig means “striking,” and in einem means “in a.” in einem auffälligen Aufzug is dative because in describes a location or state here, not movement into it; the adjective takes the ending -en after einem.
das Bild — picture; image; photograph; impression; idea
Das Bild can mean a picture, photograph or image. The plural is die Bilder, and the genitive is des Bildes; learners often forget the -es in the genitive.
Das Bild hängt an der Wand.
The picture is hanging on the wall.
hängen means to hang, and die Wand is the wall. Das Bild is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb hängt stands in position two.
Ich sehe das Bild.
I see the picture.
sehen means to see. Das Bild is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; with a neuter noun, das is the same in nominative and accusative.
Ich gebe dem Bild einen neuen Rahmen.
I give the picture a new frame.
geben means to give, ein neuer Rahmen is a new frame, and neu means new. Dem Bild is dative because it is the recipient or thing receiving something, while einen neuen Rahmen is the accusative object.
Die Farbe des Bildes ist sehr dunkel.
The colour of the picture is very dark.
die Farbe means the colour, and dunkel means dark. Des Bildes is genitive because it means of the picture; the neuter noun has the ending -es in the genitive.
An der Wand hängen viele Bilder.
Many pictures are hanging on the wall.
viele means many, and an der Wand means on the wall. Bilder is plural with the ending -er; an der Wand is dative because it describes a fixed location, not movement.
Jetzt habe ich ein Bild von der Situation.
Now I have an idea of the situation.
jetzt means now, die Situation is the situation, and eine Idee von etwas haben means to have an idea of something. Ein Bild is accusative because haben takes a direct object; von der Situation uses von with the dative.
Sie macht sich ein Bild von dem neuen Kollegen.
She forms an impression of the new colleague.
sich ein Bild machen means to form an impression, and der Kollege is the colleague. Ein Bild is accusative as the object of machen, while the reflexive pronoun sich is dative and von dem neuen Kollegen follows von with the dative.
drehen — to turn, rotate
For the physical meaning, drehen normally takes an accusative object: etwas drehen means to turn something. With sich drehen, it can mean to rotate or turn around; the perfect uses haben, not sein, when a person turns something.
Ich drehe den Schlüssel im Schloss.
I turn the key in the lock.
der Schlüssel means the key, im Schloss means in the lock, and drehen means to turn. Den Schlüssel is accusative because it is the direct object; the finite verb drehe stands in position two.
Sie hat den Knopf langsam gedreht.
She turned the knob slowly.
sie means she, der Knopf means the knob, and langsam means slowly. The perfect uses hat plus gedreht, with the Partizip II at the end; den Knopf is accusative because it is what she turned.
Früher drehte er jeden Morgen die Kurbel.
He used to turn the crank every morning.
früher means formerly or in the past, jeden Morgen means every morning, and die Kurbel is the crank. Drehte is the regular simple-past form; because Früher occupies position one, the verb still comes in position two.
Dreh den Deckel nach rechts!
Turn the lid to the right!
der Deckel means the lid, and nach rechts means to the right. Dreh is the du imperative, and den Deckel is accusative because it is the object being turned; the subject du is left out.
Ich würde den Regler etwas nach links drehen.
I would turn the control a little to the left.
der Regler means the control or dial, etwas means a little, and nach links means to the left. Würde expresses a hypothetical situation and sends the infinitive drehen to the end; den Regler is accusative.
Morgen werde ich den Hahn vorsichtig drehen.
Tomorrow I will turn the tap carefully.
morgen means tomorrow, der Hahn means the tap, and vorsichtig means carefully. Future uses werde plus the infinitive drehen at the end; den Hahn is accusative because it is the object.
der Farbstift — colored pencil
This compound means a pencil (der Stift) with colored material (Farbe) for drawing or coloring.
Der Farbstift liegt auf dem Tisch.
The colored pencil is on the table.
liegt means “is lying,” and auf dem Tisch means “on the table.” Der Farbstift is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb liegt stands in position two.
Ich nehme den Farbstift aus der Schachtel.
I take the colored pencil out of the box.
nehme means “take,” aus means “out of,” and die Schachtel is a box. Den Farbstift is accusative because nehmen takes a direct object; aus der Schachtel is dative after aus.
Ich male mit dem Farbstift.
I draw with the colored pencil.
male means “draw” or “color,” and mit means “with.” Dem Farbstift is dative because mit always requires the dative; the finite verb male is in position two.
Die Spitze des Farbstifts ist abgebrochen.
The tip of the colored pencil is broken off.
die Spitze is the tip, and abgebrochen means broken off. Des Farbstifts is genitive to show possession, meaning “of the colored pencil”; the masculine noun adds -s.
Die Farbstifte liegen in der Schublade.
The colored pencils are in the drawer.
liegen means “are lying,” and die Schublade is the drawer. Die Farbstifte is plural nominative as the subject; the plural is formed with -e and an umlaut.
der Film — film; movie; photographic film
For the movie meaning, Film is a countable noun with the plural Filme. Einen Film sehen means to watch a film; the article is accusative because sehen takes a direct object.
Der Film beginnt um acht Uhr.
The film starts at eight o'clock.
beginnt means starts and um acht Uhr means at eight o'clock. Der Film is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Wir sehen heute Abend den Film.
We are watching the film this evening.
heute Abend means this evening and sehen means watch or see. Den Film is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the finite verb sehen is in position two.
Sie spricht über den Film.
She is talking about the film.
spricht means speaks or talks and über means about here. Den Film is accusative because über takes the accusative when it means about; this is not the location meaning of über.
Das Ende des Films war überraschend.
The ending of the film was surprising.
Das Ende means the ending, war means was, and überraschend means surprising. Des Films is genitive because it identifies which film the ending belongs to; Films takes -s.
Am Wochenende laufen viele Filme im Kino.
Many films are showing at the cinema at the weekend.
Am Wochenende means at the weekend, viele means many, and laufen means are showing here. Filme is plural after viele, and the verb laufen agrees with the plural subject.
Die Kamera hat keinen Film.
The camera has no film.
Die Kamera means the camera and keinen means no or not any. Film is accusative because haben takes a direct object, and the mass-material meaning is normally used without a plural here.
Früher fotografierte man oft auf Film.
In the past, people often photographed on film.
Früher means in the past, fotografierte means photographed, and oft means often. Auf Film means on film in photography; auf takes the dative for this fixed medium expression, and fotografierte is in position two.
die Flöte — flute
Die Flöte is a musical instrument played by blowing air through it. The plural is die Flöten.
Die Flöte klingt sehr schön.
The flute sounds very beautiful.
klingen means sound, and sehr schön means very beautiful. Die Flöte is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb klingt stands in position two.
Lena spielt die Flöte jeden Abend.
Lena plays the flute every evening.
Lena is a female first name, and jeden Abend means every evening. Die Flöte is accusative because spielen takes the instrument as its direct object; the finite verb spielt is in position two.
Er gibt der Flöte eine neue Tasche.
He gives the flute a new case.
geben means give, neu means new, and die Tasche means bag or case. Der Flöte is dative because it is the thing receiving the case, while eine neue Tasche is the accusative object.
Der Klang der Flöte ist leise.
The sound of the flute is quiet.
der Klang means sound, and leise means quiet or soft. Der Flöte is genitive after der Klang, showing whose sound it is; ist links the subject and description.
Im Musikraum stehen drei Flöten.
There are three flutes in the music room.
im Musikraum means in the music room, and stehen means are standing or are located. Flöten is plural after drei, while im is short for in dem and marks the location with the dative.
fotografieren — to photograph, to take a photograph
Fotografieren takes an accusative object for the person or thing being photographed. Its perfect uses haben, not sein, and the verb is regular.
Ich fotografiere meine Kinder im Park.
I photograph my children in the park.
meine Kinder means my children, and im Park means in the park. Meine Kinder is accusative because fotografieren takes the person or thing photographed as a direct object; the finite verb fotografiere stands in position two.
Wir haben den Hund fotografiert.
We photographed the dog.
der Hund means the dog. The perfect uses haben plus fotografiert, and the Partizip II goes to the end; den Hund is accusative because it is the object.
Sie fotografierte die Berge.
She photographed the mountains.
die Berge means the mountains. Fotografierte is the weak-verb preterite, and die Berge is accusative as the direct object.
Fotografiere bitte diesen Kuchen!
Please photograph this cake!
bitte means please, and dieser Kuchen means this cake. Fotografiere is the du imperative, with the subject omitted; diesen Kuchen is accusative because it is the object.
Ich würde gern die Altstadt fotografieren.
I would like to photograph the old town.
würde gern means would like to, and die Altstadt is the old town. The infinitive fotografieren stands at the end after würde; die Altstadt is accusative as the object.
Morgen werde ich den Sonnenuntergang fotografieren.
Tomorrow I will photograph the sunset.
morgen means tomorrow, and der Sonnenuntergang means the sunset. Future I uses werde in position two and the infinitive fotografieren at the end; den Sonnenuntergang is accusative.
die Geige — violin
The everyday word Geige means violin; Violine is a more formal or technical alternative.
Die Geige klingt schön.
The violin sounds beautiful.
klingt means sounds and schön means beautiful. Die Geige is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb klingt is in position two.
Ich höre die Geige.
I hear the violin.
höre means hear. Die Geige is accusative because hören takes a direct object; the finite verb höre stands in position two.
Ich spiele auf der Geige.
I play the violin.
spiele means play. The preposition auf takes the dative here because this means playing on an instrument, so der Geige is dative.
Der Klang der Geige ist warm.
The sound of the violin is warm.
der Klang means the sound and warm means warm. Der Geige is genitive because it identifies whose sound it is; the verb ist is in position two.
Im Orchester spielen drei Geigen.
Three violins are playing in the orchestra.
im Orchester means in the orchestra and drei means three. Geigen is the plural of die Geige, and the finite verb spielen agrees with the plural subject.
der Geiger — male violinist
Geiger specifically means a male violinist. For a woman, use Geigerin; Geiger can also refer to a mixed group in the plural.
Der Geiger spielt sehr gut.
The violinist plays very well.
spielt means plays and sehr gut means very well. Der Geiger is nominative because he is the subject, and the finite verb spielt is in position two.
Ich sehe den Geiger.
I see the violinist.
sehe means see. Den Geiger is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; only the masculine article changes from der to den.
Ich danke dem Geiger.
I thank the violinist.
danke means thank. Danken takes a dative object, so dem Geiger is dative; this masculine noun has the same form in the nominative, accusative, and dative.
Das Instrument des Geigers ist alt.
The violinist’s instrument is old.
das Instrument means the instrument and alt means old. Des Geigers is genitive to show possession, and the noun adds -s.
Die Geiger spielen zusammen.
The violinists play together.
zusammen means together. Geiger is both the singular noun form and the plural form, while the plural article die and the verb spielen show that there is more than one.
die Geschichte — history; story; story, tale
The singular usually means history as a subject or one story, while Geschichten means several stories. In die Geschichte von ..., the preposition von takes the dative, but a possessive relationship can also use the genitive.
Die Geschichte Europas ist sehr interessant.
The history of Europe is very interesting.
Europa means Europe, and interessant means interesting. Die Geschichte Europas is nominative because it is the subject; Europas is a genitive form meaning “of Europe”, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Ich lese die Geschichte Deutschlands.
I am reading the history of Germany.
lese means am reading, and Deutschlands means of Germany. Die Geschichte is accusative because lesen takes a direct object, while Deutschlands is genitive and identifies whose history it is.
Wir sprechen in der Schule über die Geschichte.
We talk about history at school.
sprechen means talk, in der Schule means at school, and über means about. In der Schule is dative for location, while über die Geschichte is accusative because this meaning of über takes the accusative; the verb sprechen is in position two.
Das Ende der Geschichte war überraschend.
The ending of the story was surprising.
das Ende means the ending, and überraschend means surprising. Der Geschichte is genitive because it tells whose ending it was; the whole subject Das Ende der Geschichte comes first, so war is in position two.
Meine Großeltern erzählen oft Geschichten.
My grandparents often tell stories.
Meine Großeltern means my grandparents, erzählen means tell, and oft means often. Geschichten is plural and accusative because it is the object of erzählen; the plural ending -en is part of the noun form.
Opa erzählt eine lustige Geschichte.
Grandpa is telling a funny story.
Opa means Grandpa, erzählt means is telling, and lustig means funny. Eine lustige Geschichte is accusative because it is the object of erzählt; the adjective has the ending -e after eine.
Die Kinder hören gespannt Geschichten zu.
The children listen attentively to stories.
Kinder means children, gespannt means attentively or eagerly, and zuhören means to listen. Geschichten is dative because zuhören requires jemandem/etwas zuhören; the separable verb places zu at the end.
die Gitarre — guitar
The usual verb is Gitarre spielen, without an article when speaking about the activity. For a particular instrument, use an article, as in die Gitarre.
Meine Gitarre steht im Wohnzimmer.
My guitar is in the living room.
Meine means my, steht means is standing, and im Wohnzimmer means in the living room. Meine Gitarre is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb steht is in position two.
Ich kaufe eine neue Gitarre.
I am buying a new guitar.
kaufe means buy and eine neue means a new; kaufen is to buy. Eine neue Gitarre is accusative because it is the direct object of kaufe, while the finite verb stands in position two.
Ich spiele heute auf der Gitarre.
I am playing the guitar today.
spiele means play and heute means today. Auf der Gitarre is dative because auf describes the instrument here, not movement toward it.
Der Klang der Gitarre ist warm.
The sound of the guitar is warm.
Der Klang is the sound and warm means warm. Der Gitarre is genitive because it shows whose sound it is, and the possessive noun phrase follows Klang.
Im Laden stehen viele Gitarren.
There are many guitars in the shop.
Im Laden means in the shop, stehen means stand, and viele means many. Gitarren is plural after viele, while im Laden is dative because in describes a location.
Ich lerne Gitarre spielen.
I am learning to play the guitar.
lerne means am learning and spielen means to play. Gitarre is used without an article in this fixed activity expression, and the infinitive spielen stands at the end.
die Glocke — bell; bell-shaped cover; dome
Die Glocke hängt an der Tür.
The bell hangs on the door.
hängt means “hangs,” and die Tür is the door. Die Glocke is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb hängt is in position two.
Ich höre die Glocke.
I hear the bell.
höre means “hear.” Die Glocke is accusative because hören takes a direct object, and the finite verb höre stands in position two.
Wir nähern uns der Glocke.
We approach the bell.
nähern means “approach,” and uns means “ourselves/us.” Der Glocke is dative because the reflexive verb sich nähern requires a dative object; the finite verb nähern is in position two.
Der Klang der Glocke ist laut.
The sound of the bell is loud.
der Klang is the sound, and laut means loud. Der Glocke is genitive because it shows whose sound it is; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Am Sonntag läuten die Glocken.
The bells ring on Sunday.
am Sonntag means on Sunday, and läuten means ring. Die Glocken is plural and nominative because it is the subject; the plural noun ends in -n and the finite verb läuten is in position two.
Die Käsehaube sieht aus wie eine Glocke.
The cheese cover looks like a bell.
die Käsehaube is the cheese cover, and sieht aus wie means looks like. Eine Glocke is accusative after wie in this comparison, and the separable verb aussehen splits into sieht and aus in the main clause.
Über der Pflanze steht eine Glocke aus Glas.
A glass dome stands over the plant.
über der Pflanze means over the plant, and aus Glas means made of glass. Eine Glocke is nominative because it is the subject; the verb steht is in position two.
die Klarinette — clarinet
die Klarinette is feminine. The plural is Klarinetten, with -en, and the instrument is commonly used with spielen or auf plus dative.
Die Klarinette klingt schön.
The clarinet sounds beautiful.
klingt schön means sounds beautiful. Die Klarinette is the nominative subject, and the finite verb klingt stands in position two.
Sie spielt die Klarinette.
She plays the clarinet.
sie spielt means she plays. die Klarinette is accusative because spielen takes the instrument as a direct object; the feminine article looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Er übt mit der Klarinette.
He practises with the clarinet.
er übt means he practises. mit always takes the dative, so der Klarinette is dative; the feminine article changes from die to der.
Der Klang der Klarinette ist warm.
The sound of the clarinet is warm.
der Klang means the sound and warm means warm. der Klarinette is genitive because it identifies whose sound it is; with a feminine noun, the noun stays unchanged and only the article marks the genitive.
Im Orchester spielen drei Klarinetten.
Three clarinets play in the orchestra.
im Orchester means in the orchestra, and drei means three. Klarinetten is the plural subject, formed with -en; because the subject is plural, the verb is spielen, not spielt.
das Klavier — piano
The plural is Klaviere, with -e and no umlaut. German normally says Klavier spielen without an article when speaking about playing the instrument in general.
Das Klavier steht im Wohnzimmer.
The piano is in the living room.
das Wohnzimmer means living room, and steht means is standing or is located. Das Klavier is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb steht is in position two.
Ich spiele das Klavier jeden Abend.
I play the piano every evening.
spiele means play and jeden Abend means every evening. Das Klavier is accusative because spielen takes a direct object, while spiele stands in position two.
Sie gibt dem Klavier eine neue Stimme.
She gives the piano a new voice.
gibt means gives, eine neue Stimme means a new voice, and neu means new. Dem Klavier is dative because geben assigns the recipient or affected thing to the dative, while eine neue Stimme is the accusative thing being given.
Die Tasten des Klaviers sind schwer.
The piano's keys are heavy.
die Tasten are the keys and schwer means heavy. Des Klaviers is genitive because it shows whose keys they are; the finite verb sind is in position two.
In der Schule stehen drei Klaviere.
There are three pianos at the school.
in der Schule means at or in the school, and drei means three. Klaviere is the plural of das Klavier; in takes the dative here because this describes a location, not movement.
das Konzert — concert
Das Konzert beginnt um acht Uhr.
The concert starts at eight o’clock.
beginnt means starts and um acht Uhr means at eight o’clock. Das Konzert is the nominative subject, and the finite verb beginnt is in position two.
Wir besuchen heute ein Konzert.
We are going to a concert today.
wir means we, besuchen means visit or attend, and heute means today. ein Konzert is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; the finite verb is in position two.
Nach dem Konzert fahren wir nach Hause.
After the concert, we are going home.
nach means after here, fahren means go or travel, and nach Hause means home. nach dem Konzert is dative because this use of nach takes the dative, and the verb follows the initial phrase in position two.
Die Stimmung des Konzerts war großartig.
The atmosphere of the concert was fantastic.
die Stimmung means the atmosphere, war means was, and großartig means fantastic. des Konzerts is genitive and shows which concert the atmosphere belongs to.
Im Sommer besuchen wir viele Konzerte.
In summer we attend many concerts.
im Sommer means in summer, viele means many, and besuchen means attend. viele Konzerte is a plural accusative object after besuchen; the plural noun has no ending here beyond its -e plural.
das Lieblingslied — favorite song
The compound combines Lieblings-, meaning favorite, with Lied, meaning song. It is neuter because the final noun Lied is neuter.
Das Lieblingslied läuft im Radio.
The favorite song is playing on the radio.
läuft means is playing or running, and im Radio means on the radio. Das Lieblingslied is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb läuft is in position two.
Wir singen das Lieblingslied zusammen.
We sing the favorite song together.
singen means sing, and zusammen means together. Das Lieblingslied is accusative because singen takes a direct object; the neuter article remains das.
Ich höre mit dem Lieblingslied auf.
I stop with the favorite song.
höre ... auf means stop, and mit means with. Dem Lieblingslied is dative because mit always takes the dative; the separable prefix auf moves to the end of the main clause.
Der Text des Lieblingslieds ist leicht.
The lyrics of the favorite song are easy.
Der Text means the lyrics or text, and leicht means easy. Des Lieblingslieds is genitive because it shows which song the lyrics belong to; neuter genitive uses des and usually -s.
Die Lieblingslieder der Familie sind sehr verschieden.
The family's favorite songs are very different.
der Familie means of the family, and sehr verschieden means very different. Die Lieblingslieder is plural; Lied changes to Lieder with an umlaut and -er.
Das ist das Lieblingslied meiner Freundin.
That is my girlfriend's favorite song.
Das ist means that is, and meiner Freundin means my girlfriend's. Das Lieblingslied is a predicate noun after ist, while meiner Freundin expresses possession.
das Lied — song
The plural Lieder means songs; do not confuse it with the singular Lied. The related word das Liedchen means a little song.
Das Lied ist sehr schön.
The song is very beautiful.
sehr schön means very beautiful. Das Lied is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist is in position two.
Ich kenne das Lied.
I know the song.
kenne means know. Das Lied is accusative because kennen takes a direct object, while the finite verb kenne stands in position two.
Wir hören dem Lied aufmerksam zu.
We listen attentively to the song.
aufmerksam means attentively, and zuhören means to listen. Dem Lied is dative because zuhören takes a dative object; the separable verb has hören in position two and zu at the end.
Der Text des Liedes ist schwer zu verstehen.
The lyrics of the song are difficult to understand.
der Text means the lyrics or text, and schwer zu verstehen means difficult to understand. Des Liedes is genitive because it identifies whose text it is; the verb ist is in position two.
Die Lieder im Radio sind alt.
The songs on the radio are old.
im Radio means on the radio, and alt means old. Die Lieder is plural nominative because it is the subject, so the plural verb sind is used.
malen — to draw, to paint; to paint a surface
malen is a regular weak verb with malte – hat gemalt and takes haben in the perfect. For a picture, use an accusative object such as ein Bild malen; for painting a surface, the object can be a wall or another thing being painted.
Ich male ein Bild.
I am drawing a picture.
ich means I, ein Bild is a picture, and male means draw or paint. ein Bild is accusative because malen takes an accusative object, and the finite verb male is in position two.
Sie hat ein schönes Bild gemalt.
She painted a beautiful picture.
sie means she, schönes means beautiful, and Bild means picture; gemalt means painted. The auxiliary hat is in position two and the Partizip II gemalt goes to the end; ein schönes Bild is accusative.
Als Kind malte er gern Tiere.
As a child, he liked drawing animals.
als Kind means as a child, gern means gladly or liked to, and Tiere means animals. malte is the preterite form; the subordinate clause introduced by als sends malte to the end, while the main-clause verb malte is in position two.
Mal einen Stern!
Draw a star!
einen Stern means a star, and mal means draw. The du imperative has no pronoun and takes the bare form mal; einen Stern is accusative because it is what is drawn.
Ich würde gern ein Porträt malen.
I would like to paint a portrait.
würde gern means would like to, and ein Porträt means a portrait; malen means to paint. In the würde construction, the finite verb würde is in position two and the infinitive malen goes to the end; the object is accusative.
Morgen werde ich ein großes Bild malen.
Tomorrow I will paint a large picture.
morgen means tomorrow, großes means large, and Bild means picture; malen means to paint. In the future, the finite auxiliary werde is in position two and the infinitive malen goes to the end; ein großes Bild is accusative.
Wir malen die Küche weiß.
We are painting the kitchen white.
die Küche means the kitchen and weiß means white; malen means paint. die Küche is accusative because it is the surface being painted, and weiß describes the resulting colour.
Die Handwerker haben das Zimmer gemalt.
The tradespeople painted the room.
die Handwerker means the tradespeople and das Zimmer means the room; gemalt means painted. The auxiliary haben is in position two and gemalt goes to the end, while das Zimmer is an accusative object.
der Maler — painter; painter and decorator
der Maler can mean a painter of pictures or a tradesperson who paints walls and rooms. Its plural is unchanged in spelling: der Maler, but die Maler in the plural.
Der Maler arbeitet im Atelier.
The painter is working in the studio.
arbeitet means is working and im Atelier means in the studio; Maler means painter. Der Maler is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Ich sehe den Maler.
I see the painter.
sehe means see and den Maler means the painter; ich means I. den Maler is accusative because sehen takes an accusative object, and the finite verb sehe is in position two.
Ich gebe dem Maler den Schlüssel.
I give the painter the key.
gebe means give and den Schlüssel means the key; dem Maler means to the painter. dem Maler is dative because geben assigns the recipient dative, while den Schlüssel is the accusative thing given.
Das Bild des Malers hängt im Museum.
The painter’s picture is hanging in the museum.
das Bild means the picture, hängt means is hanging, and im Museum means in the museum; des Malers means of the painter. des Malers is genitive because it shows possession, and the genitive masculine noun takes -s.
Die Maler arbeiten heute zusammen.
The painters are working together today.
arbeiten means are working, heute means today, and zusammen means together; Maler means painters here. The plural has no noun ending, so the article die identifies it; the finite verb arbeiten stands in position two.
die Malerin — female painter; painter and decorator
die Malerin is the feminine form of der Maler and can describe a painter of pictures or a tradesperson who paints rooms. Its plural is formed with -innen: die Malerinnen.
Die Malerin arbeitet im Atelier.
The female painter is working in the studio.
arbeitet means is working and im Atelier means in the studio; Malerin means female painter. Die Malerin is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Ich sehe die Malerin.
I see the female painter.
sehe means see and Malerin means female painter; ich means I. die Malerin is accusative because sehen takes an accusative object, although the feminine article die looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Ich gebe der Malerin den Schlüssel.
I give the female painter the key.
gebe means give and den Schlüssel means the key; der Malerin means to the female painter. der Malerin is dative because geben assigns the recipient dative, while den Schlüssel is the accusative thing given.
Das Bild der Malerin hängt im Museum.
The female painter’s picture is hanging in the museum.
das Bild means the picture, hängt means is hanging, and im Museum means in the museum; der Malerin means of the female painter. der Malerin is genitive because it shows possession, and feminine genitive uses der without changing the noun.
Die Malerinnen arbeiten heute zusammen.
The female painters are working together today.
arbeiten means are working, heute means today, and zusammen means together; Malerinnen means female painters. The plural ending -innen is added to the singular -in, and the finite verb arbeiten stands in position two.
die Musik — music
Musik is normally an uncountable noun, so it has no plural when it means music in general. To talk about different kinds, use Musikrichtungen or Arten von Musik, not a plural of Musik.
Musik macht mich glücklich.
Music makes me happy.
macht means makes and glücklich means happy. Musik is nominative because it is the subject, while mich is accusative because machen describes the person affected.
Ich höre gern Musik.
I like listening to music.
höre means listen to or hear, and gern means gladly or like to. Musik is an uncountable accusative object after hören; as a mass noun, it normally has no plural in this meaning.
Wir tanzen zu der Musik.
We dance to the music.
tanzen means dance and zu der Musik means to the music. Der Musik is dative because zu always takes dative; the finite verb tanzen is in position two.
Die Wirkung der Musik ist erstaunlich.
The effect of the music is amazing.
die Wirkung means the effect and erstaunlich means amazing. Der Musik is genitive because it identifies which music has the effect; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
das Musikinstrument — musical instrument
This is a compound: Musik means music and Instrument means instrument. The final part, Instrument, determines the neuter gender and the plural ending.
Das Musikinstrument ist sehr teuer.
The musical instrument is very expensive.
teuer means expensive. Das Musikinstrument is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Sie kauft das Musikinstrument im Musikgeschäft.
She buys the musical instrument at the music shop.
kauft means buys, and Musikgeschäft means music shop. Das Musikinstrument is accusative because kaufen takes a direct object; neuter nominative and accusative both use das.
Der Lehrer zeigt dem Musikinstrument?
The teacher shows the musical instrument?
Lehrer means teacher and zeigt means shows. Dem Musikinstrument is dative in this sentence, but a musical instrument is usually the thing shown or played, so a more natural sentence would be Der Lehrer zeigt den Kindern das Musikinstrument.
Der Klang des Musikinstruments ist wunderschön.
The sound of the musical instrument is wonderful.
Klang means sound, and wunderschön means wonderful or beautiful. Des Musikinstruments is genitive because it identifies which sound; the noun adds -s after the genitive article des.
Die Musikinstrumente liegen im Schrank.
The musical instruments are lying in the cupboard.
liegen means are lying, and Schrank means cupboard. Die Musikinstrumente is plural and nominative because it is the subject; liegen is the plural verb form.
die Note — grade, mark; musical note; banknote; musical note
The meaning depends on context: die Note can be a school grade, a musical note, or a banknote. In music, it is often used with spielen, singen, or lesen.
Die Note ist sehr gut.
The grade is very good.
sehr gut means very good. Die Note is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist is in position two.
Ich bekomme eine gute Note.
I get a good grade.
bekommen means to get, and gute means good. Eine gute Note is accusative because it is the object of bekommen; the feminine adjective ending is -e after eine.
Meine Mutter hilft mir bei der Note.
My mother helps me with the grade.
meine Mutter is my mother, and hilft means helps. Mir is dative because helfen takes a dative person, and bei der Note is also dative because bei requires the dative.
Die Bedeutung der Note ist unklar.
The meaning of the grade is unclear.
die Bedeutung is the meaning, and unklar means unclear. Der Note is genitive to show which meaning is meant; ist is the finite verb in position two.
Die Schüler vergleichen ihre Noten.
The pupils compare their grades.
die Schüler are the pupils, vergleichen means compare, and ihre means their. Noten is plural and accusative because it is the object of vergleichen; the plural form ends in -n.
Welche Note hast du in Mathe?
What grade did you get in maths?
welche means which, hast du means have you, and Mathe means maths. Welche Note is accusative because it is the object of haben; the question word comes first and the finite verb hast stays in position two.
Sie singt eine hohe Note.
She sings a high note.
singt means sings, and hohe means high. Eine hohe Note is accusative because it is the object of singen; the adjective has the feminine accusative ending -e.
Die Noten liegen auf dem Klavier.
The sheet music is lying on the piano.
liegen means are lying, and auf dem Klavier means on the piano. Noten is plural and nominative as the subject; auf dem Klavier is dative because it describes a fixed location.
die Nummer — number; number in a sequence; telephone number; contact number
Use die Nummer for an identifying or ordering number, such as a room number, bus number, or number in a list. For a mathematical number, die Zahl is often more natural.
Die Nummer steht auf dem Zettel.
The number is written on the note.
steht means is written or is located, and der Zettel is the note or piece of paper. Die Nummer is the nominative subject, and the finite verb steht is in position two; auf dem Zettel is dative because it describes a fixed location.
Ich schreibe die Nummer auf.
I write down the number.
schreibe ... auf means write down, and aufschreiben is a separable verb. Die Nummer is accusative because it is the object of aufschreiben; the finite part schreibe is in position two and auf goes to the end.
Kannst du mir die Nummer sagen?
Can you tell me the number?
kannst du means can you, mir means to me, and sagen means tell or say. Mir is dative because it is the person receiving the information, while die Nummer is accusative as the thing being told; the modal verb kannst sends sagen to the end.
Die Länge der Nummer ist egal.
The length of the number does not matter.
die Länge means the length, ist means is, and egal means irrelevant or not important. Der Nummer is genitive after die Länge to show which number is meant; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Die Nummern stehen in der Liste.
The numbers are in the list.
stehen means are written or are located, and die Liste is the list. Die Nummern is the plural subject, and in der Liste is dative because in describes a fixed location rather than movement.
Welche Nummer hat dieser Bus?
What number is this bus?
welche means which, dieser Bus means this bus, and hat means has. Welche Nummer is the accusative object of hat in the sense “what number does it have”; the question word comes first, so hat remains in position two.
Ich gebe dir meine Nummer.
I’ll give you my number.
gebe means give, dir means to you, and meine means my. Meine Nummer is accusative as the thing given, while dir is dative for the recipient; the finite verb gebe is in position two.
Ruf mich bitte unter dieser Nummer an.
Please call me at this number.
ruf ... an means call, mich means me, bitte means please, and dieser means this. Unter dieser Nummer is the usual phrase for a telephone number and takes the dative; mich is accusative as the person called, and the separable prefix an goes to the end.
der Schlüssel — key; key; essential factor
The plural is die Schlüssel, with no plural ending. In the genitive singular, der Schlüssel becomes des Schlüssels.
Der Schlüssel liegt auf dem Tisch.
The key is on the table.
liegt means is lying, and auf dem Tisch means on the table. Der Schlüssel is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb liegt is in position two.
Ich suche den Schlüssel.
I am looking for the key.
suche means am looking for. Den Schlüssel is accusative because suchen takes a direct object, and the finite verb suche stands in position two.
Kannst du mir den Schlüssel zeigen?
Can you show me the key?
Kannst du means can you, mir means to me, and zeigen means show. Mir is dative because it is the person shown something, while den Schlüssel is accusative because it is the thing shown; the modal kannst is in position two and zeigen goes to the end.
Die Farbe des Schlüssels ist auffällig.
The key's colour is conspicuous.
die Farbe means the colour, and auffällig means conspicuous or noticeable. Des Schlüssels is genitive because it shows possession; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Die Schlüssel liegen neben der Tasche.
The keys are next to the bag.
liegen means are lying, and neben der Tasche means next to the bag. Die Schlüssel is plural nominative as the subject; neben takes the dative here because it describes a fixed location.
Geduld ist der Schlüssel zum Erfolg.
Patience is the key to success.
Geduld means patience, and Erfolg means success. Der Schlüssel is a predicate noun after sein, so it stays nominative; zum Erfolg means to success and contains zu dem, which takes the dative.
Dieser Hinweis war der Schlüssel zur Lösung.
This clue was the key to solving it.
Dieser Hinweis means this clue, and Lösung means solution. Der Schlüssel is nominative after war because it identifies the subject; zur Lösung means to the solution and contains dative zu der.
singen — to sing; to sing, of a bird: to chirp or warble
singen uses haben in the perfect: hat gesungen. A song can be the accusative object, as in ein Lied singen, but the verb can also be used without an object.
Ich singe jeden Morgen unter der Dusche.
I sing every morning in the shower.
jeden Morgen means every morning, and unter der Dusche means in the shower. The finite verb singe is in position two; jeden Morgen is an accusative time expression, while unter der Dusche describes location.
Wir haben ein Lied gesungen.
We sang a song.
wir means we, and ein Lied means a song. ein Lied is accusative because singen can take a song as its direct object; gesungen goes to the end with haben in the perfect.
Sie sang ein altes Volkslied.
She sang an old folk song.
sie means she, alt means old, and das Volkslied means folk song. sang is the irregular simple-past form in position two, and ein altes Volkslied is accusative as the direct object.
Sing bitte leiser!
Please sing more quietly!
bitte means please, and leiser means more quietly. Sing is the singular imperative, and the subject du is omitted; leiser describes how the singing should happen.
Ich würde gern im Chor singen.
I would like to sing in the choir.
gern means gladly or would like to, im Chor means in the choir. The infinitive singen goes to the end after würde; im Chor is a dative location phrase with in.
Morgen werde ich auf der Bühne singen.
Tomorrow I will sing on stage.
morgen means tomorrow, and auf der Bühne means on stage. The finite verb werde is in position two and the infinitive singen goes to the end; auf der Bühne is dative because it describes a fixed location.
Die Vögel singen im Garten.
The birds are singing in the garden.
die Vögel means the birds, and im Garten means in the garden. Die Vögel is the nominative subject, and the finite verb singen is in position two; im Garten is a dative location phrase.
Jeden Morgen singt eine Amsel vor meinem Fenster.
Every morning, a blackbird sings outside my window.
jeden Morgen means every morning, eine Amsel means a blackbird, and vor meinem Fenster means outside my window. The time phrase is first, so singt remains in position two; meinem Fenster is dative after the location preposition vor.
das Spiel — game; play
Das Spiel usually means a game or an organised activity, but it can also mean a theatre play. The verb spielen can mean to play a game, play music or act in a play, depending on the context.
Das Spiel beginnt um acht Uhr.
The game starts at eight o'clock.
beginnt means starts and um acht Uhr means at eight o'clock. Das Spiel is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Wir spielen das Spiel im Garten.
We are playing the game in the garden.
spielen means to play, im Garten means in the garden, and Wir means we. Das Spiel is accusative because it is the object of spielen; the neuter article looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Die Kinder geben dem Spiel einen Namen.
The children give the game a name.
die Kinder means the children, geben means give, and einen Namen means a name. Dem Spiel is dative because it is the recipient or target of geben, while einen Namen is the accusative thing given.
Die Regeln des Spiels sind einfach.
The rules of the game are simple.
die Regeln means the rules and einfach means simple. Des Spiels is genitive because it identifies which rules they are; the noun adds -s and the article is des.
Am Wochenende machen wir zwei Spiele.
At the weekend we play two games.
am Wochenende means at the weekend, machen means do or play here, and zwei means two. Spiele is plural and accusative because it is the object of machen; its plural ending is -e.
Die Schauspieler proben ein neues Spiel.
The actors are rehearsing a new play.
die Schauspieler are the actors, proben means rehearse, and neu means new. Here Spiel means a theatre play; it is accusative after proben, and neues has the neuter ending after ein.
spielen — to play; to play an instrument
For games and sports, spielen is usually used without an article before the activity, as in Fußball spielen. It takes haben in the perfect.
Meine Kinder spielen jeden Nachmittag im Garten.
My children play in the garden every afternoon.
jeden Nachmittag means every afternoon and der Garten means garden. Im Garten is dative because in describes a fixed location here, and the finite verb spielen is in position two.
Wir haben gestern lange gespielt.
We played for a long time yesterday.
gestern means yesterday and lange means for a long time. The perfect uses haben plus gespielt at the end of the clause; learners must not put the participle directly after haben.
Als Kind spielte ich oft draußen.
As a child, I often played outside.
als Kind means as a child and draußen means outside. The weak-verb preterite spielte is in position two, while ich is the subject.
Spiel mit deinem Bruder!
Play with your brother!
mit means with and dein Bruder means your brother. Mit always takes the dative, so deinem Bruder is dative; the informal imperative leaves out du.
Wenn ich mehr Zeit hätte, spielte ich wieder Tennis.
If I had more time, I would play tennis again.
mehr Zeit means more time, wieder means again, and Tennis is tennis. The wenn clause puts the finite verb hätte at the end, while spielte expresses an unreal or hypothetical situation.
Morgen spielen wir gegen die Nachbarschule.
Tomorrow we will play against the neighbouring school.
morgen means tomorrow, gegen means against, and die Nachbarschule means the neighbouring school. Gegen takes the accusative, and the future uses werden with spielen at the end, although the present can also express a planned future.
Sie spielt sehr gut Klavier.
She plays the piano very well.
sehr gut means very well and Klavier means piano. The instrument is used without an article in this expression, and the finite verb spielt stands in position two.
Mein Sohn hat gestern zum ersten Mal Geige gespielt.
My son played the violin for the first time yesterday.
mein Sohn means my son, gestern means yesterday, and zum ersten Mal means for the first time. The perfect is formed with hat and gespielt, with the participle at the end; Geige spielen normally has no article.
der Sänger — singer (male)
This word refers specifically to a male singer; the feminine form is die Sängerin.
Der Sänger steht auf der Bühne.
The singer is standing on the stage.
die Bühne means stage. Der Sänger is nominative because he is the subject, and the finite verb steht is in position two.
Ich höre den Sänger im Radio.
I hear the singer on the radio.
hören means to hear and das Radio means radio. Den Sänger is accusative because hören takes a direct object; the finite verb höre is in position two.
Ich gebe dem Sänger eine Blume.
I give the singer a flower.
geben means to give and die Blume means flower. Dem Sänger is dative for the recipient, while eine Blume is accusative as the thing given.
Die Stimme des Sängers ist kräftig.
The singer's voice is powerful.
die Stimme means voice and kräftig means powerful. Des Sängers is genitive because it shows possession; the masculine noun adds -s after des.
Die Sänger singen ein neues Lied.
The singers are singing a new song.
singen means to sing and ein neues Lied means a new song. Die Sänger is the plural subject, and the finite verb singen is in position two.
die Sängerin — singer (female)
The feminine form is made with -in; its plural is Sängerinnen. Use Sängerin for one woman and Sänger for a male singer or, sometimes, a mixed group.
Die Sängerin singt auf der Bühne.
The singer is singing on the stage.
singen means to sing and die Bühne means stage. Die Sängerin is nominative because she is the subject, and singt is in position two.
Ich sehe die Sängerin im Fernsehen.
I see the singer on television.
sehen means to see and das Fernsehen means television. Die Sängerin is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the finite verb sehe is in position two.
Wir danken der Sängerin für das Konzert.
We thank the singer for the concert.
danken means to thank and das Konzert means concert. Der Sängerin is dative because danken requires a dative person; für das Konzert is accusative after für.
Die Stimme der Sängerin ist klar.
The singer's voice is clear.
die Stimme means voice and klar means clear. Der Sängerin is genitive because it shows possession; the feminine noun has no extra genitive ending.
Die Sängerinnen warten hinter der Bühne.
The singers are waiting behind the stage.
warten means to wait and hinter der Bühne means behind the stage. Die Sängerinnen is the plural subject, while der Bühne is dative because hinter describes a fixed location here.
der Tanz — dance
Der Tanz beginnt um acht Uhr.
The dance begins at eight o'clock.
beginnt means begins and um acht Uhr means at eight o'clock. Der Tanz is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Wir lernen einen Tanz.
We are learning a dance.
wir lernen means we are learning. Einen Tanz is accusative because lernen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from ein to einen.
Nach dem Tanz trinken wir Wasser.
After the dance, we drink water.
nach means after and trinken means drink. Dem Tanz is dative because nach always takes dative; because the prepositional phrase comes first, trinken is still in position two and comes before wir.
Der Rhythmus des Tanzes ist schwierig.
The rhythm of the dance is difficult.
der Rhythmus means the rhythm and schwierig means difficult. Des Tanzes is genitive because it identifies which rhythm; the noun adds -es and the finite verb ist is in position two.
Die Tänze aus Spanien sind sehr bekannt.
The dances from Spain are very well known.
aus Spanien means from Spain and bekannt means well known. Tänze is plural and nominative because it is the subject; its vowel changes to ä and it takes -e.
der Tanzkurs — dance course, dance class
Der Tanzkurs beginnt am Montag.
The dance course begins on Monday.
beginnt means begins and am Montag means on Monday. Der Tanzkurs is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Ich mache einen Tanzkurs.
I am taking a dance course.
ich mache means I take or do a course. Einen Tanzkurs is accusative because machen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes to einen.
Nach dem Tanzkurs fahre ich nach Hause.
After the dance course, I go home.
nach Hause means home and fahre means go or travel. Dem Tanzkurs is dative because nach always takes dative; with the introductory phrase first, fahre remains in position two before ich.
Die Teilnehmer des Tanzkurses üben heute gemeinsam.
The participants of the dance course are practising together today.
die Teilnehmer means the participants, üben means practise, and gemeinsam means together. Des Tanzkurses is genitive because it identifies which participants; the compound's second part Kurs takes the genitive ending -es.
An unserer Schule gibt es drei Tanzkurse.
There are three dance courses at our school.
an unserer Schule means at our school, and drei means three. Tanzkurse is the plural after drei; in es gibt, the object is accusative, although the plural form has no special accusative ending.
der Text — text, written passage
Der Text can mean a short message, a written passage, or the words of a song. For the words of a song as separate items, German also uses der Liedtext.
Der Text ist kurz.
The text is short.
kurz means short. Der Text is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist is in position two.
Ich lese den Text.
I am reading the text.
lese means am reading. Den Text is accusative because lesen takes a direct object, and the finite verb lese stands in position two.
Die Lehrerin hilft mir bei dem Text.
The teacher helps me with the text.
die Lehrerin means the female teacher, hilft means helps, and bei means with or during. Dem Text is dative because bei governs the dative; the finite verb hilft is in position two.
Der Anfang des Textes ist schwierig.
The beginning of the text is difficult.
der Anfang means the beginning, and schwierig means difficult. Des Textes is genitive because it shows which text the beginning belongs to; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Die Schüler lesen kurze Texte.
The pupils are reading short texts.
die Schüler means the pupils or students, and kurz means short. Kurze Texte is accusative plural because it is the object of lesen; the plural noun has the ending -e.
Wir schreiben heute einen Text über unsere Reise.
Today we are writing a text about our trip.
heute means today, über means about, and unsere Reise means our trip. Einen Text is accusative because schreiben takes a direct object, and the finite verb schreiben is in position two.
das Theater — theatre; theatre building or organisation; theatre as an art form
In German, Theater can mean the art form, a theatre building, or the organisation that runs it. The plural is also Theater, with no ending.
Das Theater liegt im Stadtzentrum.
The theatre is in the city centre.
liegt means is located, and das Stadtzentrum is the city centre. Das Theater is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb liegt is in position two.
Wir besuchen heute das Theater.
We are going to the theatre today.
besuchen means to visit and heute means today. Das Theater is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; the finite verb besuchen stands in position two.
Nach der Arbeit gehen wir ins Theater.
After work, we are going to the theatre.
nach der Arbeit means after work, and ins means into the. The phrase ins Theater contains in das Theater and uses accusative for movement into a place; gehen is in position two after the fronted phrase.
Die Fassade des Theaters ist sehr alt.
The theatre's façade is very old.
die Fassade is the façade and sehr alt means very old. Des Theaters is genitive to show possession, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
In dieser Stadt gibt es drei Theater.
There are three theatres in this city.
dieser Stadt means this city and drei means three. Theater is plural here, although it has no plural ending; after es gibt, the object is accusative, but the plural article is not shown.
Meine Tochter liebt Theater.
My daughter loves theatre.
meine Tochter means my daughter and liebt means loves. Here Theater refers to the art form and is used without an article as an uncountable noun; liebt is in position two.
Am Wochenende gehen wir gern ins Theater.
At the weekend, we like going to the theatre.
am Wochenende means at the weekend and gern means gladly or like to. Ins Theater means to the theatre, with accusative after in because it expresses movement; gehen is in position two.
die Trommel — drum; drum, cylinder
die Trommel usually means a musical drum. It can also describe a rotating cylindrical part of a machine, such as a washing machine drum.
Die Trommel klingt sehr laut.
The drum sounds very loud.
klingt means sounds, and sehr laut means very loud. Die Trommel is nominative because it is the subject; sehr modifies the adjective laut.
Das Kind schlägt die Trommel.
The child beats the drum.
das Kind means the child, and schlägt means beats or hits. Die Trommel is accusative because schlagen takes the thing being hit as an accusative object; the finite verb is in position two.
Der Musiker gibt der Trommel einen starken Schlag.
The musician gives the drum a strong hit.
der Musiker means the musician, gibt means gives, and einen starken Schlag means a strong hit. Der Trommel is dative as the recipient, while einen starken Schlag is accusative as the thing given.
Der Klang der Trommel ist tief.
The sound of the drum is deep.
der Klang means the sound, and tief means deep or low. Der Trommel is genitive and shows which drum the sound belongs to; the whole phrase Der Klang der Trommel is the nominative subject.
Im Musikraum stehen viele Trommeln.
There are many drums in the music room.
im Musikraum means in the music room, stehen means are standing or are located, and viele means many. Trommeln is plural; im Musikraum is dative because in describes a fixed location.
Die Wäsche liegt in der Trommel.
The laundry is in the drum.
die Wäsche means the laundry, and liegt means lies or is located. Der Trommel is dative because in describes a fixed location; here Trommel means the rotating drum of a washing machine.
Die Trommel der Waschmaschine ist voll.
The washing-machine drum is full.
die Waschmaschine is the washing machine, and voll means full. Die Trommel is the nominative subject, while der Waschmaschine is genitive and identifies which machine the drum belongs to.
die Trompete — trumpet
die Trompete is the musical instrument ‘trumpet’. To say that someone plays an instrument, German commonly uses Trompete spielen without an article, but with a specific object the accusative form die Trompete is possible.
Die Trompete klingt hell.
The trumpet sounds bright.
klingt means sounds, and hell means bright or high-pitched. Die Trompete is nominative because it is the subject; hell is predicative after klingt and has no ending.
Er spielt die Trompete.
He plays the trumpet.
er means he, and spielt means plays. Die Trompete is accusative because it is the instrument or object of spielen; the finite verb stands in position two.
Die Lehrerin hilft der Trompete nicht.
The teacher does not help the trumpet.
die Lehrerin means the teacher, hilft means helps, and nicht means not. Der Trompete is dative because helfen requires a dative object; this sentence is grammatically possible but unusual unless the trumpet itself needs help.
Der Klang der Trompete ist unverwechselbar.
The sound of the trumpet is unmistakable.
der Klang means the sound, and unverwechselbar means unmistakable. Der Trompete is genitive and identifies whose sound it is; the full phrase Der Klang der Trompete is the nominative subject.
Im Orchester spielen drei Trompeten.
Three trumpets play in the orchestra.
im Orchester means in the orchestra, spielen means play, and drei means three. Trompeten is plural and is the nominative subject after the verb; im Orchester is dative because it gives a fixed location.
zeichnen — to draw; to sign (a formal document)
zeichnen normally takes an accusative object for the thing being drawn. The perfect is formed with haben, not sein.
Ich zeichne ein Haus.
I am drawing a house.
ein Haus means a house. zeichne is the finite verb in position two, and ein Haus is accusative because zeichnen takes the thing being drawn as an accusative object.
Ich habe ein Tier gezeichnet.
I drew an animal.
ein Tier means an animal. The perfect uses habe plus gezeichnet; gezeichnet goes to the end, and ein Tier is accusative as the object of zeichnen.
Früher zeichnete sie jeden Tag.
She used to draw every day.
früher means formerly or in the past, and jeden Tag means every day. zeichnete is the weak-verb Präteritum in position two; sie is the subject.
Zeichne einen Baum!
Draw a tree!
einen Baum means a tree. zeichne is the informal singular imperative and comes first; einen Baum is accusative because it is the thing being drawn.
Wenn ich besser zeichnen könnte, würde ich ein Porträt machen.
If I could draw better, I would make a portrait.
besser means better, ein Porträt means a portrait, and machen means make. könnte sends the infinitive zeichnen to the end of the subordinate clause; ein Porträt is accusative after machen.
Morgen werde ich eine Landschaft zeichnen.
Tomorrow I will draw a landscape.
morgen means tomorrow, and eine Landschaft means a landscape. The future uses werde in position two and puts the infinitive zeichnen at the end; eine Landschaft is accusative as the object.
Die beiden Partner zeichneten den Vertrag.
The two partners signed the contract.
die beiden Partner means the two partners, and den Vertrag means the contract. zeichneten is the past-tense verb in position two, and den Vertrag is accusative as the document being signed.
Nach der Prüfung haben alle Beteiligten das Protokoll gezeichnet.
After the examination, all those involved signed the record.
nach der Prüfung means after the examination, alle Beteiligten means everyone involved, and das Protokoll means the record. gezeichnet is at the end with haben in the perfect, and das Protokoll is accusative.
üben — to practise; to rehearse
üben takes an accusative object for the skill, subject, or material being practised. Its perfect uses haben, and the verb can describe both regular training and rehearsing a performance.
Ich übe jeden Abend Klavier.
I practise the piano every evening.
jeden Abend means every evening, and Klavier means piano. The finite verb übe is in position two, and Klavier is an accusative object because üben takes the thing being practised.
Wir haben für die Prüfung geübt.
We practised for the exam.
für die Prüfung means for the exam, and Prüfung is an exam. The preposition für takes the accusative, while haben is in position two and geübt goes to the end of the clause.
Sie übte die neuen Wörter.
She practised the new words.
die neuen Wörter means the new words. The weak past form übte is in position two, and die neuen Wörter is accusative because it is what she practised.
Üb die Aussprache!
Practise the pronunciation!
die Aussprache means the pronunciation. Üb is the short du imperative and comes first; the noun is accusative because it is the object of üben, and the subject du is left out.
Wenn ich mehr Zeit hätte, übte ich jeden Tag.
If I had more time, I would practise every day.
mehr Zeit means more time, and jeden Tag means every day. In the wenn clause, the finite verb hätte goes to the end; übte expresses the unreal result and stands in position two in the main clause.
Ich werde morgen für den Test üben.
I will practise for the test tomorrow.
morgen means tomorrow, and der Test means the test. The auxiliary werde is in position two and the infinitive üben goes to the end; für den Test is accusative after für.