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Vocab: People & relationships — B1 (2)
People & relationships vocabulary at B1 level.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
der Kompromiss — compromise
A common collocation is einen Kompromiss finden, literally to find a compromise. With the verb zustimmen, use the dative: einem Kompromiss zustimmen, meaning to agree to a compromise.
Der Kompromiss ist für beide Seiten akzeptabel.
The compromise is acceptable to both sides.
für beide Seiten means for both sides, and akzeptabel means acceptable. Der Kompromiss is nominative because it is the subject; für takes the accusative, shown by beide Seiten.
Wir finden einen Kompromiss.
We find a compromise.
finden means to find. Einen Kompromiss is accusative because finden takes a direct object, and the masculine article changes from ein to einen.
Beide Parteien stimmen dem Kompromiss zu.
Both parties agree to the compromise.
beide Parteien means both parties and stimmen ... zu means agree to. Dem Kompromiss is dative because zustimmen governs the dative; in this main clause, stimmen is in position two and zu goes to the end.
Die Bedingungen des Kompromisses sind schwierig.
The conditions of the compromise are difficult.
die Bedingungen means the conditions and schwierig means difficult. Des Kompromisses is genitive to show which compromise the conditions belong to, and the noun adds -es in the genitive.
Nach langen Gesprächen akzeptieren beide Seiten Kompromisse.
After long discussions, both sides accept compromises.
nach langen Gesprächen means after long discussions, and akzeptieren means accept. Kompromisse is plural accusative as the direct object of akzeptieren; the plural ending is -e.
der Konflikt — conflict, disagreement
This word can describe a personal disagreement, a political dispute, or an armed conflict. The verb lösen takes an accusative object: einen Konflikt lösen means resolve a conflict.
Der Konflikt dauert schon lange.
The conflict has been going on for a long time.
dauert schon lange means has been going on for a long time. Der Konflikt is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb dauert is in position two.
Die beiden Parteien haben den Konflikt gelöst.
The two sides resolved the conflict.
die beiden Parteien means the two sides and gelöst means resolved. den Konflikt is accusative because lösen takes a direct object; haben is in position two and gelöst goes to the end.
Bei dem Konflikt leiden viele Menschen.
Many people suffer because of the conflict.
bei dem means during or because of the, and leiden means suffer. dem Konflikt is dative after bei, while the finite verb leiden stands in position two.
Die Folgen des Konflikts sind noch sichtbar.
The consequences of the conflict are still visible.
die Folgen means the consequences and sichtbar means visible. des Konflikts is genitive because it identifies which consequences; remember the masculine ending -s on the noun.
Solche Konflikte können gefährlich werden.
Conflicts like that can become dangerous.
solche means such, können means can, and gefährlich werden means become dangerous. Konflikte is plural after solche; with the modal verb können, the other verb werden goes to the end.
lebhaft — lively, animated, energetic
Lebhaft can describe a person, a place, or an activity with a lot of energy. For an emotionally vivid colour or description, English often uses vivid rather than lively.
Das Kind ist sehr lebhaft.
The child is very lively.
Das Kind means the child, and sehr means very. Lebhaft is predicative after ist, so it has no adjective ending; ist is the finite verb in position two.
Ein lebhaftes Kind stellt viele Fragen.
A lively child asks many questions.
Ein Kind means a child, stellt Fragen means asks questions, and viele means many. Lebhaftes stands before the neuter noun Kind and takes -es after the indefinite article ein; the noun phrase is nominative because it is the subject.
Meine Tochter ist heute lebhafter als gestern.
My daughter is livelier today than yesterday.
Meine Tochter means my daughter, heute means today, and gestern means yesterday. Lebhafter is predicative after ist and compares with als; do not use wie for this unequal comparison.
Der lebhafteste Schüler spricht vor der Klasse.
The liveliest student speaks in front of the class.
Der Schüler means the student, and vor der Klasse means in front of the class. Lebhafteste is the superlative before a masculine nominative noun and takes -e after der; spricht is in position two.
leichtsinnig — reckless, careless
Leichtsinnig describes a person or action that ignores danger or consequences. It is stronger than simply unvorsichtig, careless, and usually suggests blame.
Sein Verhalten war leichtsinnig.
His behaviour was reckless.
sein Verhalten means his behaviour. Leichtsinnig follows war, so it is predicative and has no adjective ending; the adjective describes the subject's behaviour.
Er traf eine leichtsinnige Entscheidung.
He made a reckless decision.
treffen means to make or take in this expression, and die Entscheidung is the decision. eine leichtsinnige Entscheidung is accusative because treffen takes a direct object; the feminine adjective ending after eine is -e.
Er handelt leichtsinniger als sein Bruder.
He acts more recklessly than his brother.
handeln means to act, and der Bruder is the brother. Leichtsinniger compares his behaviour with his brother's after als; because it is used adverbially here, it has no adjective ending.
Von allen war er am leichtsinnigsten.
Of everyone, he was the most reckless.
von allen means of or among everyone, and alle means everyone here. Von takes the dative, shown by allen; am leichtsinnigsten is the predicative superlative and therefore uses am.
menschlich — human, humane, humanly understanding
menschlich can mean “human” in the sense of relating to people, or “humane” and understanding in the sense of showing kindness. It forms the regular comparison menschlicher, am menschlichsten.
Seine Reaktion war sehr menschlich.
His reaction was very human.
seine Reaktion means “his reaction,” war means “was,” and sehr means “very.” Menschlich is predicative after war, so it has no adjective ending.
Menschliche Fehler sind normal.
Human errors are normal.
Fehler means “errors,” sind means “are,” and normal means “normal.” Menschliche stands before the plural noun and takes the adjective ending -e because the phrase is nominative.
Dieser Weg ist menschlicher als der andere.
This approach is more humane than the other one.
dieser Weg means “this approach,” als means “than,” and der andere means “the other one.” Menschlicher is predicative after ist, so it has no ending; comparisons use als.
Sie hat am menschlichsten reagiert.
She reacted in the most humane way.
sie hat reagiert means “she reacted,” and reagieren means “to react.” Am menschlichsten is the adverbial superlative, and the participle reagiert goes to the end of the perfect tense.
der Nachfolger — successor
The feminine form is die Nachfolgerin. The plural is unusual because der Nachfolger has the same form in the singular and plural.
Der Nachfolger des Direktors beginnt im September.
The director's successor starts in September.
der Direktor is the director, and im September means in September. Der Nachfolger is nominative because it is the subject; des Direktors is genitive because it identifies whose successor he is, and the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Die Firma sucht den Nachfolger für den Chef.
The company is looking for the boss's successor.
die Firma is the company, sucht means is looking for, and der Chef is the boss. Den Nachfolger is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; the finite verb sucht is in position two.
Wir gratulieren dem Nachfolger zum neuen Amt.
We congratulate the successor on his new office.
gratulieren means to congratulate, and das neue Amt is the new office or position. Dem Nachfolger is dative because gratulieren governs the dative; zum means zu dem and marks the new office as the occasion.
Die Entscheidung des Nachfolgers war überraschend.
The successor's decision was surprising.
die Entscheidung is the decision and überraschend means surprising. Des Nachfolgers is genitive to show possession, and the noun takes -s in the masculine genitive singular.
Die Nachfolger übernehmen verschiedene Aufgaben.
The successors take over different tasks.
übernehmen means take over, and verschiedene Aufgaben means different tasks. Nachfolger has no plural ending here; die and the plural verb übernehmen show that it is plural.
die Nachfolgerin — female successor
Nachfolgerin specifically refers to a woman who takes over a position. The masculine form Nachfolger can refer to a man or, in some contexts, to a successor without specifying gender.
Die Nachfolgerin des Ministers arbeitet seit Montag im Ministerium.
The minister's successor has been working at the ministry since Monday.
der Minister is the minister, seit Montag means since Monday, and das Ministerium is the ministry. Die Nachfolgerin is nominative because it is the subject; des Ministers is genitive to identify whose successor she is.
Die Partei unterstützt die Nachfolgerin des Vorsitzenden.
The party supports the chairman's successor.
die Partei is the party, unterstützt means supports, and der Vorsitzende is the chairperson. Die Nachfolgerin is accusative because unterstützen takes a direct object; with a feminine noun, nominative and accusative both use die.
Die Mitarbeiter danken der Nachfolgerin für ihre Hilfe.
The employees thank the female successor for her help.
die Mitarbeiter are the employees, danken means thank, and ihre Hilfe is her help. Der Nachfolgerin is dative because danken governs the dative; für ihre Hilfe is accusative because für always takes the accusative.
Die Rede der Nachfolgerin war sehr überzeugend.
The female successor's speech was very convincing.
die Rede is the speech and überzeugend means convincing. Der Nachfolgerin is genitive after die Rede to show possession; feminine genitive has no noun ending, but the article changes to der.
Die Nachfolgerinnen stellen sich den Beschäftigten vor.
The female successors introduce themselves to the employees.
stellen sich vor means introduce themselves, and die Beschäftigten are the employees. Nachfolgerinnen is plural with -innen; den Beschäftigten is dative because sich jemandem vorstellen means to introduce oneself to someone.
nachgeben — to give in, to yield; to give way; to give way, to yield physically
In the sense “give in”, nachgeben takes a dative object, as in jemandem or dem Druck nachgeben. It is a strong separable verb: gibt ... nach, gab ... nach, hat nachgegeben.
Er gibt dem Druck nicht nach.
He does not give in to the pressure.
der Druck is the pressure and nicht means not. Dem Druck is dative because nachgeben takes a dative object; the finite part gibt is in position two and the prefix nach goes to the end.
Sie hat dem Druck nachgegeben.
She gave in to the pressure.
sie means she, and der Druck is the pressure. Dem Druck is dative because of nachgeben; the perfect uses hat plus nachgegeben, with the participle at the end, and the prefix is joined in the participle.
Der Gegner gab nach wenigen Minuten nach.
The opponent gave in after a few minutes.
der Gegner is the opponent and nach wenigen Minuten means after a few minutes. Gab ... nach is the simple past of the strong verb nachgeben; gab stands in position two and nach is separated to the end.
Gib jetzt nach!
Give in now!
jetzt means now. Gib ... nach is the singular informal imperative; the prefix nach remains separate and moves to the end, and the subject du is normally omitted.
Ich würde an deiner Stelle nicht nachgeben.
I would not give in in your position.
an deiner Stelle means in your position, and nicht means not. Würde ... nachgeben expresses a hypothetical recommendation; after würde, the full infinitive nachgeben stays together at the end.
Wenn wir nachgeben, wird die Diskussion bald enden.
If we give in, the discussion will soon end.
die Diskussion is the discussion, bald means soon, and enden means end. In the wenn clause, nachgeben is a full infinitive and stays together at the end; in the main clause, wird is in position two and enden goes to the end as the future infinitive.
Der alte Stuhl gibt unter dem Gewicht nach.
The old chair gives way under the weight.
der alte Stuhl is the old chair and das Gewicht is the weight. Gibt ... nach is split because nachgeben is separable; unter dem Gewicht is dative because it describes a fixed position or condition under the weight.
Der Boden hat unter dem Schnee nachgegeben.
The ground gave way under the snow.
der Boden is the ground and der Schnee is the snow. Unter dem Schnee is dative because it describes the condition under which the ground yielded; the perfect uses hat ... nachgegeben, with the participle at the end.
der Nachwuchs — offspring, young; young talent, next generation
Nachwuchs is a mass noun for offspring or young considered as a group, so it normally has no plural. It takes a singular verb: der Nachwuchs schläft, even when English uses “the young” or “the offspring.”
Der Nachwuchs schläft schon.
The offspring are already asleep.
schläft means is sleeping and schon means already. Der Nachwuchs is nominative and takes a singular verb because this noun refers to a group as one unit; the finite verb schläft stands in position two.
Die Katze kümmert sich um den Nachwuchs.
The cat takes care of its young.
die Katze means the cat, and sich kümmern um means to take care of. Den Nachwuchs is accusative because um always takes the accusative; the finite verb kümmert stands in position two.
Wir geben dem Nachwuchs genug Platz.
We give the young enough space.
genug Platz means enough space, and geben means to give. Dem Nachwuchs is dative as the recipient, while genug Platz is accusative as the thing given; the finite verb geben stands in position two.
Die Gesundheit des Nachwuchses ist wichtig.
The health of the offspring is important.
die Gesundheit means the health, and wichtig means important. Des Nachwuchses is genitive because it identifies whose health is meant; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Der Verein sucht talentierten Nachwuchs.
The club is looking for talented young people.
der Verein means the club, sucht means is looking for, and talentiert means talented. Talentierten Nachwuchs is accusative as the object of sucht, and the adjective takes -en after the zero article.
Unsere Firma bildet den Nachwuchs selbst aus.
Our company trains its young professionals itself.
unsere Firma means our company, bildet ... aus means trains, and selbst means itself. Den Nachwuchs is accusative as the object; the separable verb ausbilden puts bildet in position two and aus at the end.
die Persönlichkeit — personality; notable person
The usual meaning is a person's character and individuality. It can also describe a well-known or influential person, especially in the plural or in formal language.
Die Persönlichkeit eines Menschen verändert sich.
A person's personality changes.
ein Mensch means a person, and sich verändern means to change. Die Persönlichkeit is nominative because it is the subject; eines Menschen is genitive and means of a person.
Viele Menschen bewundern die Persönlichkeit.
Many people admire the personality.
viele Menschen means many people, and bewundern means to admire. Die Persönlichkeit is accusative because bewundern takes an accusative object; the feminine article looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Er gibt der Persönlichkeit Raum.
He gives the personality room to develop.
Raum geben means to give room, and er means he. Der Persönlichkeit is dative because geben can take the recipient or beneficiary in the dative; gibt is in position two.
Die Entwicklung der Persönlichkeit braucht Zeit.
The development of personality takes time.
die Entwicklung means the development, and Zeit means time. Der Persönlichkeit is genitive because it identifies what is being developed; feminine genitive uses der without changing the noun.
Kinder entwickeln unterschiedliche Persönlichkeiten.
Children develop different personalities.
Kinder means children, and unterschiedlich means different. Persönlichkeiten is plural and accusative because entwickeln takes an accusative object; the plural ending is -en.
Sie hat eine interessante Persönlichkeit.
She has an interesting personality.
interessant means interesting, and haben means to have. Eine interessante Persönlichkeit is accusative because haben takes an accusative object; the adjective gets -e after eine in the feminine accusative.
populär — popular
populär means liked or known by many people. Its comparison is regular: populärer and am populärsten; do not confuse populär with berühmt, which means famous.
Der Sänger ist sehr populär.
The singer is very popular.
Der Sänger means the singer, and sehr means very. populär is predicative after ist, so it has no adjective ending; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Sie liest ein populäres Buch.
She is reading a popular book.
liest means is reading, and ein Buch means a book. populäres stands before neuter Buch in the accusative after ein, so it takes the ending -es.
Diese App ist populärer als das alte Programm.
This app is more popular than the old programme.
Diese App means this app, and das alte Programm means the old programme. populärer compares two things and is followed by als; as a predicative adjective it has no case ending.
Dieses Lied ist am populärsten.
This song is the most popular.
Dieses Lied means this song. The superlative is formed with am ...-sten when the adjective is predicative, and populärsten therefore has no adjective ending.
der Russe — Russian man
Russe is a weak masculine noun, so it takes -n in the accusative, dative, and genitive singular: den Russen, dem Russen, des Russen. For a Russian woman, use die Russin.
Der Russe lebt seit Jahren in Berlin.
The Russian man has lived in Berlin for years.
lebt means lives, seit Jahren means for years, and Berlin is the city Berlin. Der Russe is nominative because it is the subject; this noun is weak, but the nominative singular keeps the ending -e.
Ich treffe einen Russen im Zug.
I meet a Russian man on the train.
treffe means meet and im Zug means on the train. Einen Russen is accusative because treffen takes a direct object; as a weak masculine noun, Russe changes to Russen outside the nominative.
Ich helfe dem Russen mit dem Gepäck.
I help the Russian man with the luggage.
helfe means help, mit means with, and das Gepäck means luggage. Dem Russen is dative because helfen takes the dative, and the weak noun adds -n; mit dem Gepäck is also dative because mit always takes the dative.
Die Meinung des Russen überrascht mich.
The Russian man’s opinion surprises me.
die Meinung means the opinion and überrascht means surprises. Des Russen is genitive because it shows whose opinion it is; the weak noun uses -n, not -s, in this case.
Viele Russen sprechen auch Englisch.
Many Russians also speak English.
viele means many, sprechen means speak, and auch means also. Russen is the plural subject and has the same -en ending as the non-nominative singular; the plural article would be die.
der Russlanddeutsche — Russian German
This is a weak masculine noun: der Russlanddeutsche, but den/dem/des Russlanddeutschen in the other singular cases. It refers to a person of German background from Russia or another former Soviet country, not simply to any Russian citizen.
Der Russlanddeutsche lebt seit zehn Jahren in Berlin.
The Russian German has lived in Berlin for ten years.
lebt means has lived or lives, seit zehn Jahren means for ten years, and in Berlin means in Berlin. Der Russlanddeutsche is nominative as the subject; this masculine noun is weak, but the nominative singular has no extra -n.
Ich kenne den Russlanddeutschen aus meiner Nachbarschaft.
I know the Russian German from my neighbourhood.
kenne means know, aus means from, and meine Nachbarschaft means my neighbourhood. Den Russlanddeutschen is accusative because kennen takes a direct object; the weak masculine noun adds -n outside the nominative.
Ich helfe dem Russlanddeutschen beim Ausfüllen des Formulars.
I help the Russian German fill out the form.
helfe means help, beim Ausfüllen means while filling out, and das Formular means the form. Dem Russlanddeutschen is dative because helfen takes the dative; the weak noun keeps its -n ending.
Die Geschichte des Russlanddeutschen ist interessant.
The Russian German’s story is interesting.
die Geschichte means story or history and interessant means interesting. Des Russlanddeutschen is genitive to show possession, and both the article and the weak noun show the masculine genitive pattern.
Viele Russlanddeutsche sprechen zwei Sprachen.
Many Russian Germans speak two languages.
viele means many, sprechen means speak, and zwei Sprachen means two languages. Russlanddeutsche is plural and functions as the subject; the plural form ends in -n, and the finite verb sprechen is in position two.
die Rücksicht — consideration, regard
The most common expression is Rücksicht nehmen auf plus the accusative: to take someone or something into consideration. Do not translate Rücksicht as simple attention; it usually means consideration for other people.
Rücksicht ist im Straßenverkehr wichtig.
Consideration is important in traffic.
der Straßenverkehr means road traffic, and wichtig means important. Rücksicht is nominative because it is the subject; ist stands in position two.
Wir nehmen auf die Rücksicht.
We take the consideration into account.
nehmen means take, and auf means on or into account in this expression. Die Rücksicht is accusative because Rücksicht nehmen auf requires auf plus the accusative, although natural German usually names the thing considered, such as auf die Kinder.
Mit der Rücksicht auf die Nachbarn vermeiden wir Lärm.
By considering the neighbours, we avoid noise.
mit means with, die Nachbarn means the neighbours, vermeiden means avoid, and der Lärm means noise. Der Rücksicht is dative because mit takes the dative; auf die Nachbarn is accusative after auf in the fixed phrase.
Wegen der Rücksicht auf andere spricht sie leise.
Because of her consideration for others, she speaks quietly.
wegen means because of, andere means other people, and leise means quietly. Der Rücksicht is genitive because wegen commonly governs the genitive; spricht is in position two.
Kinder lernen verschiedene Rücksichten kennen.
Children learn about various considerations.
Kinder means children, verschiedene means various, and kennenlernen means to get to know or learn about. Rücksichten is plural and accusative because it is the object of kennenlernen; the plural ending is -en.
scheiden — to separate, to divide; to divorce
This transitive use is formal; everyday German often uses trennen. The fixed phrase jemanden von etwas scheiden takes an accusative person and von plus dative for the thing.
Das Sieb scheidet den Sand vom Wasser.
The sieve separates the sand from the water.
das Sieb is a sieve, der Sand is sand, and das Wasser is water. Den Sand is accusative because it is the object of scheidet; vom Wasser means from the water and vom governs the dative.
Das Verfahren hat die Stoffe voneinander geschieden.
The process separated the substances from one another.
das Verfahren means the process, die Stoffe means the substances, and voneinander means from one another. Die Stoffe is accusative, and geschieden stands at the end with hat because this is the perfect.
Der Richter schied die beiden Gruppen.
The judge separated the two groups.
der Richter means the judge and beide Gruppen means both groups. Die beiden Gruppen is accusative, and schied is the strong preterite in position two.
Scheide die Farben sorgfältig!
Separate the colours carefully!
die Farben means the colours and sorgfältig means carefully. Scheide is the singular imperative; the subject du is omitted, and die Farben is accusative.
Wenn er die guten von den schlechten Beispielen schiede, wäre die Aufgabe leichter.
If he separated the good examples from the bad ones, the task would be easier.
guten and schlechten mean good and bad, Beispiele means examples, and leichter means easier. Schiede is Konjunktiv II for an unreal condition; in the wenn clause the verb goes to the end, while von takes the dative.
Das neue Verfahren wird die Stoffe voneinander scheiden.
The new process will separate the substances from one another.
neu means new, das Verfahren means process, and voneinander means from one another. Die Stoffe is accusative, and the infinitive scheiden goes to the end after wird.
Sie scheidet sich von ihrem Mann.
She is divorcing her husband.
ihr Mann means her husband. Sich refers back to the subject, and von ihrem Mann uses the dative because von always governs the dative.
Das Paar hat sich im letzten Jahr scheiden lassen.
The couple got divorced last year.
das Paar means the couple and im letzten Jahr means last year. The common expression is sich scheiden lassen; in the perfect, hat comes early and the infinitives scheiden lassen stand at the end.
die Scheidung — divorce
The legal verb is sich scheiden lassen. The noun refers to the legal process or its result, not simply to living apart.
Die Scheidung ist jetzt rechtskräftig.
The divorce is now legally final.
jetzt means now, and rechtskräftig means legally final. Die Scheidung is nominative because it is the subject, and ist is in position two.
Das Gericht hat die Scheidung ausgesprochen.
The court pronounced the divorce.
das Gericht means the court and ausgesprochen means pronounced or officially declared. Die Scheidung is accusative because it is the object of ausgesprochen; the participle goes to the end after hat.
Nach der Scheidung lebt sie allein.
After the divorce, she lives alone.
nach means after, lebt means lives, and allein means alone. Nach always takes the dative, so the feminine article is der.
Die Folgen der Scheidung waren schwer.
The consequences of the divorce were difficult.
die Folgen means the consequences and schwer means difficult or serious. Der Scheidung is genitive because it tells us which consequences are meant.
Viele Scheidungen verlaufen friedlich.
Many divorces proceed peacefully.
viele means many, verlaufen means proceed, and friedlich means peacefully. Scheidungen is plural and the subject, so the verb has the plural form verlaufen.
der Schotte — Scot, Scottish man
Schotte is a person from Scotland. It is a weak masculine noun: use der Schotte in the nominative singular but den Schotten, dem Schotten, and des Schotten in the other forms.
Der Schotte wohnt seit zehn Jahren in Berlin.
The Scot has lived in Berlin for ten years.
wohnt means lives, seit zehn Jahren means for ten years, and Berlin is the capital of Germany. Der Schotte is nominative because he is the subject, and the finite verb wohnt stands in position two.
Ich treffe heute einen Schotten.
I am meeting a Scot today.
treffe means meet, heute means today, and einen means a in the masculine accusative. Einen Schotten is accusative because treffen takes a direct object; as a weak masculine noun, Schotte becomes Schotten.
Ich spreche mit einem Schotten über Musik.
I am talking to a Scot about music.
spreche means talk, mit means with, and über Musik means about music. Mit always takes the dative, so einem Schotten has both the dative article and the weak-noun ending -n.
Das Auto des Schotten steht vor dem Hotel.
The Scot’s car is in front of the hotel.
das Auto means the car, steht means is standing or is parked, vor dem Hotel means in front of the hotel, and des means of the. Des Schotten is genitive because it shows possession; the weak noun keeps the ending -n.
Viele Schotten tragen beim Fest traditionelle Kleidung.
Many Scots wear traditional clothing at the festival.
viele means many, tragen means wear, beim Fest means at the festival, and traditionelle Kleidung means traditional clothing. Viele Schotten is the plural subject, and the plural form ends in -en, not -e.
schweigsam — quiet, reserved, not talkative
schweigsam describes a person who does not talk much; it does not necessarily mean unfriendly. In predicative use after sein, it stays unchanged, while before a noun it takes a normal adjective ending.
Mein Bruder ist sehr schweigsam.
My brother is very quiet.
mein Bruder means my brother, and sehr means very. schweigsam is predicative after ist, so it has no adjective ending; the subject mein Bruder is nominative.
Sie ist eine schweigsame Kollegin.
She is a quiet colleague.
eine Kollegin means a female colleague. schweigsame comes before the noun and takes -e after feminine eine in the nominative; ist links the subject to the description.
Lena ist heute schweigsamer als gestern.
Lena is quieter today than yesterday.
heute means today and gestern means yesterday. The comparative schweigsamer is predicative after ist and is followed by als; it therefore has no adjective ending.
Von allen Kindern ist Paul am schweigsamsten.
Of all the children, Paul is the quietest.
von allen Kindern means of all the children, and von takes the dative plural Kindern. The predicative superlative uses am schweigsamsten, not a form with a noun ending.
der Senior — senior citizen, older man
Der Senior is a neutral or polite term for an older man, especially in official or organisational contexts. The feminine form is die Seniorin, and the plural Senioren can refer to a mixed group in general usage.
Der Senior liest jeden Morgen die Zeitung.
The senior citizen reads the newspaper every morning.
liest means reads, jeden Morgen means every morning, and die Zeitung is the newspaper. Der Senior is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb liest stands in position two.
Ich besuche den Senior am Sonntag.
I’m visiting the senior citizen on Sunday.
besuche means visit, and am Sonntag means on Sunday. den Senior is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; unlike many masculine nouns, Senior does not add -n in the accusative.
Wir helfen dem Senior beim Einkaufen.
We help the senior citizen with shopping.
helfen means help, and beim Einkaufen means with shopping. dem Senior is dative because helfen governs the dative; beim is short for bei dem, also dative.
Die Wohnung des Seniors liegt im Erdgeschoss.
The senior’s flat is on the ground floor.
die Wohnung means the flat, liegt means is situated, and das Erdgeschoss is the ground floor. des Seniors is genitive and shows possession; the noun takes -s, not -n, in the singular genitive.
Viele Senioren machen gern Sport.
Many senior citizens enjoy doing sport.
viele means many, machen means do, gern means gladly or enjoy doing, and Sport means sport. Senioren is the plural form; the article is omitted after viele.
der Spion — spy
This word usually refers to a person who secretly obtains information, often for a government. It is related to spionieren, meaning to spy.
Der Spion arbeitet für einen fremden Staat.
The spy works for a foreign state.
arbeitet means works, and ein fremder Staat means a foreign state. Der Spion is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Die Polizei beobachtet den Spion.
The police are watching the spy.
die Polizei is the police and beobachtet means watches or observes. Den Spion is accusative because beobachten takes a direct object; the finite verb beobachtet is in position two.
Die Polizei folgt dem Spion.
The police follow the spy.
folgt means follows. Dem Spion is dative because folgen requires a dative object, not an accusative one; folgt stands in position two.
Das Auto des Spions steht vor dem Haus.
The spy’s car is in front of the house.
das Auto is the car, steht means is standing or is located, and vor dem Haus means in front of the house. Des Spions is genitive because it shows possession, and the finite verb steht is in position two.
Die Spione treffen sich im Hotel.
The spies meet at the hotel.
treffen sich means meet each other, and im Hotel means at or in the hotel. Spione is the plural subject, and sich is required because sich treffen is a reflexive expression.
die Spionin — female spy
This is the specifically feminine form of der Spion. The ending -in marks a female person, and its plural is Spioninnen.
Die Spionin arbeitet für einen fremden Staat.
The female spy works for a foreign state.
arbeitet means works, and ein fremder Staat means a foreign state. Die Spionin is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Die Polizei beobachtet die Spionin.
The police are watching the female spy.
die Polizei is the police and beobachtet means watches or observes. Die Spionin is accusative because beobachten takes a direct object; the finite verb beobachtet is in position two.
Die Polizei folgt der Spionin.
The police follow the female spy.
folgt means follows. Der Spionin is dative because folgen requires a dative object, not an accusative one; folgt stands in position two.
Das Auto der Spionin steht vor dem Haus.
The female spy’s car is in front of the house.
das Auto is the car, steht means is located, and vor dem Haus means in front of the house. Der Spionin is genitive because it shows possession, and the finite verb steht is in position two.
Die Spioninnen treffen sich im Hotel.
The female spies meet at the hotel.
treffen sich means meet each other, and im Hotel means at or in the hotel. Spioninnen is the plural subject; nouns ending in -in form their plural with -nen.
der Stellvertreter — deputy, substitute, representative
The word is formed from stellen (to place) and vertreten (to represent or stand in for). It can refer to a permanent deputy or to someone temporarily replacing another person.
Der Stellvertreter leitet die Sitzung.
The deputy is chairing the meeting.
leitet means leads or chairs, and die Sitzung means the meeting. Der Stellvertreter is nominative because he is the subject; die Sitzung is accusative because it is the object of leiten.
Ich rufe den Stellvertreter an.
I am calling the deputy.
rufe ... an means call, and anrufen is a separable verb. Den Stellvertreter is accusative because he is the person called; the prefix an moves to the end of the main clause.
Wir geben dem Stellvertreter die Unterlagen.
We give the documents to the deputy.
geben means give, and die Unterlagen means the documents. Dem Stellvertreter is dative because he receives something, while die Unterlagen is the accusative thing given.
Das Büro des Stellvertreters ist neben dem Eingang.
The deputy's office is next to the entrance.
das Büro means the office, neben means next to, and der Eingang means the entrance. Des Stellvertreters is genitive because it shows whose office it is; dem Eingang is dative because neben expresses location here.
Die Stellvertreter treffen sich am Montag.
The deputies are meeting on Monday.
treffen sich means meet each other, and am Montag means on Monday. Stellvertreter is a plural subject with no ending change; the plural article die is what distinguishes it from the singular.
die Stellvertreterin — female deputy, female substitute
Stellvertreterin is the feminine form of Stellvertreter and means a woman who represents or replaces someone. The plural ending is -nen, as with other feminine nouns ending in -in.
Die Stellvertreterin beantwortet die Fragen.
The deputy answers the questions.
beantwortet means answers, and die Fragen means the questions. Die Stellvertreterin is nominative because she is the subject; die Fragen is accusative because they are the object.
Ich sehe die Stellvertreterin im Flur.
I see the deputy in the corridor.
sehe means see, im Flur means in the corridor, and der Flur is a corridor. Die Stellvertreterin is accusative because she is the object of sehen; im Flur is dative because in describes a location.
Wir danken der Stellvertreterin für ihre Hilfe.
We thank the deputy for her help.
danken means thank, and ihre Hilfe means her help. Der Stellvertreterin is dative because danken requires the dative; für ihre Hilfe is accusative because für always takes the accusative.
Die Entscheidung der Stellvertreterin war richtig.
The deputy's decision was right.
die Entscheidung means the decision, and richtig means right or correct. Der Stellvertreterin is genitive because it shows whose decision it was; war is the finite verb in position two.
Die Stellvertreterinnen kommen aus verschiedenen Abteilungen.
The female deputies come from different departments.
kommen aus means come from, and verschiedenen Abteilungen means different departments. Stellvertreterinnen is the plural subject; aus verschiedenen Abteilungen is a dative phrase because aus takes the dative.
das Streitgespräch — debate, dispute, argument
Streitgespräch is more formal and structured than Streit; it often describes a public or organised debate rather than a private quarrel.
Das Streitgespräch beginnt um acht Uhr.
The debate starts at eight o’clock.
beginnt means starts, and um acht Uhr means at eight o’clock. Das Streitgespräch is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb beginnt is in position two.
Die Moderatorin leitet das Streitgespräch.
The moderator leads the debate.
die Moderatorin means the female moderator, and leitet means leads or conducts. Das Streitgespräch is accusative because leiten takes an accusative object; the neuter article das does not change in the accusative.
Bei dem Streitgespräch bleiben alle ruhig.
Everyone remains calm during the debate.
bei means during or at, alle means everyone, and ruhig means calm. Dem Streitgespräch is dative because bei always takes the dative; the phrase comes first, so the verb bleiben still occupies position two.
Das Ergebnis des Streitgesprächs überrascht mich.
The result of the debate surprises me.
das Ergebnis means the result, and überrascht means surprises. Des Streitgesprächs is genitive because it shows which debate the result belongs to; mich is accusative because it is the person affected by überraschen.
Die Streitgespräche im Fernsehen sind oft laut.
The debates on television are often loud.
im Fernsehen means on television, and laut means loud. Streitgespräche is the nominative plural subject, so the verb is plural: sind, not ist.
die Teilnahme — participation; attendance
The usual pattern is Teilnahme an plus dative: die Teilnahme an einem Wettbewerb means participation in a competition. It is a feminine noun, so its genitive singular is der Teilnahme, not die Teilnahme.
Die Teilnahme ist kostenlos.
Participation is free.
kostenlos means free of charge. Die Teilnahme is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two; Teilnahme is normally used as a singular noun here.
Ich bestätige die Teilnahme am Kurs.
I confirm participation in the course.
bestätige means confirm and der Kurs means the course. die Teilnahme is accusative because bestätigen takes an accusative object, while am Kurs means an dem Kurs and an takes the dative here because it refers to participation in an activity.
Er widerspricht der Teilnahme seiner Tochter.
He objects to his daughter’s participation.
widerspricht means objects or contradicts, and seine Tochter means his daughter. widersprechen requires the dative, so der Teilnahme is dative; seiner Tochter is a genitive-style possessive phrase meaning his daughter’s.
Die Bedingungen der Teilnahme stehen auf der Website.
The conditions of participation are on the website.
die Bedingungen means the conditions, stehen means are written or can be found, and die Website means the website. der Teilnahme is genitive and means “of participation”; the finite verb stehen is in position two, while auf der Website uses the dative for a fixed location.
Viele Teilnahmen an Wettbewerben bringen Erfahrung.
Many participations in competitions bring experience.
viele means many, Wettbewerbe means competitions, and Erfahrung means experience. Teilnahmen is plural and forms the nominative subject; an Wettbewerben uses the dative plural because an describes participation in an event.
tolerant — tolerant, open-minded
Tolerant is usually used for attitudes towards people, opinions, or behaviour. It is a regular adjective: tolerant, toleranter, am tolerantesten.
Meine Schwester ist sehr tolerant.
My sister is very tolerant.
meine Schwester means my sister, and sehr means very. Tolerant is predicative because it follows ist and describes the subject; it has no adjective ending in this position.
Er arbeitet in einer toleranten Gesellschaft.
He works in a tolerant society.
arbeitet means works and die Gesellschaft means society. In einer toleranten Gesellschaft describes a fixed location, so in takes the dative; the adjective has -en after the feminine dative article einer.
Unsere Stadt ist toleranter als früher.
Our city is more tolerant than before.
unsere Stadt means our city, and früher means before or in the past. Toleranter compares the city with its earlier state and is followed by als; as a predicative adjective, it has no noun ending.
Sie ist die toleranteste Person im Team.
She is the most tolerant person on the team.
die Person means the person and im Team means on the team. Die toleranteste Person is a superlative before a feminine noun, so the adjective takes -ste plus the ending -e; the superlative form am tolerantesten is used without a noun.
die Trennung — separation, break-up
Die Trennung can describe separating objects or people, and it can also mean the end of a romantic relationship. The verb form sich trennen is commonly used for a couple breaking up.
Die Trennung war schwer.
The separation was difficult.
schwer means difficult or hard. Die Trennung is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb war is in position two.
Ich akzeptiere die Trennung.
I accept the separation.
akzeptieren means to accept. die Trennung is accusative because akzeptieren takes a direct object; the finite verb akzeptiere stands in position two.
Nach der Trennung wohnt er allein.
After the separation, he lives alone.
nach means after, and allein means alone. der Trennung is dative because nach always takes the dative; the main verb wohnt is in position two.
Die Folgen der Trennung waren deutlich.
The consequences of the separation were clear.
die Folgen means the consequences, and deutlich means clear or noticeable. der Trennung is genitive because it identifies whose consequences they are; the plural subject die Folgen takes waren.
Viele Trennungen sind emotional belastend.
Many separations are emotionally stressful.
viele means many, and emotional belastend means emotionally stressful. Trennungen is the regular plural with -en and is nominative because it is the subject.
der Umgang — dealing, interaction, contact
The common phrase Umgang mit means the way someone deals with a person, object, or problem. It can describe social interaction or the handling of things such as money or stress.
Der Umgang mit Kindern braucht Geduld.
Dealing with children requires patience.
mit Kindern means with children, and Geduld means patience. Der Umgang is nominative because it is the subject; mit always takes the dative, and braucht stands in position two.
Ich lerne den Umgang mit neuen Geräten.
I am learning how to handle new devices.
ich lerne means I am learning, neuen Geräten means new devices, and Gerät is a device. Den Umgang is accusative because lernen takes a direct object; mit neuen Geräten is a dative phrase after mit.
Wir helfen ihm beim Umgang mit Stress.
We help him deal with stress.
wir helfen ihm means we help him, beim means while dealing with or in dealing with, and Stress means stress. Umgang is dative after the contraction bei dem; helfen also takes a dative person, ihm.
Die Regeln des Umgangs sind wichtig.
The rules for dealing with others are important.
die Regeln means the rules and wichtig means important. Des Umgangs is genitive because it specifies the type of rules; the genitive ending -s on the noun is easy to overlook.
Gute Umgänge mit Konflikten sind selten.
Good ways of dealing with conflicts are rare.
gute means good, Konflikten means conflicts, and selten means rare. Umgänge is plural and nominative because it is the subject; mit Konflikten is dative after mit.
unabhängig — independent
Unabhängig can describe people, organisations, or countries that make their own decisions or do not need support. It can also mean impartial, as in unabhängige Medien; its regular comparison is unabhängiger, am unabhängigsten.
Meine Tochter ist schon unabhängig.
My daughter is already independent.
Meine Tochter means my daughter, and schon means already. Unabhängig is predicative after ist, so it has no adjective ending; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Sie möchte ein unabhängiges Leben führen.
She wants to lead an independent life.
möchte means would like, and ein Leben führen means lead a life. Unabhängiges describes Leben and has the neuter accusative ending -es after ein; after möchte, the infinitive phrase ein unabhängiges Leben führen goes to the end.
Er ist heute unabhängiger als früher.
He is more independent today than before.
heute means today, and früher means before or in the past. Unabhängiger is a predicative comparative with no adjective ending; als introduces the thing used for comparison.
Dieses Land ist politisch am unabhängigsten.
This country is the most politically independent.
Dieses Land means this country, and politisch means politically. Am unabhängigsten is the predicative superlative; the am ...-sten form is used after ist, not an attributive ending.
unsympathisch — unlikeable, unsympathetic
Unsympathisch usually means that someone gives you a negative personal impression, not simply that they lack sympathy for another person. It is commonly used with finden or wirken.
Ich finde ihn unsympathisch.
I find him unlikeable.
ich finde ihn means I find him, and ihn means him. Unsympathisch is predicative after finden; ihn is accusative because finden takes an accusative object.
Das ist ein unsympathischer Nachbar.
That is an unlikeable neighbour.
der Nachbar means the neighbour, and das ist means that is. Ein unsympathischer Nachbar is nominative because it follows sein as an identifying complement, and the masculine adjective takes -er after ein.
Der neue Chef wirkt unsympathischer als der alte.
The new boss seems less likeable than the old one.
der neue Chef is the new boss, wirkt means seems, and der alte means the old one. Unsympathischer is a comparison followed by als; wirken takes a predicative adjective without an ending.
Von allen Gästen war er am unsympathischsten.
Of all the guests, he was the least likeable.
von allen Gästen means of all the guests. Am unsympathischsten is the predicative superlative, while von always takes the dative, shown by allen Gästen.
unterstützen — to support
Unterstützen can mean giving practical, financial, or emotional help. It is a weak verb: unterstützen – unterstützte – hat unterstützt; because it ends in -ieren, its Partizip II has no ge-.
Die Familie unterstützt ihn bei der Ausbildung.
The family supports him during his training.
die Familie means the family, ihn means him, and die Ausbildung means the training or vocational education. ihn is accusative because unterstützen takes a person as its direct object, while bei der Ausbildung is dative after bei.
Wir haben unsere Nachbarin unterstützt.
We supported our neighbour.
wir means we and unsere Nachbarin means our female neighbour. The person is accusative as the direct object, and unterstützt is the Partizip II at the end with haben.
Der Verein unterstützte die jungen Sportler.
The club supported the young athletes.
der Verein means the club and die jungen Sportler means the young athletes. The athletes are the accusative object, and the weak past form unterstützte stands in position two.
Unterstütz bitte dein Team.
Please support your team.
bitte means please and dein Team means your team. dein Team is accusative as the object, and Unterstütz is the informal du imperative.
Ich würde meine Freundin gern unterstützen.
I would gladly support my friend.
meine Freundin means my female friend and gern means gladly. The friend is accusative, and würde ... unterstützen expresses a hypothetical action with the infinitive at the end.
Der Staat wird die Familien finanziell unterstützen.
The state will support the families financially.
der Staat means the state, die Familien means the families, and finanziell means financially. die Familien is accusative, while wird is in position two and unterstützen goes to the end.
die Unterstützung — support, assistance
Die Unterstützung usually means help or assistance, especially practical, emotional, or financial help. The plural die Unterstützungen is possible when several kinds or instances of support are meant; for support as a general idea, the singular is more common.
Die Unterstützung meiner Familie ist sehr wichtig.
My family’s support is very important.
meiner Familie means of my family and sehr wichtig means very important. Die Unterstützung is nominative because it is the subject, while meiner Familie is genitive and identifies whose support is meant.
Ich brauche die Unterstützung meiner Kolleginnen.
I need my female colleagues’ support.
ich means I, brauche means need, and meiner Kolleginnen means of my female colleagues. die Unterstützung is accusative because brauchen takes a direct object; meiner Kolleginnen is genitive.
Wir danken ihm für die Unterstützung.
We thank him for the support.
wir means we, ihm means to him, and danken means thank. ihm is dative because danken takes a dative person, while für die Unterstützung is accusative after für.
Der Wert der Unterstützung zeigt sich später.
The value of the support becomes clear later.
der Wert means the value and später means later. der Unterstützung is genitive because it specifies the value’s source, and zeigt sich means becomes clear; the finite verb zeigt is in position two.
Viele Unterstützungen kommen von privaten Organisationen.
Many forms of support come from private organisations.
viele means many, kommen means come, and private Organisationen means private organisations. Unterstützungen is the plural subject, while von privaten Organisationen is dative after von.
das Verhältnis — relationship; circumstances; ratio
The plural Verhältnisse can mean relationships, circumstances, or ratios, so the context is important. In das Verhältnis zu jemandem, the preposition zu takes the dative.
Das Verhältnis zu meiner Schwester ist sehr gut.
My relationship with my sister is very good.
meiner Schwester means “my sister,” and sehr gut means “very good.” Das Verhältnis is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist is in position two.
Ich schätze das Verhältnis zu meinen Nachbarn.
I value my relationship with my neighbours.
schätze means “value,” and meinen Nachbarn means “my neighbours.” Das Verhältnis is accusative because schätzen takes an accusative object; the finite verb schätze is in position two.
Wir sprechen oft über unser Verhältnis zu den Eltern.
We often talk about our relationship with our parents.
sprechen über means “talk about,” and die Eltern means “the parents.” Unser Verhältnis is accusative after über here, while zu den Eltern is dative because zu always takes the dative; sprechen is in position two.
Die Qualität des Verhältnisses ist wichtig.
The quality of the relationship is important.
die Qualität means “the quality,” and wichtig means “important.” Des Verhältnisses is genitive because it identifies whose quality is meant, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
In schwierigen Zeiten verändern sich viele Verhältnisse.
In difficult times, many circumstances change.
schwierigen Zeiten means “difficult times,” and verändern sich means “change.” Viele Verhältnisse is the plural subject, and sich belongs to the reflexive verb sich verändern; the finite verb verändern is in position two.
der Verletzte — injured man; injured person
Der Verletzte is a masculine substantivized adjective, so it is capitalized and keeps adjective endings: der Verletzte, den Verletzten, dem Verletzten. The plural die Verletzten can refer to injured men or, in some contexts, to injured people generally.
Der Verletzte wartet im Krankenhaus.
The injured man is waiting in the hospital.
wartet means is waiting and im Krankenhaus means in the hospital. Der Verletzte is nominative because it is the subject; as a substantivized adjective, Verletzte has a capital letter and an adjective ending.
Die Ärztin untersucht den Verletzten.
The doctor examines the injured man.
die Ärztin is the female doctor and untersucht means examines. den Verletzten is accusative because untersuchen takes an accusative object; the masculine ending changes from -e after der to -en after den.
Der Sanitäter gibt dem Verletzten Wasser.
The paramedic gives the injured man water.
der Sanitäter is the paramedic and Wasser is water. dem Verletzten is dative because it is the person receiving something; the dative masculine ending is -en, and Wasser is the accusative thing given.
Der Name des Verletzten ist unbekannt.
The injured man's name is unknown.
der Name is the name and unbekannt means unknown. des Verletzten is genitive because it shows whose name it is; the masculine genitive article des requires the ending -en on the substantivized adjective.
Die Verletzten bekommen Hilfe.
The injured people receive help.
bekommen means receive and Hilfe means help. Die Verletzten is the plural subject, so the verb is bekommen; the plural substantivized adjective always has the ending -en here.
die Verletzte — injured woman
Die Verletzte is a feminine substantivized adjective, so it is capitalized and takes adjective endings. In the dative and genitive it is der Verletzten, while the plural is die Verletzten.
Die Verletzte sitzt im Rettungswagen.
The injured woman is sitting in the ambulance.
sitzt means is sitting and der Rettungswagen is the ambulance. Die Verletzte is nominative because it is the subject; Verletzte is capitalized because the adjective has become a noun.
Die Ärztin untersucht die Verletzte.
The doctor examines the injured woman.
die Ärztin is the female doctor and untersucht means examines. die Verletzte is accusative because untersuchen takes an accusative object; the feminine article die looks the same in the nominative and accusative.
Der Sanitäter gibt der Verletzten Wasser.
The paramedic gives the injured woman water.
der Sanitäter is the paramedic and Wasser is water. der Verletzten is dative because it is the person receiving something; the feminine dative ending is -en, not -e.
Die Tasche der Verletzten liegt hier.
The injured woman's bag is lying here.
die Tasche is the bag and liegt hier means is lying here. der Verletzten is genitive because it shows whose bag it is; feminine genitive uses der and the substantivized adjective ending -en.
Die Verletzten warten vor dem Krankenhaus.
The injured people are waiting outside the hospital.
warten means are waiting and vor dem Krankenhaus means outside or in front of the hospital. Die Verletzten is the plural subject, so the verb warten is plural; the plural form has the ending -en.
der Vermittler — mediator; broker; intermediary
A Vermittler can mediate in a dispute or arrange a business or personal contact. The feminine form is Vermittlerin.
Der Vermittler spricht mit beiden Seiten.
The mediator is speaking with both sides.
beide Seiten means both sides. Der Vermittler is nominative because it is the subject, and mit beiden Seiten is dative because mit always takes the dative; the finite verb spricht is in position two.
Die Firma sucht den Vermittler.
The company is looking for the mediator.
die Firma means the company, and sucht means is looking for. den Vermittler is accusative because suchen takes an accusative object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Ich danke dem Vermittler für seine Hilfe.
I thank the mediator for his help.
danke means thank, and seine Hilfe means his help. dem Vermittler is dative because danken requires the dative; für seine Hilfe is accusative because für always takes the accusative.
Die Entscheidung des Vermittlers war fair.
The mediator’s decision was fair.
die Entscheidung means the decision, and fair means fair. des Vermittlers is genitive to show possession, with -s on the noun; the finite verb war is in position two.
Die Vermittler treffen sich heute.
The mediators are meeting today.
heute means today, and treffen sich means meet one another. Die Vermittler is the plural subject; the plural form is identical to the singular, and sich shows the reflexive use of treffen.
vertreten — to represent; to stand in for; to hold or defend an opinion; to represent interests
For people, jemanden vertreten means to stand in for or represent someone. The person represented is accusative; the verb is also common in offices, where a colleague replaces someone who is absent.
Meine Kollegin ver||||tritt mich morgen.
My colleague is standing in for me tomorrow.
meine Kollegin means my female colleague, and morgen means tomorrow. mich is accusative because the person represented is the direct object; the finite verb vertritt is in position two.
Der Anwalt hat seinen Mandanten gut vertreten.
The lawyer represented his client well.
der Anwalt means the lawyer, sein Mandant means his client, and gut means well. seinen Mandanten is accusative because he is the person represented; hat is in position two and vertreten stands at the end.
Sie vertrat den Chef bei der Sitzung.
She stood in for the boss at the meeting.
der Chef means the boss, and die Sitzung means the meeting. den Chef is accusative as the person represented, while bei der Sitzung means at the meeting; the strong past form vertrat is in position two.
Vertrete mich bitte am Montag!
Please stand in for me on Monday!
mich means me, bitte means please, and am Montag means on Monday. mich is accusative because it is the person represented; Vertrete is the du imperative.
Ich würde dich gern vertreten, wenn du krank wärst.
I would be happy to stand in for you if you were ill.
gern means gladly, krank means ill, and wenn means if. dich is accusative as the person represented; würde ... vertreten expresses the hypothetical result, and wärst goes to the end of the wenn clause.
Nächste Woche wird er seine Chefin vertreten.
Next week he will stand in for his female boss.
nächste Woche means next week, and seine Chefin means his female boss. seine Chefin is accusative as the person represented; wird is in position two and vertreten closes the sentence bracket.
Er ver||||tritt eine klare Meinung.
He holds a clear opinion.
eine klare Meinung means a clear opinion. eine klare Meinung is accusative because it is the direct object of vertreten; the finite verb vertritt is in position two.
Die Partei ver||||tritt die Interessen der Arbeitnehmer.
The party represents the interests of employees.
die Partei means the party, die Interessen means the interests, and die Arbeitnehmer means the employees. die Interessen is accusative as the object of vertritt, while der Arbeitnehmer is genitive and specifies whose interests they are.
verwöhnen — to pamper, to spoil
Verwöhnen takes an accusative object for the person or animal receiving special treatment: jemanden verwöhnen. It can be positive, meaning pamper, or negative, meaning spoil; the inseparable prefix ver- does not split.
Meine Großeltern verwöhnen mich jedes Wochenende.
My grandparents spoil me every weekend.
die Großeltern means grandparents, and jedes Wochenende means every weekend. Mich is accusative because verwöhnen takes an accusative person; the finite verb verwöhnen is in position two.
Das Hotel hat uns mit einem großen Frühstück verwöhnt.
The hotel pampered us with a large breakfast.
das Hotel means hotel, uns means us, and ein großes Frühstück means a large breakfast. Uns is accusative as the person being pampered, and the Partizip II verwöhnt goes to the end with hat.
Früher verwöhnte sie ihren Hund jeden Tag.
She used to spoil her dog every day.
früher means formerly, and der Hund means dog. Ihren Hund is accusative because it is the object; the finite Präteritum form verwöhnte stands in position two.
Verwöhn deine Kinder nicht zu sehr!
Do not spoil your children too much!
deine Kinder means your children, and zu sehr means too much. The imperative verwöhn comes first and takes the accusative object deine Kinder; nicht negates the action.
Ich würde meine Gäste gern verwöhnen.
I would gladly pamper my guests.
meine Gäste means my guests, and gern means gladly. Meine Gäste is accusative after verwöhnen; in the würde construction, the infinitive verwöhnen goes to the end.
Wir werden unsere Freunde morgen verwöhnen.
We will pamper our friends tomorrow.
unsere Freunde means our friends, and morgen means tomorrow. Unsere Freunde is accusative because it is the object; werden is in position two and the infinitive verwöhnen goes to the end.
weigern — to refuse, to decline
This verb is normally used reflexively as sich weigern, followed by a zu-infinitive: sich weigern, etwas zu tun. The reflexive pronoun changes with the subject, for example ich weigere mich and wir weigern uns.
Er weigert sich, die Rechnung zu bezahlen.
He refuses to pay the bill.
die Rechnung means the bill, and bezahlen means to pay. sich weigern, etwas zu tun is followed by a zu-infinitive; weigert is in position two, while zu bezahlen stands at the end.
Sie hat sich geweigert, die Wahrheit zu sagen.
She refused to tell the truth.
die Wahrheit means the truth, and sagen means to say or tell. hat is in position two and geweigert goes to the end; the second action is expressed by die Wahrheit zu sagen, with zu before the infinitive.
Der Schüler weigerte sich, die Aufgabe zu machen.
The pupil refused to do the exercise.
der Schüler means the pupil, and die Aufgabe means the exercise or task. weigerte is the regular Präteritum form in position two; sich is reflexive, and zu machen goes to the end.
Weigere dich nicht, um Hilfe zu bitten!
Don’t refuse to ask for help!
nicht means not, um Hilfe bitten means to ask for help, and die Hilfe means help. The imperative weigere comes first and dich is the reflexive form for du; zu bitten goes to the end.
Ich würde mich weigern, diesen Vertrag zu unterschreiben.
I would refuse to sign this contract.
dieser Vertrag means this contract, and unterschreiben means to sign. würde ... weigern expresses a hypothetical refusal; diesen Vertrag is accusative as the object of unterschreiben, and zu unterschreiben goes to the end.
Wir werden uns weigern, die zusätzlichen Kosten zu übernehmen.
We will refuse to cover the additional costs.
zusätzliche Kosten means additional costs, and übernehmen means to take on or cover. werden is in position two, while weigern and the zu-infinitive form the verbal bracket at the end; uns is the reflexive pronoun for wir.
das Willkommen — welcome, friendly reception
This capitalized noun means a welcome or friendly reception. It is different from lowercase willkommen, an adjective meaning “welcome”.
Das Willkommen im Hotel war sehr freundlich.
The welcome at the hotel was very friendly.
im Hotel means “at the hotel”, and sehr freundlich means “very friendly”. Das Willkommen is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb war is in position two.
Wir haben ein herzliches Willkommen bekommen.
We received a warm welcome.
ein herzliches means “a warm”, and bekommen means “received”. Ein herzliches Willkommen is accusative because bekommen takes an accusative object; haben is in position two and bekommen goes to the end in the perfect.
Die Gastgeber gaben uns ein freundliches Willkommen.
The hosts gave us a friendly welcome.
Die Gastgeber are “the hosts”, and uns means “to us”. Uns is dative because geben gives something to someone, while ein freundliches Willkommen is accusative as the thing given.
Die Gäste freuten sich über die Wärme des Willkommens.
The guests were pleased by the warmth of the welcome.
Die Gäste are “the guests”, freuten sich means “were pleased”, and die Wärme is “the warmth”. Des Willkommens is genitive because it identifies whose warmth is meant, and sich freuen über takes über with the accusative.
Die Willkommens der neuen Nachbarn waren besonders herzlich.
The welcomes from the new neighbours were especially warm.
der neuen Nachbarn means “from the new neighbours”, and besonders herzlich means “especially warm”. Die Willkommens is plural and is the nominative subject, so the verb is plural: waren.
die Witwe — widow
Die Witwe is a woman whose husband has died. The plural is die Witwen; the related masculine word is der Witwer, a widower.
Die Witwe lebt allein in dem großen Haus.
The widow lives alone in the large house.
lebt allein means lives alone, and das große Haus means the large house. Die Witwe is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb lebt stands in position two.
Ich besuche die Witwe morgen.
I am visiting the widow tomorrow.
besuche means am visiting, and morgen means tomorrow. Die Witwe is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; the finite verb besuche is in position two.
Ich helfe der Witwe beim Umzug.
I am helping the widow with the move.
helfe means help, der Witwe means the widow, and der Umzug means the move. Helfen takes a dative object, so the feminine article changes to der; beim means bei dem and also introduces the dative.
Das Auto der Witwe steht vor dem Haus.
The widow's car is standing in front of the house.
das Auto means the car, steht means is standing, and vor dem Haus means in front of the house. Der Witwe is genitive because it shows possession, meaning the car belongs to her; the genitive form looks like the dative form, so the context is important.
Viele Witwen treffen sich jeden Mittwoch.
Many widows meet every Wednesday.
viele means many, treffen sich means meet one another, and jeden Mittwoch means every Wednesday. Witwen is the plural after viele; the reflexive pronoun sich refers back to the plural subject.
der Witwer — widower
Der Witwer is a man whose wife has died. Its plural is die Witwer, with no ending; the related feminine word is die Witwe.
Der Witwer wohnt seit einem Jahr allein.
The widower has been living alone for a year.
wohnt allein means lives alone, and seit einem Jahr means for a year. Der Witwer is nominative because it is the subject; seit takes the dative, so einem Jahr is dative.
Die Familie besucht den Witwer oft.
The family often visits the widower.
die Familie means the family, besucht means visits, and oft means often. Den Witwer is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Die Nachbarn helfen dem Witwer im Garten.
The neighbours help the widower in the garden.
die Nachbarn means the neighbours, helfen means help, and im Garten means in the garden. Dem Witwer is dative because helfen takes a dative object; im is short for in dem, also dative for a location.
Das Haus des Witwers liegt am See.
The widower's house is by the lake.
das Haus means the house, liegt means is situated, and am See means by the lake. Des Witwers is genitive because it shows possession; this noun adds -s and its article is des.
Zwei Witwer sitzen auf der Bank.
Two widowers are sitting on the bench.
zwei means two, sitzen means are sitting, and die Bank means the bench. Witwer has no plural ending; auf der Bank uses the dative because it describes a fixed location.
der Zeuge — witness
der Zeuge is a weak masculine noun, so it uses Zeugen in the accusative, dative, genitive, and plural. In legal language, a witness may aussagen, meaning give testimony; do not use Zeug for a person, because das Zeug means stuff or material.
Der Zeuge wartet vor dem Gericht.
The witness is waiting in front of the court.
wartet means is waiting, vor means in front of, and das Gericht means the court. Der Zeuge is nominative because it is the subject; vor dem Gericht is dative because vor describes a fixed location.
Die Polizei befragt den Zeugen.
The police are questioning the witness.
die Polizei means the police and befragen means question. den Zeugen is accusative because befragen takes a direct object, and Zeuge is a weak masculine noun that adds -n outside the nominative singular.
Die Anwältin stellt dem Zeugen eine Frage.
The lawyer asks the witness a question.
die Anwältin means the female lawyer and eine Frage means a question. dem Zeugen is dative because it is the person receiving the question, while eine Frage is accusative; the weak noun keeps the ending -en.
Die Aussage des Zeugen ist sehr wichtig.
The witness’s statement is very important.
die Aussage means the statement and sehr wichtig means very important. des Zeugen is genitive and means “of the witness”; Zeuge is weak, so it uses -en, not -s, in this form.
Mehrere Zeugen bestätigen den Unfall.
Several witnesses confirm the accident.
mehrere means several, bestätigen means confirm, and der Unfall means the accident. Zeugen is the nominative plural subject, while den Unfall is accusative because it is the object of bestätigen.
die Zeugin — female witness
The feminine form is built from der Zeuge by adding -in. Unlike many feminine nouns, die Zeugin has the plural die Zeuginnen, with doubled n.
Die Zeugin wartet vor dem Gericht.
The witness is waiting outside the court.
vor dem Gericht means outside the court. Die Zeugin is nominative because she is the subject, and the finite verb wartet is in position two.
Der Richter ruft die Zeugin.
The judge calls the witness.
Der Richter means the judge and ruft means calls. Die Zeugin is accusative because rufen takes a direct object; the finite verb ruft stands in position two.
Der Anwalt stellt der Zeugin eine Frage.
The lawyer asks the witness a question.
Der Anwalt is the lawyer, stellt means asks here, and eine Frage is a question. Der Zeugin is dative because jemandem eine Frage stellen gives the person asked the dative; eine Frage is accusative.
Die Aussage der Zeugin ist sehr wichtig.
The witness’s statement is very important.
Die Aussage means the statement and sehr wichtig means very important. Der Zeugin is genitive because it identifies whose statement it is; the feminine genitive article is der.
Die Zeuginnen sprechen mit der Polizei.
The witnesses are speaking with the police.
sprechen means speak and die Polizei means the police. Die Zeuginnen is plural and nominative because it is the subject; mit always takes the dative in mit der Polizei.
das Zusammenleben — living together, coexistence
This is a nominalised form of zusammenleben, to live together, and it is normally an abstract mass noun. It can describe private life together or peaceful coexistence in society.
Das Zusammenleben in einer großen Familie ist nicht immer einfach.
Living together in a large family is not always easy.
eine große Familie means a large family, and nicht immer einfach means not always easy. Das Zusammenleben is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist is in position two.
Viele Menschen genießen das Zusammenleben mit anderen.
Many people enjoy living together with others.
viele Menschen means many people, genießen means enjoy, and mit anderen means with others. Das Zusammenleben is accusative because genießen takes an accusative object, while mit always takes the dative.
In einer Wohngemeinschaft hilft Rücksicht beim Zusammenleben.
In a shared flat, consideration helps people live together.
eine Wohngemeinschaft is a shared flat, Rücksicht is consideration, and hilft means helps. Beim Zusammenleben is dative because bei dem contracts to beim; the phrase gives the situation in which consideration helps.
Die Regeln des Zusammenlebens müssen für alle gelten.
The rules for living together must apply to everyone.
die Regeln means the rules, für alle means for everyone, and gelten means apply. Des Zusammenlebens is genitive because it identifies the rules as rules of living together, and the modal verb müssen sends gelten to the end.
Gutes Zusammenleben braucht Vertrauen und Geduld.
Good living together requires trust and patience.
gutes means good, Vertrauen means trust, and Geduld means patience. This example shows the singular form because das Zusammenleben is normally an uncountable abstract noun and has no ordinary plural.
die Zuverlässigkeit — reliability, dependability
This abstract noun is normally singular-only because it refers to a general quality rather than separate countable objects. It is formed from zuverlässig with the noun ending -keit.
Zuverlässigkeit ist in diesem Beruf besonders wichtig.
Reliability is especially important in this profession.
in diesem Beruf means in this profession, and besonders wichtig means especially important. Zuverlässigkeit is the nominative subject; the finite verb ist stands in position two, and the noun is used without an article for the quality in general.
Der Chef schätzt ihre Zuverlässigkeit.
The boss appreciates her reliability.
der Chef means the boss, schätzt means appreciates, and ihre means her. Ihre Zuverlässigkeit is accusative because schätzen takes a direct object; the finite verb schätzt is in position two.
Wir vertrauen auf seine Zuverlässigkeit.
We rely on his reliability.
wir vertrauen means we trust or rely, and seine means his. The fixed expression auf etwas vertrauen takes auf with the accusative, so seine Zuverlässigkeit is accusative; vertrauen is in position two.
Die Bedeutung der Zuverlässigkeit wird oft unterschätzt.
The importance of reliability is often underestimated.
die Bedeutung means the importance, and unterschätzt means underestimated. Der Zuverlässigkeit is genitive because it says whose importance is meant; the finite verb wird is in position two and the participle unterschätzt goes to the end.
das Äußere — exterior, outward appearance
This is a substantivized form of äußer, meaning outer or external, and is normally used as a singular mass-like idea. The opposite is das Innere, meaning the interior or inner nature.
Das Äußere des Hauses wirkt modern.
The exterior of the house looks modern.
das Haus means the house, and modern means modern. Das Äußere is nominative because it is the subject, while des Hauses is genitive to show which exterior is meant.
Viele Menschen beurteilen andere nach dem Äußeren.
Many people judge others by their appearance.
viele Menschen means many people, beurteilen means judge, and andere means other people. Das Äußere becomes dem Äußeren after nach, which always takes the dative; the verb beurteilen has andere as its accusative object.
Man kann dem Äußeren nicht immer vertrauen.
You cannot always trust appearances.
man kann nicht immer means one cannot always, and vertrauen means trust. Dem Äußeren is dative because vertrauen takes a dative object; the modal verb kann stands in position two and vertrauen goes to the end.
Die Wirkung des Äußeren wird oft überschätzt.
The effect of appearance is often overestimated.
die Wirkung means the effect, and überschätzt means overestimated. Des Äußeren is genitive because it identifies the effect's source; in the passive, wird is finite in position two and überschätzt goes to the end.
überlassen — to leave to, to hand over
The usual pattern is jemandem etwas überlassen: the person is dative and the thing is accusative. It can mean handing over an object or leaving a decision to someone; its forms follow the irregular verb lassen.
Sie überlässt ihm die Entscheidung.
She leaves the decision to him.
ihm means to him, and die Entscheidung means the decision. ihm is dative for the person receiving the choice, while die Entscheidung is accusative; the finite verb überlässt is in position two.
Sie hat ihm die Entscheidung überlassen.
She has left the decision to him.
ihm means to him, and die Entscheidung means the decision. The perfect uses hat plus überlassen, with the Partizip II at the end; ihm is dative and die Entscheidung is accusative.
Sie überließ ihm die Entscheidung.
She left the decision to him.
ihm means to him, and die Entscheidung means the decision. The irregular preterite überließ stands in position two; ihm is dative and die Entscheidung is accusative.
Überlass das mir!
Leave that to me!
das means that and mir means to me. The informal imperative is überlass; das is accusative as the thing being left, and mir is dative as the person receiving it.
Ich würde ihm die Wahl überlassen.
I would leave the choice to him.
die Wahl means the choice, and ihm means to him. After würde, the infinitive überlassen goes to the end; ihm is dative and die Wahl is accusative.
Wir werden dir die Entscheidung überlassen.
We will leave the decision to you.
dir means to you, and die Entscheidung means the decision. Future uses werden in position two and places überlassen at the end; dir is dative and die Entscheidung is accusative.
überlegen — superior, dominant
Überlegen describes an advantage over another person or thing and is commonly used with dative jemandem überlegen sein. It does not usually mean simply “good”; besser is the normal word for an ordinary comparison.
Unser Team ist dem Gegner überlegen.
Our team is superior to the opponent.
unser Team means “our team,” and der Gegner means “the opponent.” Dem Gegner is dative because the adjective überlegen takes jemandem überlegen sein; the adjective is predicative after ist and therefore has no ending.
Sie hat eine überlegene Technik.
She has a superior technique.
eine Technik means “a technique,” and hat means “has.” Eine überlegene Technik is an accusative object of hat; the adjective has the feminine -e ending after the indefinite article.
Diese Lösung ist überlegener als die alte.
This solution is superior to the old one.
diese Lösung means “this solution,” and die alte means “the old one.” The comparative form is followed by als, and because it is predicative after ist, it has no adjective ending.
Von allen Bewerbern war er am überlegensten.
Of all the applicants, he was the most superior.
von allen Bewerbern means “of all the applicants,” and Bewerber means “applicants.” Von takes the dative, while am überlegensten is the predicative superlative; am is the contraction of an dem.