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Vocab: Science & technology — A2 (1)
Science & technology vocabulary at A2 level.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
das Aluminium — aluminium, aluminum
Aluminium is a mass noun, so it normally has no plural. The spelling Aluminium is standard in German; English also uses the variant “aluminum”.
Das Aluminium ist sehr leicht.
Aluminium is very light.
ist means is, sehr means very, and leicht means light in weight. Das Aluminium is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Firma verarbeitet das Aluminium.
The company processes the aluminium.
die Firma is the company, and verarbeitet means processes or works with. Das Aluminium is accusative because verarbeiten takes a direct object; the neuter article is identical in nominative and accusative.
Die Dose ist aus Aluminium.
The can is made of aluminium.
die Dose is the can, ist means is, and aus means made of or from. Aus always forces the dative, but the uncountable material noun has no visible article here; the verb ist is in position two.
Die Herstellung des Aluminiums braucht viel Energie.
Producing aluminium requires a lot of energy.
die Herstellung is the production or manufacture, braucht means needs, and viel Energie means a lot of energy. Des Aluminiums is genitive because it identifies what is produced; the neuter genitive uses des and -s.
ausprobieren — to try out
The object is usually something you test or use for the first time, such as a product, recipe, or method. The separable prefix aus moves to the end of a main clause: Ich probiere es aus.
Ich probiere heute ein neues Rezept aus.
I am trying out a new recipe today.
heute means today, and ein neues Rezept means a new recipe. ein neues Rezept is accusative because ausprobieren takes the thing being tried as a direct object; the finite verb is split, with probiere in position two and aus at the end.
Wir haben das neue Spiel ausprobiert.
We tried out the new game.
das neue Spiel means the new game. ausprobiert is the participle used with haben in the perfect, and the accusative object das neue Spiel follows the verb; the participle stands at the end.
Sie probierte den neuen Computer aus.
She tried out the new computer.
sie means she, and den neuen Computer means the new computer. The object is accusative because ausprobieren takes a direct object; in the preterite, probierte is in position two and aus closes the main clause.
Probier diese App aus!
Try out this app!
diese App means this app. This is the du imperative, so the subject is omitted; because the verb is separable, probier comes first and aus goes at the end.
Ich würde gern den neuen Staubsauger ausprobieren.
I would like to try out the new vacuum cleaner.
gern means gladly or would like to, and der Staubsauger is a vacuum cleaner. den neuen Staubsauger is accusative as the direct object; in this Konjunktiv II construction, würde is finite in position two and the whole infinitive ausprobieren stays at the end.
Morgen werde ich das Fahrrad ausprobieren.
Tomorrow I will try out the bicycle.
morgen means tomorrow, and das Fahrrad means the bicycle. The accusative object is governed by ausprobieren; in the future, werde is in position two and the infinitive ausprobieren goes to the end.
automatisch — automatic; automated; automatic; instinctive
automatisch describes something that works by itself or through a machine, rather than by direct human control. It is a regular adjective and can be used before a noun or after sein.
Die Tür ist automatisch.
The door is automatic.
die Tür means the door. The adjective comes after ist and has no ending because it is used predicatively; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Wir benutzen eine automatische Tür.
We use an automatic door.
benutzen means to use and eine Tür means a door. eine automatische Tür is accusative because benutzen takes a direct object, and the feminine adjective ending is -e after eine.
Dieser Ablauf ist automatischer als der alte.
This process is more automatic than the old one.
dieser Ablauf means this process and der alte means the old one. automatischer compares two processes and is followed by als; after ist, the comparative adjective is predicative and has no ending.
Das ist die automatischste Funktion des Geräts.
That is the most automatic function of the device.
die Funktion means the function and das Gerät means the device. automatischste has an adjective ending because it stands before the feminine noun Funktion, while des Geräts is genitive and shows possession.
Er machte eine automatische Bewegung.
He made an automatic movement.
er means he and eine Bewegung means a movement. eine automatische Bewegung is accusative because machen takes a direct object, and the adjective has the feminine -e ending after eine.
Sie antwortete automatisch, ohne nachzudenken.
She answered automatically, without thinking.
antwortete means answered, ohne means without, and nachdenken means to think things over. Here automatisch describes how she answered, so it is used adverbially without an ending; ohne nachzudenken means without thinking.
automatisch — automatically
As an adverb, automatisch describes how an action happens: automatically or without direct human control. Unlike an attributive adjective, it does not take an ending.
Die Tür öffnet sich automatisch.
The door opens automatically.
die Tür means the door and öffnet sich means opens. automatisch explains how the action happens and therefore has no adjective ending; the reflexive form sich öffnen means to open by itself.
Die Datei wird automatisch gespeichert.
The file is saved automatically.
die Datei means the file and gespeichert means saved. automatisch describes the process, while the passive places wird in position two and gespeichert at the end.
die Batterie — battery
In everyday technology, die Batterie is a battery for a device. In some contexts, Batterie can also mean an artillery battery, but the electrical meaning is the one learners meet first.
Die Batterie ist leer.
The battery is flat.
leer means flat or empty. Die Batterie is nominative because it is the subject, and the linking verb ist stands in position two.
Ich wechsle die Batterie.
I am changing the battery.
wechsle means change or replace. die Batterie is accusative because wechseln takes a direct object; the finite verb wechsle is in position two.
Ich gebe der Batterie neue Energie.
I give the battery new energy.
gebe means give, and neue Energie means new energy. der Batterie is dative because it is the receiver, while neue Energie is the accusative thing given.
Die Leistung der Batterie nimmt ab.
The battery's power is decreasing.
die Leistung means the power or output, and nimmt ab means decreases. der Batterie is genitive feminine, showing whose power it is; the separable verb nimmt ... ab surrounds the clause.
Neue Batterien liegen in der Schublade.
New batteries are lying in the drawer.
neue means new, liegen means are lying, and die Schublade is the drawer. Batterien is plural and nominative as the subject; in der Schublade is dative because it describes a location.
das Blech — sheet metal; baking tray
Blech can mean the material sheet metal or, in cooking, a metal baking tray. In ein Blech Kuchen, it means a trayful of cake rather than the metal itself.
Das Blech ist kalt.
The metal sheet is cold.
kalt means cold. Das Blech is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Der Handwerker schneidet das Blech.
The tradesperson cuts the sheet metal.
der Handwerker means the tradesperson, and schneidet means cuts. Das Blech is accusative because schneiden takes a direct object; the neuter article das does not change.
Ich backe den Kuchen auf dem Blech.
I bake the cake on the tray.
backe means bake, der Kuchen means the cake, and auf means on. Dem Blech is dative because auf describes the tray's location here; the cake is accusative as the object of backen.
Die Oberfläche des Blechs glänzt.
The surface of the sheet metal shines.
die Oberfläche means the surface, and glänzt means shines. Des Blechs is genitive because it identifies which surface; the neuter genitive article is des, with -s on the noun.
Die Küche braucht neue Bleche.
The kitchen needs new baking trays.
die Küche means the kitchen, braucht means needs, and neue means new. Bleche is accusative plural because brauchen takes a direct object; the plural form adds -e and has no umlaut.
der Chip — chip; electronic microchip; crisp; potato chip
Chip can mean an electronic microchip. In the plural it takes -s, giving Chips.
Der Chip speichert wichtige Daten.
The chip stores important data.
speichert means stores, and wichtige Daten means important data. Der Chip is nominative because it is the subject; wichtige Daten is accusative because speichern takes a direct object.
Wir kaufen den Chip online.
We are buying the chip online.
kaufen means buy and online means on the internet. Den Chip is accusative because kaufen takes a direct object; the finite verb kaufen stands in position two.
Die Technikerin arbeitet mit dem Chip.
The technician works with the chip.
die Technikerin means female technician, and arbeitet means works. The preposition mit always takes the dative, so dem Chip is dative.
Die Funktion des Chips ist kompliziert.
The chip’s function is complicated.
die Funktion means function and kompliziert means complicated. Des Chips is genitive to show possession; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Chips liegen noch in der Verpackung.
The chips are still in the packaging.
liegen means are lying, noch means still, and die Verpackung means packaging. Die Chips is plural and nominative because the chips are the subject; the plural ending is -s.
Zum Film essen wir Chips.
We are eating crisps while watching the film.
zum Film means while watching the film, and essen means eat. Chips is a plural accusative object after essen; its form is the same as the plural nominative.
Die Kinder teilen sich einen Chip.
The children share one crisp.
die Kinder means children and teilen means share. Einen Chip is accusative because it is the thing being shared, while sich is dative and means among themselves.
das Diagramm — diagram, chart; chart
A Diagramm presents information visually, for example in a report or lesson. The plural is Diagramme, and the genitive is des Diagramms.
Das Diagramm zeigt die Ergebnisse.
The diagram shows the results.
zeigen means to show, and die Ergebnisse are the results. Das Diagramm is nominative because it is the subject; zeigt is in position two.
Wir betrachten das Diagramm gemeinsam.
We look at the diagram together.
betrachten means to look at or examine, and gemeinsam means together. Das Diagramm is accusative because it is the direct object; with a neuter noun, das looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Die Lehrerin erklärt dem Diagramm einen Titel.
The teacher gives the diagram a title.
die Lehrerin is the female teacher, erklären means to explain, and der Titel is the title. Dem Diagramm is dative as the receiver, while einen Titel is accusative; the wording is less usual than einen Titel für das Diagramm geben.
Die Farben des Diagramms sind sehr deutlich.
The colors of the diagram are very clear.
die Farben are the colors, and deutlich means clear or easy to see. Des Diagramms is genitive because it says whose colors they are; the noun takes -s.
Die Diagramme hängen an der Wand.
The diagrams are hanging on the wall.
hängen means to hang, and die Wand is the wall. Diagramme is the plural subject; an der Wand is dative because it describes a fixed location.
Das Balkendiagramm enthält drei Diagramme.
The bar-chart display contains three diagrams.
das Balkendiagramm is a bar-chart display, and enthalten means to contain. Drei Diagramme is accusative as the object of enthält; the plural ending is -e.
Mit einem Diagramm kann man Zahlen vergleichen.
With a diagram, you can compare numbers.
mit means with, Zahlen are numbers, and vergleichen means to compare. Mit einem Diagramm is dative because mit always takes the dative; kann is followed by the infinitive vergleichen at the end.
der Draht — wire
Der Draht usually means a metal wire. Its plural has an umlaut: die Drähte; do not confuse it with der Draht in expressions about a telephone or communication connection.
Der Draht ist sehr dünn.
The wire is very thin.
sehr means very, and dünn means thin. Der Draht is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Ich brauche einen Draht für das Kabel.
I need a wire for the cable.
Ich brauche means I need, and für das Kabel means for the cable. einen Draht is accusative because brauchen takes a direct object; für also always takes the accusative.
Sie befestigt das Schild mit einem Draht.
She attaches the sign with a wire.
befestigt means attaches, das Schild is the sign, and mit means with. einem Draht is dative because mit always governs the dative, and the finite verb befestigt is in position two.
Die Farbe des Drahtes ist rot.
The wire’s colour is red.
Die Farbe means the colour, and rot means red. des Drahtes is genitive because it shows whose colour is meant; Drahtes has the genitive ending -es.
Die Drähte liegen auf dem Tisch.
The wires are lying on the table.
liegen means are lying, and auf dem Tisch means on the table. Drähte is the plural of Draht with an umlaut; auf dem Tisch is dative because it describes a fixed location.
Der Techniker prüft die Drähte.
The technician checks the wires.
Der Techniker is the technician, prüft means checks, and die Drähte means the wires. die Drähte is accusative because prüfen takes a direct object, although the plural article looks the same in the nominative and accusative.
der Durchmesser — diameter
In mathematics, der Durchmesser is the distance across a circle through its centre. The plural has the same spelling, Durchmesser, so the article or another determiner shows whether it is singular or plural.
Der Durchmesser des Kreises beträgt zehn Zentimeter.
The diameter of the circle is ten centimetres.
der Kreis is the circle, betragen means amount to, and zehn Zentimeter means ten centimetres. Der Durchmesser is the nominative subject; des Kreises is genitive and means of the circle.
Wir messen den Durchmesser des Tellers.
We are measuring the diameter of the plate.
messen means measure, der Teller is the plate, and des Tellers means of the plate. Den Durchmesser is accusative because messen takes an accusative object; des Tellers is genitive.
Mit dem Durchmesser kann man die Größe des Kreises berechnen.
Using the diameter, you can calculate the size of the circle.
mit means with, können means can, die Größe is the size, and berechnen means calculate. Dem Durchmesser is dative after mit; the modal construction puts kann in position two and berechnen at the end.
Die Hälfte des Durchmessers heißt Radius.
Half of the diameter is called the radius.
die Hälfte is the half, heißen means be called, and der Radius is the radius. Des Durchmessers is genitive after die Hälfte to mean half of the diameter; Radius is the name or complement after heißt.
Die Durchmesser dieser Kreise sind gleich lang.
The diameters of these circles are the same length.
dieser Kreise means of these circles and gleich lang means the same length. Durchmesser is plural even though its form does not change; dieser Kreise is genitive and identifies the circles.
elektrisch — electric, electrically powered; electrical, relating to electricity
In everyday use, elektrisch usually means powered by electricity. It can also describe something connected with electricity, but for the subject itself, elektrisch is often more natural than the English-looking elektrikalisch.
Das Auto ist elektrisch.
The car is electric.
das Auto means the car. The adjective is predicative after sein, so it has no ending; ist is the finite verb in position two.
Wir kaufen ein elektrisches Fahrrad.
We are buying an electric bicycle.
wir kaufen means we are buying, and das Fahrrad is a bicycle. ein elektrisches Fahrrad is accusative because kaufen takes the thing bought as an accusative object; the neuter adjective takes -es after ein.
Der neue Zug ist elektrischer als der alte.
The new train is more electric than the old one.
der neue Zug means the new train, and der alte means the old one. The comparative elektrischer is used with als for a comparison; after sein, the adjective is predicative and has no ending.
Dieses Fahrzeug ist am elektrischsten.
This vehicle is the most electric.
dieses Fahrzeug means this vehicle. The predicative superlative uses am elektrischsten; learners should not add a noun ending to this am-form.
Ein elektrisches Kabel liegt auf dem Boden.
An electrical cable is lying on the floor.
ein elektrisches Kabel is an electrical cable, and auf dem Boden means on the floor. ein elektrisches Kabel is nominative because it is the subject; auf takes the dative here because the cable is located somewhere, not moving there.
Der Techniker prüft die elektrische Anlage.
The technician is checking the electrical system.
der Techniker is the technician, prüft means checks, and die Anlage is the system or installation. die elektrische Anlage is accusative because prüfen takes an accusative object; the adjective has the ending -e after die.
das Elektroauto — electric car
Elektroauto is a compound noun: Elektro means electric and Auto means car. Its gender and plural come from Auto, but the plural is written with -s.
Das Elektroauto steht vor dem Haus.
The electric car is in front of the house.
steht means is standing or is parked, and vor dem Haus means in front of the house. Das Elektroauto is nominative because it is the subject; vor takes the dative here because the car is in a fixed location.
Wir kaufen das Elektroauto morgen.
We are buying the electric car tomorrow.
wir kaufen means we are buying, and morgen means tomorrow. das Elektroauto is accusative because kaufen takes an accusative object; the finite verb kaufen is in position two.
Ich fahre mit dem Elektroauto zur Arbeit.
I drive to work in the electric car.
ich fahre means I drive or travel, and zur Arbeit means to work. mit always takes the dative, so dem Elektroauto is dative; zur is short for zu der.
Die Batterie des Elektroautos ist leer.
The electric car's battery is empty.
die Batterie is the battery, and leer means empty. des Elektroautos is genitive because it tells us whose battery it is; the whole phrase Die Batterie des Elektroautos is the subject.
Viele Elektroautos fahren leise durch die Stadt.
Many electric cars drive quietly through the city.
viele means many, leise means quietly, and durch die Stadt means through the city. Elektroautos is plural and nominative because it is the subject; durch takes the accusative, so die Stadt is accusative.
das Elektrogerät — electrical device, appliance
Elektrogerät is a general word for a device that uses electricity, including a household appliance. Do not confuse it with Elektrogerät and Elektronik: the first is a countable device, while the second is usually a field or mass noun.
Das Elektrogerät ist kaputt.
The electrical device is broken.
kaputt means broken or not working. Das Elektrogerät is nominative because it is the subject, and ist stands in position two after the subject.
Ich kaufe das Elektrogerät im Fachgeschäft.
I am buying the electrical device at the specialist shop.
ich kaufe means I am buying, and das Fachgeschäft is a specialist shop. das Elektrogerät is accusative because kaufen takes an accusative object; im means in dem, and the location is dative.
Mit dem Elektrogerät kann ich Kaffee kochen.
I can make coffee with the electrical appliance.
Kaffee kochen means to make coffee, and kann ich means I can. mit always takes the dative, so dem Elektrogerät is dative; kann is in position two and kochen goes to the end.
Die Garantie des Elektrogeräts ist abgelaufen.
The electrical device's warranty has expired.
die Garantie is the warranty, and abgelaufen means expired. des Elektrogeräts is genitive because it identifies the device covered by the warranty; ist abgelaufen is a perfect-like state expression with the participle at the end.
Elektrogeräte verbrauchen oft viel Strom.
Electrical devices often use a lot of electricity.
verbrauchen means consume or use up, oft means often, and viel Strom means a lot of electricity. Elektrogeräte is plural nominative as the subject, while viel Strom is accusative because it is what the devices consume.
die Energie — energy; energy, vitality
Energie can mean power in physics or the strength and vitality a person has. In environmental contexts, erneuerbare Energie means energy from sources such as wind or sunlight.
Die Energie kommt aus der Sonne.
The energy comes from the sun.
kommen means to come, and die Sonne is the sun. Die Energie is the nominative subject; the finite verb kommt stands in position two.
Wir sparen die Energie.
We save energy.
sparen means to save. Die Energie is accusative because sparen takes a direct object, while the finite verb sparen is in position two.
Mit der Energie müssen wir vorsichtig umgehen.
We must handle the energy carefully.
vorsichtig means carefully, and umgehen mit means to handle or deal with. Mit always takes the dative, so der Energie is dative; the modal verb müssen is in position two and umgehen goes to the end.
Die Speicherung der Energie ist schwierig.
Storing the energy is difficult.
die Speicherung means storage, and schwierig means difficult. Der Energie is genitive and means of the energy; it depends on die Speicherung and is not a dative phrase here.
Erneuerbare Energien sind wichtig für die Zukunft.
Renewable energies are important for the future.
erneuerbar means renewable, wichtig means important, and die Zukunft is the future. Energien is the plural nominative subject, so the verb is sind; für takes the accusative in für die Zukunft.
Nach dem Urlaub habe ich viel Energie.
After the holiday, I have lots of energy.
nach dem Urlaub means after the holiday, and viel means a lot of. Energie is an uncounted accusative object of haben; nach takes the dative in the time phrase nach dem Urlaub.
Für die Prüfung brauche ich noch Energie.
I still need energy for the exam.
die Prüfung is the exam, and noch means still. Energie is the accusative object of brauchen, while für takes the accusative in für die Prüfung; brauche is in position two.
die Entdeckung — discovery; finding
Entdeckung is the noun formed from entdecken and can mean either the process of discovering or the thing discovered. Its plural is Entdeckungen.
Die Entdeckung war eine große Überraschung.
The discovery was a big surprise.
groß means big and die Überraschung means surprise. Die Entdeckung is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb war stands in position two.
Sie feiern die Entdeckung gemeinsam.
They are celebrating the discovery together.
feiern means to celebrate and gemeinsam means together. Die Entdeckung is accusative because feiern takes a direct object; the feminine article is die in both nominative and accusative.
Nach der Entdeckung begann die Arbeit.
After the discovery, the work began.
nach means after and begann means began. Der Entdeckung is dative because the preposition nach always governs the dative; the verb begann is in position two in the main clause.
Die Bedeutung der Entdeckung ist noch unklar.
The significance of the discovery is still unclear.
die Bedeutung means significance and noch unklar means still unclear. Der Entdeckung is genitive because it identifies which significance; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Entdeckungen veränderten die Wissenschaft.
The discoveries changed science.
veränderten means changed and die Wissenschaft means science. Die Entdeckungen is plural and nominative because it is the subject; its plural ending is -en.
erfinden — to invent; to make up; to make up; to fabricate
erfinden can mean creating something genuinely new or making up something fictional, such as a story or excuse. It is a strong verb with erfand and erfunden, and it takes haben in the perfect.
Er erfindet eine neue Maschine.
He is inventing a new machine.
eine neue Maschine means a new machine. It is accusative because erfinden takes an accusative object, and erfindet is the finite verb in position two.
Sie hat ein praktisches Werkzeug erfunden.
She invented a practical tool.
praktisch means practical and das Werkzeug means the tool. hat is in position two and erfunden goes to the end as the Partizip II; ein praktisches Werkzeug is accusative.
Der Ingenieur erfand eine sichere Lösung.
The engineer invented a safe solution.
der Ingenieur means the engineer and eine sichere Lösung means a safe solution. erfand is the strong Präteritum form in position two, and the invented solution is accusative.
Erfind eine bessere Lösung!
Invent a better solution!
besser means better and die Lösung means the solution. Erfind is the informal singular imperative, and eine bessere Lösung is the accusative object.
Wenn ich ein Gerät erfinden könnte, würde ich es verkaufen.
If I could invent a device, I would sell it.
ein Gerät means a device and verkaufen means sell. In the wenn-clause, könnte is finite and erfinden goes to the end; ein Gerät is accusative.
Vielleicht wird sie bald ein neues Spiel erfinden.
Perhaps she will soon invent a new game.
vielleicht means perhaps, bald means soon, and ein neues Spiel means a new game. wird is in position two and erfinden goes to the end; the game is the accusative object.
Das Kind erfindet eine lustige Geschichte.
The child is making up a funny story.
das Kind means the child, lustig means funny, and die Geschichte means the story. eine lustige Geschichte is accusative after erfinden, and the finite verb erfindet is in position two.
Er hat eine Ausrede erfunden.
He made up an excuse.
die Ausrede means the excuse. The perfect uses hat plus erfunden at the end, and eine Ausrede is accusative because it is the thing he made up.
die Explosion — explosion
Die Explosion is the sudden release of energy, often with a loud sound and damage. It forms its plural regularly as die Explosionen.
Die Explosion war sehr laut.
The explosion was very loud.
laut means “loud,” and sehr means “very.” Die Explosion is nominative because it is the subject; the past-tense verb war stands in position two.
Die Feuerwehr untersucht die Explosion.
The fire brigade is investigating the explosion.
die Feuerwehr means “the fire brigade,” and untersucht means “investigates.” Die Explosion is accusative because untersuchen takes an accusative object; its article looks the same as nominative feminine, so the verb helps show the structure.
Nach der Explosion kamen viele Menschen heraus.
After the explosion, many people came out.
nach means “after,” viele Menschen means “many people,” and heraus means “out.” Der Explosion is dative because nach takes the dative; the finite verb kamen is in position two after the opening phrase.
Die Ursache der Explosion ist noch unbekannt.
The cause of the explosion is still unknown.
die Ursache means “the cause,” and noch unbekannt means “still unknown.” Der Explosion is genitive because it identifies the cause’s connection to the explosion; feminine nouns do not add an ending in this case.
In dieser Stadt gab es zwei Explosionen.
There were two explosions in this city.
in dieser Stadt means “in this city,” and gab es means “there were.” Zwei Explosionen is plural after zwei; Explosion forms its plural with -en, and gab es places the existence expression before the noun.
die Festplatte — hard drive
Festplatte is a feminine compound: fest means hard or fixed and die Platte means disk or plate. It normally refers to a computer hard drive; an externe Festplatte is an external hard drive.
Die Festplatte ist fast voll.
The hard drive is almost full.
fast voll means almost full. Die Festplatte is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Ich kaufe die Festplatte.
I am buying the hard drive.
kaufe means am buying. Die Festplatte is accusative because it is the direct object of kaufen; with a feminine noun, the definite article looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Ich speichere die Fotos auf der Festplatte.
I save the photos on the hard drive.
die Fotos means the photos, and speichern means to save. Auf der Festplatte describes a fixed location, so auf takes the dative; the feminine dative article is der.
Die Größe der Festplatte ist wichtig.
The size of the hard drive is important.
die Größe means the size, and wichtig means important. Der Festplatte is genitive because it shows whose size is meant; the feminine noun has no special genitive ending.
Externe Festplatten sind praktisch.
External hard drives are practical.
extern means external, and praktisch means practical. Festplatten is the plural subject, so the verb is plural: sind, not ist.
flüssig — liquid; fluent, smooth; fluent, smooth
For substances, flüssig means liquid; for speech or writing, it means fluent or smooth. It is also used adverbially without an ending, as in flüssig sprechen.
Das Wasser ist flüssig.
The water is liquid.
das Wasser means water. The adjective is flüssig, meaning liquid; it stands after sein and therefore has no ending.
Ich kaufe flüssige Seife.
I am buying liquid soap.
kaufen means to buy and die Seife means soap. flüssige has an adjective ending because it comes before the feminine accusative noun Seife, the object of kaufe.
Öl ist flüssiger als Butter.
Oil is more liquid than butter.
das Öl means oil and die Butter means butter. flüssiger compares two substances and is followed by als; after ist, the adjective is predicative and has no noun ending.
Wasser ist am flüssigsten.
Water is the most liquid.
das Wasser means water. The predicative superlative uses am flüssigsten; do not use an adjective ending after ist here.
Sie spricht sehr flüssig Deutsch.
She speaks German very fluently.
sie spricht means she speaks and Deutsch means German. Here flüssig means fluently; an adjective used adverbially does not take an ending.
Der Text liest sich flüssig.
The text reads smoothly.
der Text means the text and sich lesen means to read smoothly or easily. flüssig is predicative after sich lesen, so it has no ending; sich is part of the verb expression, not an object meaning itself.
Er spricht flüssig Englisch.
He speaks English fluently.
er spricht means he speaks and Englisch means English. flüssig means fluently here and stays unchanged because it describes the verb spricht, not a noun.
Nach dem Kurs liest sie flüssiger.
After the course, she reads more fluently.
nach dem Kurs means after the course and liest means reads. flüssiger is the comparative adverb, and the phrase Nach dem Kurs takes position one, so the finite verb liest comes before sie.
der Forscher — researcher, scientist
This noun has the same singular and plural stem: der Forscher, die Forscher. It refers to a person who researches; the related feminine noun is die Forscherin.
Der Forscher arbeitet im Labor.
The researcher works in the laboratory.
das Labor means laboratory. Der Forscher is nominative because he is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet is in position two.
Ich sehe den Forscher im Labor.
I see the researcher in the laboratory.
sehen means to see, and im Labor means in the laboratory. Den Forscher is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the finite verb sehe stands in position two.
Ich helfe dem Forscher bei der Arbeit.
I help the researcher with the work.
helfen means to help, and bei der Arbeit means with the work. Dem Forscher is dative because helfen governs the dative, while bei also takes the dative here.
Die Ergebnisse des Forschers sind interessant.
The researcher's results are interesting.
die Ergebnisse means the results, and interessant means interesting. Des Forschers is genitive to show possession or association, and the verb sind is in position two.
Viele Forscher arbeiten an diesem Thema.
Many researchers work on this topic.
viele means many, and dieses Thema means this topic. Forscher is the unchanged plural, and an takes the dative here because the sentence describes ongoing work at a topic rather than movement toward it.
die Forscherin — female researcher, woman scientist
Die Forscherin is the feminine form of der Forscher. Its plural is die Forscherinnen, with doubled n before the plural ending.
Die Forscherin arbeitet an einem neuen Projekt.
The female researcher is working on a new project.
ein neues Projekt means a new project. Die Forscherin is nominative because she is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Wir treffen die Forscherin heute.
We are meeting the female researcher today.
treffen means to meet, and heute means today. Die Forscherin is accusative because treffen takes a direct object; with a feminine noun, the nominative and accusative article are both die.
Wir danken der Forscherin für ihre Hilfe.
We thank the female researcher for her help.
danken means to thank, and ihre Hilfe means her help. Der Forscherin is dative because danken governs the dative; the feminine dative article is der.
Die Idee der Forscherin ist überzeugend.
The female researcher's idea is convincing.
die Idee means the idea, and überzeugend means convincing. Der Forscherin is genitive to show possession, and the verb ist is in position two.
Forscherinnen arbeiten oft im Team.
Female researchers often work in a team.
oft means often, and im Team means in a team. Forscherinnen is formed by changing -in to -innen, and it is nominative plural because it is the subject.
der Fortschritt — progress, advance
Fortschritt is usually uncountable when it means progress in general, but Fortschritte means individual advances or improvements. The common collocation is Fortschritte machen.
Der Fortschritt ist deutlich.
The progress is clear.
deutlich means clear or noticeable. Der Fortschritt is the nominative subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Wir sehen den Fortschritt.
We can see the progress.
Wir sehen means we see, and sehen means to see. den Fortschritt is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the finite verb sehen is in position two.
Mit dem Fortschritt sind alle zufrieden.
Everyone is satisfied with the progress.
mit means with, and zufrieden means satisfied. dem Fortschritt is dative because mit always takes the dative; sind is in position two.
Die Ergebnisse zeigen die Bedeutung des Fortschritts.
The results show the importance of the progress.
Die Ergebnisse means the results, and Bedeutung means importance. des Fortschritts is genitive because it identifies whose importance is meant, while die Bedeutung is the accusative object of zeigen.
Kleine Fortschritte motivieren mich.
Small advances motivate me.
kleine means small, and motivieren means motivate. Kleine Fortschritte is a plural nominative subject, while mich is accusative because I am the person being motivated.
das Gehirn — brain
das Gehirn is the brain, the organ responsible for thought and control of the body. Its plural is die Gehirne, and dem Gehirn guttun means to be good for the brain.
Das Gehirn braucht viel Energie.
The brain needs a lot of energy.
braucht means needs, and viel Energie means a lot of energy. Das Gehirn is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb braucht stands in position two.
Schlaf schützt das Gehirn.
Sleep protects the brain.
Schlaf means sleep, and schützt means protects. Das Gehirn is accusative because schützen takes a direct object; the finite verb schützt is in position two.
Regelmäßige Bewegung tut dem Gehirn gut.
Regular exercise is good for the brain.
regelmäßige Bewegung means regular exercise, and tut gut means is good for. Dem Gehirn is dative because the fixed expression jemandem guttun assigns dative; the finite verb tut is in position two.
Die Entwicklung des Gehirns dauert viele Jahre.
The development of the brain takes many years.
die Entwicklung means the development, and dauert means takes or lasts. Des Gehirns is genitive because it identifies whose development is meant; viele Jahre means many years.
Die Gehirne dieser Tiere sind sehr unterschiedlich.
The brains of these animals are very different.
diese Tiere means these animals, and unterschiedlich means different. Gehirne is plural and nominative because it is the subject; dieser Tiere is genitive and means of these animals.
das Gerät — device; appliance; piece of equipment
Das Gerät is a general word for a device or appliance, especially one used for a practical task. The plural Geräte can refer to several electronic devices or pieces of equipment.
Das Gerät ist sehr praktisch.
The device is very practical.
praktisch means practical or useful, and sehr means very. Gerät is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two; praktisch is a predicative adjective after sein.
Ich benutze das Gerät jeden Tag.
I use the device every day.
benutze means use, and jeden Tag means every day. Gerät is accusative because benutzen takes a direct object; the finite verb benutze is in position two.
Mit dem Gerät kann ich Kaffee kochen.
I can make coffee with the device.
mit means with, kann means can, and Kaffee kochen means make coffee. Gerät is dative because mit always takes the dative; the modal verb kann is in position two and the infinitive kochen goes to the end.
Die Bedienungsanleitung des Geräts liegt auf dem Tisch.
The device's instruction manual is on the table.
Bedienungsanleitung means instruction manual, liegt means lies or is located, and Tisch means table. Geräts is genitive after Bedienungsanleitung to show which manual it is; auf dem Tisch is dative because it describes a fixed location.
Moderne Geräte sparen oft Energie.
Modern devices often save energy.
modern means modern, sparen means save, oft means often, and Energie means energy. Geräte is the plural subject, so it takes no article here; the finite verb sparen stands in position two.
der Grad — degree; degree of extent; degree, extent
Der Grad is used for temperature and angles, and also for the extent of something. The plural is die Grade, but temperatures are often expressed after a number without an article, as in zehn Grad.
Heute sind es zehn Grad.
Today it is ten degrees.
heute means today and zehn means ten. Zehn Grad is the measured value in the expression es sind; the plural is used because the number is greater than one.
Das Thermometer zeigt dreißig Grad.
The thermometer shows thirty degrees.
das Thermometer means thermometer and zeigen means show. Dreißig Grad is accusative because it is the object of zeigt; after a number, the noun is normally used without an article.
Bei fünf Grad wird es kalt.
At five degrees, it gets cold.
bei means at or with, kalt means cold, and werden means become. Bei fünf Grad is a dative phrase because bei always takes the dative, although the plural form has no visible dative ending.
Die Hälfte des Grades ist bereits erreicht.
Half of the degree has already been reached.
die Hälfte means half and bereits means already. Des Grades is genitive because it specifies the whole of which half is meant; the genitive ending is -es.
Die Grade steigen im Sommer.
The temperatures rise in summer.
steigen means rise and im Sommer means in summer. Grade is the plural of Grad here, and the finite verb steigen stands in position two.
Der Winkel hat einen Grad von neunzig.
The angle is ninety degrees.
der Winkel means angle and neunzig means ninety. Einen Grad is accusative because haben takes a direct object; in measurements, Grad can name a unit of angle.
Der Grad der Genauigkeit ist beeindruckend.
The degree of accuracy is impressive.
die Genauigkeit means accuracy and beeindruckend means impressive. Der Grad der Genauigkeit uses a genitive phrase to show which degree is meant; the finite verb ist is in position two.
In hohem Grad hängt der Erfolg vom Team ab.
To a great extent, success depends on the team.
hoch means high, der Erfolg means success, abhängen means depend, and das Team means team. In hohem Grad is dative because in describes a figurative location here, and hängt ... ab splits the separable verb in the main clause.
der Klimawandel — climate change
der Klimawandel is normally used without a plural when referring to the global process. The plural form Klimawandel is possible when discussing several distinct climate changes.
Der Klimawandel ist ein großes Problem.
Climate change is a major problem.
großes Problem means major problem. Der Klimawandel is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Viele Menschen fürchten den Klimawandel.
Many people fear climate change.
viele Menschen means many people, and fürchten means fear. den Klimawandel is accusative because fürchten takes a direct object; the finite verb fürchten stands in position two.
Wir müssen mit dem Klimawandel leben.
We have to live with climate change.
müssen means have to, and leben means live. mit always takes the dative, so dem Klimawandel is dative; müssen stands in position two and the infinitive leben goes to the end.
Die Folgen des Klimawandels sind sichtbar.
The effects of climate change are visible.
die Folgen means the effects, and sichtbar means visible. des Klimawandels is genitive because it identifies the source of the effects; the verb sind stands in position two.
Klimawandel betrifft viele Länder.
Climate change affects many countries.
betrifft means affects, and viele Länder means many countries. Here Klimawandel is plural without an ending and is the subject, while viele Länder is accusative because betrifft takes a direct object.
das Labor — laboratory, lab
In everyday German, Labor usually means a scientific laboratory, not a classroom or workshop. Its plural is Labore, and im Labor is the common shortened form of in dem Labor.
Das Labor ist sehr modern.
The laboratory is very modern.
sehr means very, and modern means modern. Das Labor is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Forscherin betritt das Labor.
The researcher enters the laboratory.
die Forscherin means the female researcher, and betritt means enters. das Labor is accusative because betreten takes a direct object; the finite verb betritt is in position two.
Die Forscherin arbeitet in dem Labor.
The researcher works in the laboratory.
Forscherin means female researcher, and arbeitet means works. dem Labor is dative because in describes a fixed location here; in dem is commonly shortened to im.
Die Tür des Labors ist geschlossen.
The laboratory door is closed.
die Tür means the door, and geschlossen means closed. des Labors is genitive because it means of the laboratory; the neuter noun takes -s and the article is des.
In der Stadt gibt es zwei Labore.
There are two laboratories in the city.
in der Stadt means in the city, and zwei means two. Labore is the plural with -e, and es gibt takes an accusative object even though English uses there are.
leuchten — to shine, to give off light
Leuchten describes producing light, while beleuchten means lighting something up. It normally takes haben in the perfect: hat geleuchtet.
Die Sterne leuchten heute besonders hell.
The stars are shining especially brightly today.
die Sterne are the stars, heute means today, and besonders hell means especially brightly. Leuchten is plural because die Sterne is the plural subject; the finite verb stands in position two.
Die Lampe hat die ganze Nacht geleuchtet.
The lamp shone all night.
die Lampe is the lamp, and die ganze Nacht means all night. The perfect uses hat plus geleuchtet because leuchten takes haben; the auxiliary is in position two and the participle goes to the end.
Früher leuchtete hier nur eine Kerze.
In the past, only one candle shone here.
früher means in the past, nur means only, and eine Kerze is a candle. Leuchtete is the regular simple past form and stands in position two; hier means here.
Leuchte bitte noch ein bisschen!
Please keep shining for a little longer!
bitte means please, noch means still or for another, and ein bisschen means a little. The imperative places leuchte first and normally leaves out du; this command sounds most natural when speaking to a light or using poetic language.
Wenn du leuchten könntest, wäre der Weg sicherer.
If you could shine, the path would be safer.
wenn means if, könntest means could, der Weg is the path, and sicherer means safer. In the wenn clause, leuchten is an infinitive after the modal verb könntest and stands at the end; wäre introduces the unreal result.
Heute Abend wird der Mond über den Bergen leuchten.
Tonight the moon will shine above the mountains.
heute Abend means tonight, der Mond is the moon, and über den Bergen means above the mountains. Future tense uses wird plus the infinitive leuchten, which goes to the end; über takes the dative here because it describes a location, not movement.
das Material — material; substance; supplies; materials; supplies
Material can mean a substance used to make something, or supplies used for work, school, or an activity. Its plural is Materialien, not Materials.
Das Material ist sehr stabil.
The material is very durable.
stabil means durable or strong, and sehr means very. Das Material is nominative because it is the subject, and ist stands in position two; stabil comes after sein as a predicative adjective.
Die Firma verwendet das Material für die Möbel.
The company uses the material for the furniture.
die Firma means the company, verwendet means uses, and die Möbel means the furniture. Das Material is accusative because verwenden takes an accusative object; für also forces the accusative in für die Möbel.
Wir arbeiten mit dem Material vorsichtig.
We work carefully with the material.
arbeiten means work, and vorsichtig means carefully. Dem Material is dative because mit always takes the dative; the finite verb arbeiten is in position two.
Die Qualität des Materials ist ausgezeichnet.
The quality of the material is excellent.
die Qualität means the quality, and ausgezeichnet means excellent. Des Materials is genitive because it says what the quality belongs to; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Die Materialien liegen auf dem Tisch.
The materials are lying on the table.
liegen means are lying, and auf dem Tisch means on the table. Materialien is plural and is the nominative subject; auf dem Tisch is dative because it describes a fixed location, not movement.
Für den Kurs brauche ich neues Material.
I need new materials for the course.
für den Kurs means for the course, and neues means new. Material is an uncountable accusative object of brauche; für forces the accusative in für den Kurs.
Die Lehrerin verteilt die Materialien an die Gruppe.
The teacher hands out the materials to the group.
die Lehrerin means the teacher, verteilt means hands out, and die Gruppe means the group. Materialien is accusative because it is what is handed out; an die Gruppe is accusative because it expresses direction toward the group.
die Medizin — medicine; medical science
Medizin is usually uncountable in the sense of the medical field or medical treatment, so it normally has no plural in everyday use. The plural Medizinen is possible when referring to distinct medical systems, for example conventional and traditional systems.
Die Medizin macht große Fortschritte.
Medicine is making great progress.
Fortschritte machen means to make progress, and große means great or major. Die Medizin is nominative because it is the subject; große Fortschritte is accusative as the object of machen.
Sie studiert die Medizin in Berlin.
She studies medicine in Berlin.
studieren means to study, and in Berlin means in Berlin. Die Medizin is accusative because it is the subject of study; the finite verb studiert stands in position two.
In der Medizin gibt es neue Methoden.
There are new methods in medicine.
neue Methoden means new methods, and gibt es means there are. In der Medizin describes a fixed area and therefore uses the dative; with es gibt, the thing that exists is accusative, although this sentence uses the neutral es gibt construction.
Die Geschichte der Medizin ist sehr lang.
The history of medicine is very long.
die Geschichte means the history, and sehr lang means very long. Der Medizin is genitive because it tells us whose history it is; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Verschiedene Medizinen verwenden unterschiedliche Heilmethoden.
Different medical systems use different healing methods.
verschiedene means different, verwenden means use, and unterschiedliche Heilmethoden means different healing methods. Verschiedene Medizinen is plural nominative as the subject, while unterschiedliche Heilmethoden is accusative after verwenden.
messen — to measure
messen – maß – hat gemessen is a strong verb and normally takes haben in the perfect. It can also be used reflexively in sich mit jemandem messen, meaning to compete with someone.
Ich messe die Temperatur im Zimmer.
I measure the temperature in the room.
die Temperatur means the temperature and das Zimmer means the room. die Temperatur is accusative because messen takes a direct object, while im Zimmer is dative after in for a location; the finite verb messe is in position two.
Wir haben die Länge des Tisches gemessen.
We measured the length of the table.
die Länge means the length, der Tisch means the table, and des Tisches means of the table. die Länge is accusative because it is the object of messen, and gemessen goes to the end with haben; des Tisches is genitive to show possession.
Der Arzt maß meinen Blutdruck.
The doctor measured my blood pressure.
der Arzt means the doctor and mein Blutdruck means my blood pressure. meinen Blutdruck is accusative because messen takes a direct object, and the strong past form maß stands in position two.
Miss bitte die Breite des Fensters.
Please measure the width of the window.
bitte means please, die Breite means the width, and das Fenster means the window. die Breite is accusative after messen, and the imperative miss comes first; des Fensters is genitive after a noun to mean of the window.
Wenn du die Strecke selbst messen würdest, wärst du schneller fertig.
If you measured the distance yourself, you would finish faster.
die Strecke means the distance, selbst means yourself, and schneller fertig means finished more quickly. die Strecke is accusative after messen; in the wenn clause, messen goes to the end, and würdest forms the Konjunktiv II.
Morgen messen wir den Raum genau.
Tomorrow we will measure the room precisely.
morgen means tomorrow, der Raum means the room, and genau means precisely. den Raum is accusative because it is the object of messen; werden is understood in the future construction, while messen remains at the end.
das Metall — metal
Metall is normally a mass noun, so it has no ordinary plural when it means the material. The genitive form is des Metalls, used to mean “of the metal”.
Das Metall ist sehr schwer.
The metal is very heavy.
schwer means heavy. Das Metall is nominative because it is the subject, and schwer comes after ist as a predicative adjective, so it has no ending.
Die Fabrik verarbeitet das Metall.
The factory processes the metal.
die Fabrik means the factory and verarbeiten means to process. das Metall is accusative because verarbeiten takes a direct object, and the finite verb verarbeitet stands in position two.
Die Oberfläche glänzt auf dem Metall.
The surface shines on the metal.
die Oberfläche means the surface and glänzen means to shine. dem Metall is dative because auf describes a fixed location here; die Oberfläche is the nominative subject.
Die Farbe des Metalls verändert sich durch die Hitze.
The colour of the metal changes because of the heat.
die Farbe means the colour, sich verändern means to change, and die Hitze means the heat. des Metalls is genitive after die Farbe to show what the colour belongs to; durch die Hitze uses the accusative after durch.
das Modell — model, design, scale model; model, version
Modell can mean a representation, a design or version of a product, or a scale model. It is not the same word as Model, which normally means a fashion model.
Das Modell zeigt das neue Gebäude.
The model shows the new building.
zeigt means shows and das neue Gebäude means the new building. Das Modell is nominative because it is the subject, while das neue Gebäude is accusative because it is the object of zeigt.
Die Schülerin baut ein Modell.
The schoolgirl is building a model.
die Schülerin means the schoolgirl and baut means builds or is building. Ein Modell is accusative because bauen takes a direct object; the neuter article ein is the same in nominative and accusative.
Der Lehrer erklärt den Kindern das Modell.
The teacher explains the model to the children.
der Lehrer means the teacher, erklärt means explains, and den Kindern means to the children. Den Kindern is dative because it names the people receiving the explanation, while das Modell is the accusative thing explained.
Die Entwicklung des Modells dauerte zwei Jahre.
The development of the model took two years.
die Entwicklung means the development, dauerte means took or lasted, and zwei Jahre means two years. Des Modells is genitive because it shows which model was developed; the noun adds -s in the genitive.
Die Modelle stehen im Schaufenster.
The models are in the shop window.
stehen means are standing or are displayed, and im Schaufenster means in the shop window. Modelle is the plural of Modell with an umlaut and -e; stehen is plural and stands in position two.
Dieses Modell ist besonders stabil.
This model is especially stable.
dieses means this, besonders means especially, and stabil means stable. Dieses Modell is the nominative subject; ist is the finite verb in position two, and stabil is a predicative adjective with no ending.
Dieses Modell ist günstiger als das alte.
This model is cheaper than the old one.
günstiger means cheaper and das alte means the old one. Dieses Modell is the nominative subject; als introduces the comparison, and the adjective after ist is predicative.
Der Händler bietet mehrere Modelle an.
The dealer offers several models.
der Händler means the dealer, bietet ... an means offers, and mehrere means several. Modelle is accusative because it is the object of anbieten; the separable prefix an goes to the end of the main clause.
das Plastik — plastic
das Plastik is the material plastic and is normally a mass noun, so it has no plural. Do not confuse it with die Plastik, which can mean a sculpture.
Das Plastik liegt im gelben Sack.
The plastic is in the yellow recycling bag.
liegt means is lying or is located, and der gelbe Sack means the yellow recycling bag. Das Plastik is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb liegt stands in position two.
Bitte werfen Sie das Plastik in den richtigen Behälter.
Please throw the plastic into the correct container.
werfen means throw, richtig means correct, and der Behälter means container. das Plastik is accusative because werfen takes a direct object; in den Behälter is accusative because it expresses movement into a place.
Mit dem Plastik kann man viele Dinge herstellen.
You can make many things with plastic.
mit means with, viele Dinge means many things, and herstellen means produce or make. dem Plastik is dative because mit always takes the dative; in kann man ... herstellen, the infinitive goes to the end.
Die Oberfläche des Plastiks ist sehr glatt.
The surface of the plastic is very smooth.
die Oberfläche means the surface, and glatt means smooth. des Plastiks is genitive to show what the surface is made of or belongs to; the noun adds -s, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
die Rakete — rocket, missile
Die Rakete can refer to a space vehicle or, in another context, a missile or a firework rocket. The plural is Raketen, with -n added to the feminine noun.
Die Rakete startet morgen ins All.
The rocket launches into space tomorrow.
starten means to launch or take off, morgen means tomorrow, and ins All means into space. Die Rakete is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb startet is in position two.
Die Ingenieure bauen die Rakete in einer großen Halle.
The engineers are building the rocket in a large hall.
die Ingenieure means the engineers, bauen means build, in einer großen Halle means in a large hall, and groß means large. Die Rakete is accusative because bauen takes a direct object; the finite verb bauen is in position two.
Die Wissenschaftler geben der Rakete einen neuen Namen.
The scientists give the rocket a new name.
die Wissenschaftler means the scientists, geben means give, and einen neuen Namen means a new name. Der Rakete is dative because it is the recipient, while einen neuen Namen is accusative because it is the thing given.
Der Start der Rakete wurde verschoben.
The launch of the rocket was postponed.
der Start means the launch, verschieben means to postpone, and wurde means was. Der Rakete is genitive because it identifies which launch is meant; wurde verschoben is a passive construction, with the participle verschoben at the end.
Am Himmel sieht man mehrere Raketen.
You can see several rockets in the sky.
am Himmel means in the sky, sehen means see, man means one or people in general, and mehrere means several. Raketen is plural after mehrere and is accusative because sehen takes a direct object.
das Raumschiff — spaceship; spacecraft
This compound combines der Raum (space) and das Schiff (ship), but its gender comes from the final part: das Schiff, so das Raumschiff.
Das Raumschiff fliegt zum Mars.
The spaceship is flying to Mars.
fliegen means to fly and der Mars is Mars. Das Raumschiff is nominative because it is the subject, and fliegt is the finite verb in position two.
Die Astronauten betreten das Raumschiff.
The astronauts enter the spaceship.
die Astronauten are the astronauts and betreten means to enter. Das Raumschiff is accusative because betreten takes a direct object; the neuter article das stays the same in nominative and accusative.
Die Astronauten sind in dem Raumschiff.
The astronauts are in the spaceship.
die Astronauten are the astronauts and sein means to be. In dem Raumschiff describes a location, so in takes the dative; dem is often shortened to im.
Die Tür des Raumschiffs bleibt geschlossen.
The spaceship’s door remains closed.
die Tür is the door, bleiben means to remain, and geschlossen means closed. Des Raumschiffs expresses possession in the genitive, and bleibt is in position two.
In Science-Fiction-Filmen sieht man oft Raumschiffe.
You often see spaceships in science-fiction films.
Science-Fiction-Filme are science-fiction films, sehen means to see, and oft means often. Raumschiffe is the plural with -e; man is an indefinite subject meaning people or one.
die Rechenmaschine — calculating machine; mechanical calculator
die Rechenmaschine is common in historical contexts; today, people usually use der Taschenrechner for a pocket calculator. The noun is a compound of rechnen, to calculate, and die Maschine, machine.
Die Rechenmaschine steht auf dem Tisch.
The calculating machine is on the table.
steht means stands or is located, and auf dem Tisch means on the table. Die Rechenmaschine is nominative because it is the subject; dem Tisch is dative because auf describes a fixed location here.
Der Lehrer zeigt die Rechenmaschine.
The teacher shows the calculating machine.
der Lehrer means the teacher, and zeigt means shows. die Rechenmaschine is accusative because zeigen takes the thing shown as an accusative object; the finite verb zeigt is in position two.
Wir rechnen mit der Rechenmaschine.
We calculate with the calculating machine.
rechnen means to calculate, and mit means with. der Rechenmaschine is dative because mit always takes the dative; the finite verb rechnen is in position two.
Die Tasten der Rechenmaschine sind klein.
The keys of the calculating machine are small.
die Tasten means the keys, and klein means small. der Rechenmaschine is genitive because it shows which machine the keys belong to; the finite verb sind is in position two.
Früher benutzten Firmen Rechenmaschinen.
Companies used calculating machines in the past.
früher means in the past, benutzten means used, and Firmen means companies. Rechenmaschinen is plural and accusative because benutzen takes an accusative object; the past-tense verb is in position two.
das Schaubild — diagram, chart
Schaubild is used for a visual presentation of information, especially in school, reports, and presentations. It can describe a chart with numbers or a labelled diagram.
Das Schaubild zeigt den Weg zum Bahnhof.
The diagram shows the way to the train station.
zeigt means shows, der Weg means the way, and der Bahnhof means the train station. Das Schaubild is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb zeigt is in position two.
Die Lehrerin erklärt das Schaubild.
The teacher explains the diagram.
die Lehrerin means the teacher, and erklärt means explains. Das Schaubild is accusative because erklären takes a direct object; with a neuter noun, the article stays das in the accusative.
Wir sprechen mit dem Lehrer über dem Schaubild.
We are talking with the teacher about the diagram.
wir sprechen means we are talking, mit dem Lehrer means with the teacher, and über means about here. Dem Schaubild is dative because this meaning of über takes the dative in the fixed phrase; do not confuse it with movement or direction, where über can take the accusative.
Die Farben des Schaubildes sind gut gewählt.
The colours of the diagram are well chosen.
die Farben means the colours, gut gewählt means well chosen, and sind means are. Des Schaubildes is genitive because it says whose colours they are; the neuter article is des and the noun takes -es.
In dem Buch gibt es viele Schaubilder.
There are many diagrams in the book.
in dem Buch means in the book, gibt es means there are, and viele means many. Viele Schaubilder is plural; its ending is -er, and it is the thing that exists after es gibt, which takes the accusative.
schmelzen — to melt; to melt something; to melt emotionally; to soften
For something melting by itself, use sein: Das Eis ist geschmolzen. For actively melting something, use haben and an accusative object: Sie hat die Butter geschmolzen.
Die Butter schmilzt in der Pfanne.
The butter is melting in the pan.
Butter means butter and Pfanne means pan. In der Pfanne is dative because it describes a fixed location; schmilzt is in position two and has the strong-verb vowel change.
Das Eis ist schnell geschmolzen.
The ice melted quickly.
Eis means ice and schnell means quickly. The perfect uses ist geschmolzen with sein because the ice changes state; the Partizip II goes to the end.
Die Kerze schmolz langsam.
The candle melted slowly.
Kerze means candle and langsam means slowly. Schmolz is the strong-verb past form, with no -te; the finite verb is in position two.
Schmilz, Butter!
Melt, butter!
Butter means butter. Schmilz is the informal singular imperative of schmelzen; it keeps the changed vowel and normally omits the du pronoun.
Das Eis würde in der Sonne schmelzen.
The ice would melt in the sun.
Sonne means sun. Würde ... schmelzen expresses a hypothetical event, with the infinitive at the end; in der Sonne is dative because it describes location.
Die Sonne wird den Schnee bald schmelzen.
The sun will soon melt the snow.
Sonne means sun, Schnee means snow, and bald means soon. Den Schnee is accusative because the sun is causing it to melt; future wird ... schmelzen places the infinitive at the end.
Bei diesem Lied schmilzt mein Herz.
My heart melts when I hear this song.
Lied means song and Herz means heart. Bei diesem Lied means with or when hearing this song and takes the dative; schmilzt is in position two, while mein Herz is the nominative subject.
Sie schmolz dahin, als er ihr ein Kompliment machte.
She melted when he gave her a compliment.
dahinschmelzen means to melt away emotionally, and Kompliment means compliment. Als introduces a subordinate clause, so machte goes to the end; the past form schmolz is in position two in the main clause.
der Strom — electricity; river, current; river; current, flow
For household energy, Strom usually means electricity and is normally uncountable. In geographical or technical contexts, der Strom can mean a large river or a current, with the plural die Ströme.
Der Strom ist heute teuer.
Electricity is expensive today.
heute means today, and teuer means expensive. Der Strom is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Wir bezahlen den Strom jeden Monat.
We pay for the electricity every month.
bezahlen means pay for, and jeden Monat means every month. Den Strom is accusative because it is the object of bezahlen; jeden Monat is an accusative time expression.
Die Lampe funktioniert mit dem Strom.
The lamp works with electricity.
die Lampe is the lamp, and funktioniert means works. Mit always takes the dative, so dem Strom is dative; the finite verb funktioniert is in position two.
Der Preis des Stroms steigt.
The price of electricity is rising.
der Preis is the price, and steigt means is rising. Des Stroms is genitive because it means of the electricity, and the masculine noun takes -s in this form.
In Europa fließen mehrere Ströme durch große Länder.
Several rivers flow through large countries in Europe.
Europa is Europe, fließen means flow, and mehrere means several. Ströme is the plural when Strom means rivers or strong flows; it is the plural subject, so the verb fließen is plural.
Der Strom fließt schnell.
The river is flowing quickly.
fließt means flows, and schnell means quickly. Der Strom is nominative as the subject, and the finite verb fließt stands in position two.
Das Boot fährt gegen den Strom.
The boat is travelling against the current.
das Boot is the boat, fährt means travels, and gegen means against. Gegen always takes the accusative, so den Strom is accusative; gegen den Strom is a fixed expression for moving against the current.
die Studie — study; research study
A Studie is usually a formal research project or its written report. Do not confuse it with das Studium, which means a course of university study.
Die Studie zeigt interessante Ergebnisse.
The study shows interesting results.
zeigt means shows, and interessante Ergebnisse means interesting results. Die Studie is nominative because it is the subject, and zeigt stands in position two.
Forscher veröffentlichen die Studie im Sommer.
Researchers publish the study in summer.
Forscher means researchers, veröffentlichen means publish, and im Sommer means in summer. Die Studie is accusative because veröffentlichen takes a direct object; the verb is in position two.
Die Ärztin vertraut der Studie.
The doctor trusts the study.
die Ärztin means the female doctor, and vertraut means trusts. Der Studie is dative because vertrauen takes a dative object, even when the object is a thing.
Die Ergebnisse der Studie sind überzeugend.
The results of the study are convincing.
die Ergebnisse means the results, and überzeugend means convincing. Der Studie is genitive because it identifies which study the results belong to; the subject is die Ergebnisse, so the verb is plural: sind.
Neue Studien bestätigen diese Theorie.
New studies confirm this theory.
neue means new, bestätigen means confirm, and diese Theorie means this theory. Neue Studien is the plural subject, and bestätigen stands in position two.
die Technik — technology, technique, technical method; technique, method
Technik can mean technology in general or a particular technique or method. The plural Techniken normally refers to separate methods, while general technology is often uncountable in the singular.
Die Technik entwickelt sich schnell.
Technology is developing quickly.
entwickelt sich means develops, and schnell means quickly. Die Technik is nominative because it is the subject; the reflexive verb sich entwickeln has the finite verb entwickelt in position two.
Wir benutzen die Technik jeden Tag.
We use technology every day.
benutzen means use, and jeden Tag means every day. Die Technik is accusative because benutzen takes a direct object; the time phrase comes after the object here.
Mit der Technik können wir schneller arbeiten.
With the technology, we can work faster.
mit means with, and schneller means faster. Mit always takes the dative, so der Technik is dative; the modal verb können is in position two and arbeiten goes to the end.
Die Entwicklung der Technik verändert unseren Alltag.
The development of technology is changing our everyday life.
die Entwicklung means the development, and unseren Alltag means our everyday life. Der Technik is genitive because it says what is being developed; the masculine object unseren Alltag is accusative after verändert.
Neue Techniken erleichtern die Arbeit.
New techniques make the work easier.
neue means new, and erleichtern means make easier. Techniken is the plural when different methods are meant; it is nominative because it is the subject of erleichtern.
Diese Technik ist nicht einfach.
This technique is not easy.
diese means this, and nicht einfach means not easy. Diese Technik is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist is in position two.
Der Trainer zeigt uns eine neue Technik.
The coach shows us a new technique.
der Trainer means the coach, zeigt means shows, and uns means us. Uns is dative as the person receiving something, while eine neue Technik is accusative as the thing shown.
die Technikerin — female technician
This is the feminine form of der Techniker. The plural ending is -innen, a common pattern for feminine job titles.
Die Technikerin prüft die Maschine.
The technician is checking the machine.
prüft means is checking, and die Maschine is the machine. Die Technikerin is nominative because it is the subject, while die Maschine is accusative because prüfen takes a direct object.
Wir brauchen die Technikerin.
We need the technician.
brauchen means need, and wir means we. Die Technikerin is accusative because brauchen takes a direct object; the feminine article die looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Wir helfen der Technikerin.
We help the technician.
helfen means help. Der Technikerin is dative because helfen always takes a dative person; the feminine article changes from die to der.
Das Werkzeug der Technikerin liegt hier.
The technician’s tools are here.
das Werkzeug means the tool and liegt hier means is here. Der Technikerin is genitive because it shows possession; the feminine noun itself does not change.
Die Technikerinnen arbeiten im Labor.
The technicians are working in the laboratory.
arbeiten means are working, das Labor is the laboratory, and im means in the. Technikerinnen forms the plural with -innen, and im Labor is dative because it describes a fixed location.
die Temperatur — temperature
For weather, German commonly uses die Temperatur beträgt ... or die Temperatur liegt bei .... Do not translate English “temperature” with Wärme, which means heat or warmth.
Die Temperatur ist heute angenehm.
The temperature is pleasant today.
heute means “today”, and angenehm means “pleasant”. Die Temperatur is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Das Thermometer zeigt die Temperatur.
The thermometer shows the temperature.
das Thermometer means “the thermometer”, and zeigt means “shows”. Die Temperatur is accusative because zeigen takes a direct object; the finite verb zeigt is in position two.
Bei der Temperatur schmilzt der Schnee.
At this temperature, the snow melts.
bei means “at”, schmilzt means “melts”, and der Schnee means “the snow”. Der Temperatur is dative because bei always takes the dative; the verb schmilzt is in position two after the fronted phrase.
Die Messung der Temperatur dauert eine Minute.
The measurement of the temperature takes one minute.
die Messung means “the measurement”, and dauert eine Minute means “takes one minute”. Der Temperatur is genitive because it specifies what is measured; the finite verb dauert stands in position two.
Im Frühling steigen die Temperaturen.
Temperatures rise in spring.
im Frühling means “in spring”, and steigen means “rise”. Temperaturen is plural and is the nominative subject; because the time phrase comes first, the finite verb steigen still remains in position two.
testen — to test, to try out
Testen usually takes an accusative object: etwas testen means to test something. The verb is regular and forms the perfect with haben.
Ich teste die neue App.
I am testing the new app.
die neue App means the new app. Die neue App is accusative because testen takes a direct object, and the finite verb teste is in position two.
Wir haben den neuen Drucker getestet.
We tested the new printer.
wir means we, der Drucker is a printer, and neu means new. Den neuen Drucker is accusative after testen; the perfect uses haben, with getestet at the end.
Die Firma testete das Gerät im Labor.
The company tested the device in the laboratory.
die Firma means the company, das Gerät means the device, and im Labor means in the laboratory. Das Gerät is accusative after testen, and the regular past form testete is in position two.
Teste bitte den Wecker.
Please test the alarm clock.
bitte means please, and der Wecker is an alarm clock. Den Wecker is accusative because it is the object of testen; the imperative Teste comes first.
Ich würde das vorher testen.
I would test that beforehand.
vorher means beforehand, and das means that or it. Das is accusative as the object of testen; würde plus the infinitive testen expresses a hypothetical action.
Morgen werden wir die Strecke testen.
Tomorrow we will test the route.
morgen means tomorrow, and die Strecke is the route or distance. Die Strecke is accusative after testen; in the future, werden is in position two and testen goes to the end.
das Thermometer — thermometer
Das Thermometer zeigt 38 Grad.
The thermometer shows 38 degrees.
zeigt means shows and 38 Grad means 38 degrees. Das Thermometer is nominative because it is the subject, and zeigt is in position two.
Ich nehme das Thermometer.
I take the thermometer.
nehme means take. Das Thermometer is accusative because nehmen takes a direct object; the neuter article remains das.
Ich messe mit dem Thermometer die Temperatur.
I measure the temperature with the thermometer.
messe means measure and die Temperatur means the temperature. Mit forces the dative, so dem Thermometer is dative; die Temperatur is accusative as the thing measured.
Die Anzeige des Thermometers ist digital.
The thermometer's display is digital.
die Anzeige means the display and digital means digital. Des Thermometers is genitive because it shows whose display is meant; the noun adds -s.
Die Thermometer liegen im Schrank.
The thermometers are in the cupboard.
liegen means are lying and im Schrank means in the cupboard. Thermometer is nominative plural as the subject; the plural looks like the singular, while im Schrank is dative for a location.
der Versuch — attempt, try; experiment; experiment
Versuch usually means an attempt or try; in science it means an experiment. For “to try to do something”, German normally uses versuchen followed by zu plus the infinitive.
Der Versuch war erfolgreich.
The attempt was successful.
war means was, and erfolgreich means successful. Der Versuch is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb war stands in position two.
Ich mache einen Versuch.
I am making an attempt.
ich means I, and mache means make or am making. Einen Versuch is accusative because machen takes a direct object; the finite verb mache is in position two.
Bei dem Versuch hilft mir meine Schwester.
My sister helps me with the attempt.
bei means during or with, hilft means helps, and meine Schwester is my sister. Bei takes the dative, so the form is dem Versuch; hilft stands in position two.
Das Ergebnis des Versuchs überrascht mich.
The result of the attempt surprises me.
das Ergebnis is the result, überrascht means surprises, and mich means me. Des Versuchs is genitive after das Ergebnis to show which result it is; mich is accusative because it is the person affected.
Die Versuche der Kinder dauern lange.
The children’s attempts take a long time.
der Kinder means of the children, dauern means last or take time, and lange means a long time. Die Versuche is nominative plural, while der Kinder is genitive and shows whose attempts they are.
Der wissenschaftliche Versuch dauert drei Tage.
The scientific experiment lasts three days.
wissenschaftlich means scientific, dauert means lasts, and drei Tage means three days. Der wissenschaftliche Versuch is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb dauert stands in position two.
Die Schüler beobachten den Versuch im Labor.
The students observe the experiment in the laboratory.
die Schüler are the students, beobachten means observe, and im Labor means in the laboratory. Den Versuch is accusative because beobachten takes a direct object; im Labor is a dative location phrase.
das Weltall — outer space, universe
Das Weltall means outer space or the universe and is normally used only in the singular, so it has no plural. Do not confuse it with der Weltraum, another common word for outer space.
Das Weltall ist unendlich groß.
Outer space is infinitely large.
unendlich groß means infinitely large. Das Weltall is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Astronauten erforschen das Weltall.
Astronauts explore outer space.
Astronauten are astronauts and erforschen means explore or study. Das Weltall is accusative because erforschen takes a direct object; the neuter article das is unchanged in the accusative.
Die Raumfahrt bringt Menschen ins Weltall.
Space travel takes people into outer space.
die Raumfahrt means space travel, bringt means takes or brings, and Menschen means people. Ins Weltall is actually accusative because in shows movement into space; the matrix's dative slot cannot be expressed naturally here with this directional meaning.
Die Grenzen des Weltalls können wir nicht verstehen.
We cannot understand the limits of outer space.
die Grenzen means the limits, können ... nicht verstehen means cannot understand, and wir means we. Des Weltalls is genitive because it means of outer space and adds -s; the object die Grenzen is accusative, placed first for emphasis.
der Weltraum — outer space
Weltraum is normally an uncountable noun, so it has no ordinary plural. The genitive form is des Weltraums, with -s on the masculine noun.
Der Weltraum ist unendlich groß.
Outer space is infinitely large.
unendlich groß means infinitely large. Der Weltraum is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Astronauten sehen den Weltraum.
The astronauts see outer space.
die Astronauten means the astronauts, and sehen means see. Den Weltraum is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Im Weltraum gibt es keine Luft.
There is no air in outer space.
gibt es means there is, and keine Luft means no air. Im Weltraum is short for in dem Weltraum and is dative because in describes a location; gibt comes before es in the fixed phrase gibt es.
Die Erforschung des Weltraums kostet viel Geld.
The exploration of outer space costs a lot of money.
die Erforschung means the exploration, and viel Geld means a lot of money. Des Weltraums is genitive because it identifies what is being explored, and the masculine noun adds -s.
Wir wollen den Weltraum besser verstehen.
We want to understand outer space better.
wir wollen means we want to, and besser verstehen means understand better. Den Weltraum is accusative as the object of verstehen; after the modal verb wollen, the infinitive verstehen goes to the end.
die Wissenschaft — science, academic discipline
Wissenschaft can mean science in general or a particular academic discipline. The adjective wissenschaftlich means “scientific” or “academic,” and the plural Wissenschaften is used for different fields.
Wissenschaft erklärt viele Dinge.
Science explains many things.
erklärt means “explains,” and viele Dinge means “many things.” Wissenschaft is the nominative subject, while Dinge is the accusative object of erklären.
Viele Menschen interessieren sich für Wissenschaft.
Many people are interested in science.
viele Menschen means “many people,” and sich interessieren für means “to be interested in.” The preposition für forces the accusative, and the finite verb interessieren is in position two.
An der Wissenschaft arbeitet sie seit Jahren.
She has been working in science for years.
an means “in” here, arbeitet means “works,” and seit Jahren means “for years.” An takes the dative for a fixed field or area, and the phrase at the start causes the subject sie to come after the finite verb.
Die Geschichte der Wissenschaft ist spannend.
The history of science is fascinating.
die Geschichte means “the history,” and spannend means “fascinating.” Der Wissenschaft is genitive because it identifies whose history is meant.
Die modernen Wissenschaften arbeiten oft zusammen.
The modern sciences often work together.
modernen means “modern,” oft means “often,” and zusammenarbeiten means “to work together.” Wissenschaften is the plural subject, and the plural verb form arbeiten stands in position two.