Appearance
Vocab: Society, politics & law — A2 (2)
Society, politics & law vocabulary at A2 level.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
der Papst — pope
der Papst is a masculine noun with the irregular plural die Päpste. In religious contexts, it is normally written with a capital letter like all German nouns.
Der Papst spricht heute im Fernsehen.
The pope is speaking on television today.
spricht means speaks or is speaking, heute means today, and im Fernsehen means on television. Der Papst is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb spricht is in position two.
Viele Menschen sehen den Papst im Fernsehen.
Many people see the pope on television.
viele Menschen means many people, and sehen means to see. den Papst is accusative because it is the direct object of sehen; im means in dem and takes the dative for location.
Die Kinder winken dem Papst zu.
The children wave to the pope.
die Kinder are the children, and zuwinken means to wave to someone. dem Papst is dative because zuwinken takes a dative person; in the main clause, winken is in position two and the separable prefix zu goes to the end.
Die Reise des Papstes beginnt morgen.
The pope's journey begins tomorrow.
die Reise means the journey, and beginnt morgen means begins tomorrow. des Papstes is genitive because it shows whose journey it is; the noun takes -es as well as the genitive article des.
In der Geschichte gab es viele Päpste.
There have been many popes in history.
die Geschichte means history, viele means many, and gab es means there were or there have been. Päpste is the plural after viele; in der Geschichte uses the dative because it describes a location or context, not a direction.
die Passkontrolle — passport control, passport check
Passkontrolle is a compound of Pass (passport) and Kontrolle (check or inspection). At an airport or border, it usually means the place or procedure where officials check passports.
Die Passkontrolle dauert nur wenige Minuten.
Passport control takes only a few minutes.
dauert means takes or lasts, and nur wenige Minuten means only a few minutes. die Passkontrolle is the nominative subject; the finite verb dauert stands in position two.
Ich sehe die Passkontrolle schon.
I can already see passport control.
ich sehe means I see, and schon means already. die Passkontrolle is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the feminine article looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Wir stehen an der Passkontrolle.
We are standing at passport control.
wir stehen means we are standing. an der Passkontrolle describes a fixed location, so an takes dative; the feminine article is der in the dative.
Die Schlange der Passkontrolle ist sehr lang.
The queue for passport control is very long.
die Schlange means the queue, and sehr lang means very long. der Passkontrolle is genitive and means of passport control; the feminine genitive article is der, while the finite verb ist is in position two.
Die Passkontrollen an den Flughäfen sind heute geöffnet.
The passport controls at the airports are open today.
an den Flughäfen means at the airports, and heute geöffnet means open today. Passkontrollen is plural and is the nominative subject; an takes dative for location, shown by plural den Flughäfen.
der Personalausweis — identity card, ID card
Der Personalausweis is an official identity document; it is not simply any card with a person's name on it. The compound contains Personal (personal) and Ausweis (official identity document).
Der Personalausweis liegt auf dem Tisch.
The identity card is lying on the table.
liegen means to lie or be situated, and auf dem Tisch means on the table. Der Personalausweis is nominative because it is the subject; auf dem Tisch is dative because it describes a fixed location.
Bitte zeigen Sie den Personalausweis.
Please show your identity card.
bitte means please and zeigen means to show. Den Personalausweis is accusative because it is the direct object of zeigen; the polite command uses zeigen Sie.
Ich gebe der Beamtin dem Personalausweis?
I give the identity card to the official?
geben means to give and die Beamtin is the female official. This sentence is not natural because dem Personalausweis is dative; for the thing given, German normally uses accusative: Ich gebe der Beamtin den Personalausweis.
Die Nummer des Personalausweises steht hier.
The identity-card number is written here.
die Nummer is the number and hier means here. Des Personalausweises is genitive because it specifies which number; Ausweis takes -es in the genitive singular.
Die Polizei kontrolliert mehrere Personalausweise.
The police are checking several identity cards.
die Polizei is the police and kontrollieren means to check. Personalausweise is the plural with -e, and it is accusative because it is the object of kontrolliert.
die Pflicht — duty, obligation
Die Pflicht can be a moral, legal, or everyday obligation. The common phrase die Pflicht erfüllen means to do what one is required to do.
Die Pflicht beginnt mit dem Vertrag.
The obligation begins with the contract.
beginnt means begins, mit means with, and der Vertrag means the contract. Die Pflicht is nominative because it is the subject, while mit dem Vertrag is dative because mit requires the dative.
Jeder Bürger muss die Pflicht erfüllen.
Every citizen must fulfil the duty.
jeder Bürger means every citizen, muss means must, and erfüllen means fulfil. Die Pflicht is accusative because it is the object of erfüllen; the modal verb muss sends erfüllen to the end.
Wir folgen der Pflicht nicht immer gern.
We do not always follow the obligation willingly.
folgen means follow, nicht immer means not always, and gern means willingly or gladly. Der Pflicht is dative because folgen requires a dative object, even though English uses no special case here.
Die Erfüllung der Pflicht ist wichtig.
Fulfilling the duty is important.
die Erfüllung means fulfilment, and wichtig means important. Der Pflicht is genitive because it specifies which fulfilment is meant; the verb ist links the subject to wichtig.
Im Beruf gibt es viele Pflichten.
There are many duties at work.
im Beruf means at work or in one's profession, gibt es means there are, and viele means many. Pflichten is plural after es gibt, which takes an accusative object; the plural ending is -en.
der Politiker — politician
Politiker is a masculine noun with the same form in the plural. Use der Politiker for one man and die Politiker for several people; the feminine form is die Politikerin.
Der Politiker spricht im Fernsehen.
The politician is speaking on television.
spricht means is speaking, and im Fernsehen means on television. Der Politiker is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb spricht is in position two.
Die Zeitung kritisiert den Politiker.
The newspaper criticizes the politician.
die Zeitung means the newspaper, and kritisiert means criticizes. Den Politiker is accusative because kritisieren takes a direct object; the finite verb kritisiert is in position two.
Die Bürger geben dem Politiker ihre Fragen.
The citizens give the politician their questions.
die Bürger means the citizens, geben means give, and ihre Fragen means their questions. Dem Politiker is dative because he receives something, while ihre Fragen is the accusative object.
Die Rede des Politikers war überzeugend.
The politician’s speech was convincing.
die Rede means the speech, and überzeugend means convincing. Des Politikers is genitive and shows possession: the speech belongs to the politician.
Viele Politiker reisen heute nach Berlin.
Many politicians are travelling to Berlin today.
Viele means many, reisen means travel, and heute means today. Viele Politiker is plural; this noun has the same form in the singular and plural, so viele and the verb ending show the number.
die Politikerin — female politician
Politikerin is the feminine form of Politiker. Its plural is formed with -innen, giving Politikerinnen.
Die Politikerin spricht im Fernsehen.
The politician is speaking on television.
spricht means is speaking, and im Fernsehen means on television. Die Politikerin is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb spricht is in position two.
Die Zeitung kritisiert die Politikerin.
The newspaper criticizes the politician.
die Zeitung means the newspaper, and kritisiert means criticizes. Die Politikerin is accusative because kritisieren takes a direct object; the feminine article die looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Die Bürger geben der Politikerin ihre Fragen.
The citizens give the politician their questions.
die Bürger means the citizens, geben means give, and ihre Fragen means their questions. Der Politikerin is dative because she receives something, while ihre Fragen is the accusative object.
Die Rede der Politikerin war überzeugend.
The politician’s speech was convincing.
die Rede means the speech, and überzeugend means convincing. Der Politikerin is genitive and shows possession: the speech belongs to the female politician.
Viele Politikerinnen reisen heute nach Berlin.
Many female politicians are travelling to Berlin today.
Viele means many, reisen means travel, and heute means today. Viele Politikerinnen is plural, formed by changing -in to -innen.
politisch — political
Politisch usually means connected with politics or public affairs. Do not confuse it with politisch aktiv, which means politically active, or with politisch used to describe a sensitive issue.
Das Thema ist sehr politisch.
The topic is very political.
das Thema means the topic and sehr means very. Politisch is predicative after ist and therefore has no adjective ending; das Thema is nominative.
Wir sprechen über politische Probleme.
We are talking about political problems.
wir sprechen über means we talk about, and Probleme are problems. Über takes the accusative here, so politische Probleme is an accusative plural phrase with the adjective ending -e.
Diese Entscheidung ist politischer als die vorige.
This decision is more political than the previous one.
diese Entscheidung means this decision, and die vorige means the previous one. Politischer compares two decisions; als introduces the thing used for comparison, and the adjective is predicative after ist.
Das war die politischste Diskussion des Jahres.
That was the most political discussion of the year.
die Diskussion is the discussion, and des Jahres means of the year. Politischste is the attributive superlative and takes -e after die; des Jahres is genitive and shows the time period.
die Polizeistation — police station
Polizeistation is the usual word for a police office or police building. It is feminine, so its singular article is die.
Die Polizeistation ist heute geschlossen.
The police station is closed today.
geschlossen means closed, and heute means today. Die Polizeistation is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Ich suche die Polizeistation.
I am looking for the police station.
suchen means to look for. Die Polizeistation is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; the feminine article die is the same in nominative and accusative.
Wir fahren zu der Polizeistation.
We are driving to the police station.
fahren means to drive or go, and zu means to. Der Polizeistation is dative because zu always takes the dative; zu der is often shortened to zur.
Der Eingang der Polizeistation ist neben dem Rathaus.
The entrance to the police station is next to the town hall.
der Eingang is the entrance, neben means next to, and das Rathaus is the town hall. Der Polizeistation is genitive because it identifies whose entrance it is; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Die Polizeistationen der Stadt sind gut markiert.
The city’s police stations are clearly marked.
der Stadt means of the city, gut means well, and markiert means marked. Die Polizeistationen is plural and nominative because it is the subject; the plural ending is -en.
die Polizeiwache — police station, police post
Polizeiwache focuses on a police post where officers are stationed or on duty. Polizeistation is a broader and often more neutral term for a police station.
Die Polizeiwache liegt neben dem Bahnhof.
The police station is next to the railway station.
liegen means to be located, neben means next to, and der Bahnhof is the railway station. Die Polizeiwache is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb liegt is in position two.
Die Touristen suchen die Polizeiwache.
The tourists are looking for the police station.
die Touristen are the tourists, and suchen means to look for. Die Polizeiwache is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; the feminine article remains die.
Der Mann geht zu der Polizeiwache.
The man goes to the police station.
der Mann is the man, and gehen means to go. Der Polizeiwache is dative because zu always takes the dative; zu der is commonly contracted to zur.
Das Fenster der Polizeiwache ist offen.
The police station’s window is open.
das Fenster is the window, and offen means open. Der Polizeiwache is genitive because it shows possession; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Polizeiwachen schließen um acht Uhr.
The police stations close at eight o’clock.
schließen means close, and um acht Uhr means at eight o’clock. Die Polizeiwachen is plural and nominative because it is the subject; the plural ending is -n.
der Priester — priest
Der Priester is a regular masculine noun, not a weak noun: its genitive is des Priesters, but its plural is simply die Priester. It is normally used for a male religious official.
Der Priester spricht in der Kirche.
The priest is speaking in the church.
spricht means speaks, and die Kirche is the church. Der Priester is nominative because he is the subject; in der Kirche is dative because it describes a location, and spricht is in position two.
Die Gemeinde begrüßt den Priester.
The congregation welcomes the priest.
Die Gemeinde means the congregation, and begrüßt means welcomes. Den Priester is accusative because it is the direct object of begrüßen, while the finite verb begrüßt stands in position two.
Die Kinder danken dem Priester.
The children thank the priest.
Die Kinder means the children, and danken means thank. Dem Priester is dative because danken always takes a dative person; the finite verb danken is in position two.
Die Predigt des Priesters war kurz.
The priest’s sermon was short.
Die Predigt means the sermon, and kurz means short. Des Priesters is genitive because it shows whose sermon it was; the noun adds -s, and the finite verb war is in position two.
Viele Priester arbeiten in kleinen Gemeinden.
Many priests work in small congregations.
Viele means many, arbeiten means work, and kleinen Gemeinden means small congregations. Priester has the same spelling in singular and plural, so the article or another word shows the number; arbeiten is in position two.
die Priesterin — priestess; female priest
Die Priesterin is the feminine form of der Priester. Feminine nouns ending in -in usually form their plural with -innen: die Priesterinnen.
Die Priesterin spricht mit den Gästen.
The priestess is speaking with the guests.
spricht means speaks, and die Gäste are the guests. Die Priesterin is nominative because she is the subject, while mit den Gästen is dative because mit always takes the dative.
Die Gemeinde begrüßt die Priesterin.
The congregation welcomes the priestess.
Die Gemeinde means the congregation, and begrüßt means welcomes. Die Priesterin is accusative because it is the direct object of begrüßen; the finite verb begrüßt stands in position two.
Die Kinder danken der Priesterin.
The children thank the priestess.
Die Kinder means the children, and danken means thank. Der Priesterin is dative because danken takes a dative person, and danken is in position two.
Die Predigt der Priesterin war interessant.
The priestess’s sermon was interesting.
Die Predigt means the sermon, and interessant means interesting. Der Priesterin is genitive because it shows whose sermon it was; the feminine noun does not add an ending, and war is in position two.
Mehrere Priesterinnen arbeiten in der Stadt.
Several priestesses work in the city.
Mehrere means several, arbeiten means work, and die Stadt is the city. Priesterinnen is the plural with -innen, while in der Stadt is dative because it describes a location.
der Prinz — prince
Der Prinz is a weak masculine noun: it takes -en in the accusative, dative, and genitive singular, as well as in the plural. The nominative singular is the only common form without -en.
Der Prinz lebt in einem großen Schloss.
The prince lives in a large castle.
lebt means lives, groß means large, and das Schloss is the castle or palace. Der Prinz is nominative because he is the subject; in einem großen Schloss is dative because it describes a location, and lebt is in position two.
Die Königin ruft den Prinzen.
The queen calls the prince.
Die Königin means the queen, and ruft means calls. Den Prinzen is accusative because it is the object of rufen; this weak masculine noun takes -en outside the nominative singular.
Die Königin hilft dem Prinzen.
The queen helps the prince.
Die Königin means the queen, and hilft means helps. Dem Prinzen is dative because helfen takes a dative person, and Prinz has the weak-noun ending -en here.
Das Pferd des Prinzen ist schnell.
The prince’s horse is fast.
Das Pferd means the horse, and schnell means fast. Des Prinzen is genitive because it shows whose horse it is; the weak noun takes -en, and ist stands in position two.
Die Prinzen besuchen den König.
The princes visit the king.
besuchen means visit, and den König means the king. Prinzen is the plural of Prinz, while den König is accusative because it is the object of besuchen; the plural subject does not have an extra ending beyond -en.
der Protest — protest, objection; demonstration, public protest
Protest can be an individual objection or a public demonstration, depending on the context. A protest is often directed gegen something, and gegen requires the accusative.
Der Protest ist laut.
The protest is loud.
laut means loud. Der Protest is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Menschen zeigen den Protest.
The people show the protest.
die Menschen means the people, and zeigen means show. den Protest is accusative because zeigen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Die Polizei begegnet dem Protest mit Ruhe.
The police meet the protest calmly.
die Polizei means the police, and mit Ruhe means calmly or with calm. dem Protest is dative because begegnen requires the dative; mit also requires dative for Ruhe.
Die Stärke des Protests überrascht die Regierung.
The strength of the protest surprises the government.
die Stärke means the strength, überrascht means surprises, and die Regierung means the government. des Protests is genitive because it means of the protest; die Regierung is accusative because it is the object of überraschen.
In vielen Städten gibt es große Proteste.
There are large protests in many cities.
in vielen Städten means in many cities, and große means large. Proteste is the plural with -e; after es gibt, the noun is accusative even though the plural article is not visible here.
Tausende Menschen nehmen an dem Protest teil.
Thousands of people take part in the protest.
tausende Menschen means thousands of people, and teilnehmen means take part. an dem Protest is dative because teilnehmen an requires dative; the separable verb appears as nehmen ... teil in the main clause.
Der Protest bleibt friedlich.
The protest remains peaceful.
bleibt means remains and friedlich means peaceful. Der Protest is nominative as the subject; friedlich is a predicative adjective after bleiben, so it has no adjective ending.
protestieren — to protest, to object
protestieren is a weak verb with the perfect auxiliary haben: protestieren - protestierte - hat protestiert. It is commonly used with gegen plus the accusative, as in gegen etwas protestieren.
Die Menschen protestieren gegen die neue Regel.
The people are protesting against the new rule.
die Menschen means the people, gegen means against, and die neue Regel means the new rule. gegen always takes the accusative, and the finite verb protestieren stands in position two.
Die Menschen haben gegen die neue Regel protestiert.
The people have protested against the new rule.
die neue Regel means the new rule, and haben ... protestiert means have protested. gegen die neue Regel is accusative because gegen requires it; the auxiliary haben is in position two and protestiert goes to the end.
Die Menschen protestierten gegen die neue Regel.
The people protested against the new rule.
die neue Regel means the new rule. protestierten is the Präteritum plural of the weak verb protestieren, and the finite verb stands in position two; gegen still requires the accusative.
Protestiere gegen diese Entscheidung!
Protest against this decision!
gegen diese Entscheidung means against this decision, and Entscheidung is decision. Protestiere is the singular imperative, so du is omitted; gegen requires the accusative diese Entscheidung.
Ich würde gegen diese Entscheidung protestieren.
I would protest against this decision.
ich würde means I would, and diese Entscheidung means this decision. In the würde form, the finite verb würde is in position two and the infinitive protestieren goes to the end; gegen takes the accusative.
Morgen werden viele Menschen gegen die Regel protestieren.
Tomorrow many people will protest against the rule.
morgen means tomorrow, viele Menschen means many people, and die Regel means the rule. In the future, werden is the finite verb in position two and protestieren goes to the end; gegen die Regel is accusative.
die Rangliste — ranking list, rankings
Die Rangliste is a list ordered by points, results, or quality. Do not translate it as a simple list: Liste means list, while Rang adds the idea of ranking.
Die Rangliste zeigt die besten Spieler.
The ranking list shows the best players.
zeigen means to show and die besten Spieler means the best players. Die Rangliste is nominative because it is the subject, while die besten Spieler is accusative because it is what the list shows.
Ich sehe die Rangliste im Internet.
I can see the ranking list on the internet.
sehen means to see and im Internet means on the internet. Die Rangliste is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; sehe is in position two.
Auf der Rangliste steht unser Verein ganz oben.
Our club is right at the top of the ranking list.
unser Verein is our club and ganz oben means right at the top. Auf der Rangliste is dative because auf describes a fixed location; steht is in position two and unser Verein is the subject.
Das Ergebnis der Rangliste überrascht mich.
The result of the ranking list surprises me.
das Ergebnis is the result and überraschen means to surprise. Der Rangliste is genitive and means “of the ranking list”; mich is accusative because I am the person surprised.
Die Ranglisten werden jeden Monat aktualisiert.
The ranking lists are updated every month.
jeden Monat means every month and aktualisieren means to update. Die Ranglisten is the plural subject; werden aktualisiert is the passive, with the participle at the end.
das Recht — law; right; entitlement; right; entitlement
In the legal sense, das Recht can mean the law as a system or a specific right. The plural die Rechte usually means individual rights, not several legal systems.
Das Recht schützt alle Bürger.
The law protects all citizens.
schützt means protects and alle Bürger means all citizens. Das Recht is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb schützt stands in position two.
Wir respektieren das Recht.
We respect the law.
respektieren means to respect. Das Recht is accusative because respektieren takes a direct object, and the finite verb respektieren stands in position two.
Nach dem Recht ist das erlaubt.
According to the law, that is allowed.
nach means according to here, and erlaubt means allowed. Dem Recht is dative because nach always takes the dative; the finite verb ist stands in position two after the introductory phrase.
Die Einhaltung des Rechts ist wichtig.
Compliance with the law is important.
die Einhaltung means compliance and wichtig means important. Des Rechts is genitive because it tells us whose compliance is meant, while the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Rechte der Kinder müssen geschützt werden.
Children's rights must be protected.
der Kinder means of the children, and geschützt werden means be protected. Die Rechte is plural; der Kinder is genitive to show possession, and the modal verb müssen stands in position two while werden goes to the end.
Sie hat das Recht, Nein zu sagen.
She has the right to say no.
Nein zu sagen means to say no. Das Recht is accusative because haben takes a direct object, and the zu-infinitive zu sagen goes to the end of its clause.
Ich gebe dir Recht.
I agree with you.
dir means to you, and geben means to give; this expression means I agree with you. Dir is dative because the person receiving agreement is an indirect object, while Recht is the accusative object without an article in this fixed phrase.
religiös — religious, devout; religious, relating to religion
Religiös describes a person, group, practice, or place connected with religion. For a neutral description of a person, it does not always mean gläubig, which means believing or devout.
Meine Großmutter ist sehr religiös.
My grandmother is very religious.
meine Großmutter means my grandmother and sehr means very. Religiös is predicative after ist, so it has no adjective ending; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Sie besucht eine religiöse Schule.
She attends a religious school.
sie besucht means she attends, and eine Schule means a school. Religiöse describes Schule and has an -e ending after the feminine accusative article eine; the finite verb besucht is in position two.
Er ist heute religiöser als früher.
He is more religious today than he used to be.
heute means today and früher means formerly or in the past. Religiöser is a predicative comparative after ist, and als introduces the thing used for comparison.
Von allen in der Familie ist sie am religiösesten.
Of everyone in the family, she is the most religious.
von allen means of everyone, in der Familie means in the family, and sie means she. Am religiösesten is the predicative superlative after ist; the am ...-sten form is not used directly before a noun.
Weihnachten ist für viele Menschen ein religiöses Fest.
Christmas is a religious celebration for many people.
Weihnachten means Christmas, für viele Menschen means for many people, and ein Fest means a celebration. Religiöses describes the neuter noun Fest after ein; after ist, the phrase is a noun complement, not an accusative object.
Das Museum zeigt religiöse Bilder aus dem Mittelalter.
The museum displays religious pictures from the Middle Ages.
das Museum means the museum, zeigt means displays, Bilder means pictures, and das Mittelalter means the Middle Ages. Religiöse has the plural accusative ending -e after no article, because Bilder is the direct object of zeigt.
der Richter — judge; judge, evaluator
Der Richter is the person who makes decisions in a court. The feminine form is die Richterin, and the plural die Richter has the same spelling as the singular noun.
Der Richter hört den Zeugen an.
The judge listens to the witness.
hört ... an means listens to, and der Zeuge means the witness. Der Richter is the nominative subject; the separable verb anhören splits in the main clause, while den Zeugen is accusative.
Die Polizei ruft den Richter an.
The police call the judge.
die Polizei means the police and ruft ... an means calls. Den Richter is accusative because he is the direct object of anrufen; the finite part ruft is in position two and an goes to the end.
Ich spreche mit dem Richter.
I speak with the judge.
spreche means speak and mit means with. Mit always takes the dative, so dem Richter is dative; the article changes from der to dem, while the noun itself stays unchanged.
Das Urteil des Richters ist klar.
The judge's verdict is clear.
das Urteil means the verdict and klar means clear. Des Richters expresses possession and is genitive; masculine der becomes des, and this noun adds -s.
Die Richter beraten sich vor dem Urteil.
The judges discuss the matter among themselves before the verdict.
beraten sich means discuss among themselves, vor means before, and das Urteil means the verdict. Die Richter is a plural nominative subject; vor dem Urteil is dative because it describes a time or situation, not movement.
Er ist ein strenger Richter über sich selbst.
He is a strict judge of himself.
streng means strict and sich selbst means himself. Ein strenger Richter is a nominative complement after ist, while über sich selbst is accusative because über means about or concerning here.
Meine Mutter ist eine gute Richterin für Kuchen.
My mother is a good judge of cakes.
meine Mutter means my mother, gute means good, and Kuchen means cakes. Eine gute Richterin is a nominative complement after ist; für Kuchen means for judging cakes, and für takes the accusative.
der Ritter — knight; knight in chess
In modern everyday German, Ritter usually refers to a historical knight or a chess piece. The plural is also Ritter, with no ending.
Der Ritter trägt eine schwere Rüstung.
The knight is wearing heavy armour.
trägt means is wearing or carries, and eine schwere Rüstung is heavy armour. Der Ritter is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb trägt stands in position two.
Der Junge bewundert den Ritter.
The boy admires the knight.
der Junge is the boy, and bewundert means admires. Den Ritter is accusative because bewundern takes a direct object; the finite verb bewundert is in position two.
Die Königin gibt dem Ritter ein Schwert.
The queen gives the knight a sword.
die Königin is the queen, gibt means gives, and ein Schwert is a sword. Dem Ritter is dative because it is the recipient of geben, while ein Schwert is the accusative thing being given.
Das Pferd des Ritters steht vor der Burg.
The knight’s horse is standing in front of the castle.
das Pferd is the horse, steht means is standing, and die Burg is the castle. Des Ritters is genitive because it shows possession; vor der Burg is dative because it describes a location.
Im Film kämpfen viele Ritter gegen einen Drachen.
Many knights fight a dragon in the film.
im Film means in the film, kämpfen means fight, and gegen einen Drachen means against a dragon. Viele Ritter is plural and is the subject; the plural has the same form as the singular.
Der Ritter springt über andere Figuren.
The knight jumps over other pieces.
springt means jumps, über means over, and andere Figuren means other pieces. Der Ritter is nominative as the subject; über andere Figuren is accusative because über describes movement over something here.
Ich ziehe den Ritter nach vorne.
I move the knight forwards.
ich ziehe means I move, and nach vorne means forwards. Den Ritter is accusative because it is the direct object of ziehen.
der Räuber — robber, bandit
Räuber comes from rauben, to rob. Do not confuse it with Rübe, a root vegetable; the vowel and meaning are different.
Der Räuber läuft schnell weg.
The robber runs away quickly.
läuft means runs, schnell means quickly, and weglaufen means run away. Der Räuber is nominative because it is the subject; the separable verb läuft ... weg puts its finite part in position two and its prefix at the end.
Die Polizei sucht den Räuber.
The police are looking for the robber.
die Polizei means the police and sucht means searches for or is looking for. Den Räuber is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Die Zeugin beschreibt dem Räuber den Mann.
The witness describes the man to the robber.
die Zeugin means female witness, beschreibt means describes, and der Mann means man. Dem Räuber is dative because it is the person receiving the information, while den Mann is the accusative thing being described.
Das Gesicht des Räubers war im Licht zu sehen.
The robber’s face could be seen in the light.
das Gesicht means face, das Licht means light, and zu sehen means to be seen. Des Räubers is genitive because it shows possession; war is the finite verb in position two, while zu sehen remains at the end.
Die Räuber fliehen durch den Wald.
The robbers flee through the forest.
fliehen means flee, durch means through, and der Wald means forest. Die Räuber is plural and nominative as the subject; durch den Wald is accusative because durch always takes the accusative.
sicher — safe, secure; certain; sure, certain
For physical safety, sicher means safe; for information, it can mean certain or sure. Before a noun it takes an adjective ending, as in ein sicherer Platz; after sein, it stays unchanged.
Hier ist es sicher.
It is safe here.
hier means here. es is the subject, and sicher is a predicative adjective after sein; predicative adjectives do not take an ending.
Wir suchen einen sicheren Parkplatz.
We are looking for a safe parking space.
wir suchen means we are looking for, and der Parkplatz is a parking space. einen sicheren Parkplatz is accusative because suchen takes an accusative object; the adjective has -en after einen.
Der neue Weg ist sicherer als die alte Straße.
The new route is safer than the old road.
der neue Weg means the new route, and die alte Straße means the old road. sicherer compares two things and is followed by als; after sein, the comparative adjective has no ending.
Dieser Sitzplatz ist am sichersten.
This seat is the safest.
dieser Sitzplatz means this seat. am sichersten is the predicative superlative after sein; do not add a noun ending to the am form.
Trag einen Helm, dann bist du sicher.
Wear a helmet, then you are safe.
trag means wear, and der Helm is a helmet. einen Helm is accusative because tragen takes an accusative object; sicher follows sein and therefore has no ending.
Ich bin mir sicher, dass er kommt.
I am sure that he is coming.
ich bin mir sicher means I am sure, and dass er kommt means that he is coming. The fixed expression uses mir in the dative; the finite verb kommt goes to the end of the dass clause.
Bist du sicher, dass das die richtige Adresse ist?
Are you sure that this is the right address?
bist du means are you, and die richtige Adresse means the correct address. In the yes-no question, bist comes first; in the following dass clause, ist goes to the end.
der Soldat — soldier; service member
der Soldat is a weak masculine noun: it takes -en in every singular case except the nominative. Its plural is also Soldaten, so the article or context shows whether the form is singular or plural.
Der Soldat wartet vor dem Gebäude.
The soldier is waiting in front of the building.
wartet means is waiting, vor means in front of, and Gebäude means building. Der Soldat is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb wartet stands in position two.
Ich sehe den Soldaten am Bahnhof.
I see the soldier at the station.
sehe means see, Bahnhof means station, and am means at the. Den Soldaten is accusative because sehen takes a direct object, and this masculine noun adds -en outside the nominative.
Ich gebe dem Soldaten eine Flasche Wasser.
I give the soldier a bottle of water.
gebe means give, Flasche means bottle, and Wasser means water. Dem Soldaten is dative because geben has a recipient in the dative; the noun again has the weak ending -en, while eine Flasche is the accusative thing given.
Das Fahrrad des Soldaten steht dort.
The soldier’s bicycle is over there.
Fahrrad means bicycle, steht means is standing or is located, and dort means there. Des Soldaten expresses possession and is genitive; as a weak masculine noun, Soldat takes -en in this case.
Viele Soldaten üben heute im Wald.
Many soldiers are training in the forest today.
viele means many, üben means train or practise, heute means today, and Wald means forest. Soldaten is the plural, and im Wald is dative because in describes a location here; the plural noun ends in -en.
Der junge Soldat schreibt seiner Familie.
The young soldier is writing to his family.
junge means young, schreibt means is writing, and Familie means family. Der junge Soldat is the nominative subject, while seiner Familie is dative because the writing is directed to someone; the finite verb schreibt is in position two.
Die Ärztin spricht mit dem Soldaten.
The doctor speaks with the soldier.
Ärztin means female doctor, spricht means speaks, and mit means with. Dem Soldaten is dative because mit always takes the dative, and the weak noun keeps its -en ending.
die Soldatin — female soldier; woman serving in the military
die Soldatin is the feminine form of der Soldat. Its plural is formed with -innen, giving die Soldatinnen; unlike weak masculine Soldat, the feminine noun does not add -en in the other singular cases.
Die Soldatin arbeitet heute im Krankenhaus.
The female soldier is working at the hospital today.
arbeitet means is working, heute means today, and Krankenhaus means hospital. Die Soldatin is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Ich treffe die Soldatin vor dem Tor.
I meet the female soldier in front of the gate.
treffe means meet, vor means in front of, and Tor means gate. Die Soldatin is accusative because treffen takes a direct object; vor dem Tor is a separate location phrase.
Wir helfen der Soldatin mit dem Gepäck.
We help the female soldier with the luggage.
helfen means help, mit means with, and Gepäck means luggage. Der Soldatin is dative because helfen requires a dative person, and dem Gepäck is also dative because mit always takes the dative.
Das Büro der Soldatin ist im ersten Stock.
The female soldier’s office is on the first floor.
Büro means office, ersten Stock means first floor, and ist means is. Der Soldatin is genitive because it shows whose office it is; feminine nouns have no extra genitive ending, so the article carries the change.
Zwei Soldatinnen stehen neben dem Fahrzeug.
Two female soldiers are standing next to the vehicle.
zwei means two, stehen means are standing, neben means next to, and Fahrzeug means vehicle. Soldatinnen is the plural formed with -innen; dem Fahrzeug is dative because neben describes a location here.
Die erfahrene Soldatin erklärt den neuen Plan.
The experienced female soldier explains the new plan.
erfahrene means experienced, erklärt means explains, and neuen Plan means new plan. Die erfahrene Soldatin is the nominative subject, while den neuen Plan is accusative because erklären takes a direct object.
Die Kinder danken der Soldatin.
The children thank the female soldier.
Kinder means children and danken means thank. Der Soldatin is dative because danken requires a dative person; the finite verb danken is in position two.
sozial — social; socially responsible
sozial can describe society, social services, or a person who cares about other people. It is not usually the same as English sociable, which is often gesellig in German.
Meine Schwester arbeitet in einem sozialen Beruf.
My sister works in a socially oriented profession.
meine Schwester means my sister, and arbeitet means works; ein Beruf is a profession. The adjective appears in the dative phrase in einem sozialen Beruf because in describes a field or area here, and the finite verb arbeitet is in position two.
Er möchte soziale Projekte unterstützen.
He wants to support social projects.
er means he, möchte means wants to, Projekte are projects, and unterstützen means to support. soziale Projekte is an accusative object after unterstützen, while the modal verb möchte is in position two and the infinitive goes to the end.
Dieser Verein ist sozialer als viele andere.
This association is more socially minded than many others.
dieser Verein means this association, and viele andere means many others. sozialer als compares two things; after sein, the adjective is predicative and has no ending, and als introduces the comparison.
Die sozialste Lösung hilft den meisten Menschen.
The most socially responsible solution helps the most people.
die Lösung is the solution, hilft means helps, and den meisten Menschen means the most people. sozialste is a superlative before a noun and takes an adjective ending; helfen governs the dative, so den meisten Menschen is dative.
Das Programm hat eine soziale Seite.
The programme has a social side.
das Programm means the programme and eine Seite means one side or an aspect. eine soziale Seite is accusative because haben takes an accusative object, and the adjective ending follows the feminine article eine.
der Staat — state, country; government, public authorities
Staat can mean a country as a political unit; in compounds such as Nationalstaat, it usually has this meaning. The plural is Staaten, not Staats.
Der Staat unterstützt Familien.
The state supports families.
unterstützt means supports, and Familien means families. Der Staat is nominative because it is the subject, while Familien is accusative; the finite verb unterstützt is in position two.
Viele Menschen kritisieren den Staat.
Many people criticise the state.
viele Menschen means many people, and kritisieren means criticise. Den Staat is accusative because kritisieren takes an accusative object; the plural subject comes first, so the verb remains in position two.
Die Bürger vertrauen dem Staat.
The citizens trust the state.
die Bürger means the citizens, and vertrauen means trust. Vertrauen takes the dative, so dem Staat is dative; the finite verb vertrauen is in position two.
Die Aufgaben des Staates sind umfangreich.
The duties of the state are extensive.
die Aufgaben means the duties or tasks, and umfangreich means extensive. Des Staates is genitive and shows possession or connection; the subject is die Aufgaben, so the verb is plural: sind.
Die Staaten arbeiten zusammen.
The states work together.
arbeiten zusammen means work together, and zusammen means together. Die Staaten is the plural nominative subject; in the separable verb zusammenarbeiten, arbeiten is in position two and zusammen goes to the end.
Der Staat zahlt einen Teil der Miete.
The government pays part of the rent.
zahlt means pays, einen Teil means a part, and die Miete means the rent. Der Staat is the nominative subject, einen Teil is accusative, and der Miete is genitive because it specifies a part of the rent.
Viele Menschen erwarten mehr vom Staat.
Many people expect more from the government.
erwarten means expect, mehr means more, and viele Menschen means many people. Vom Staat means from the government and combines von with the dative article dem; the verb erwarten is in position two.
das Standesamt — civil registry office
A Standesamt handles official civil records and civil marriages. It is not simply any office connected with a Stand; the compound has its own administrative meaning.
Das Standesamt ist heute geschlossen.
The civil registry office is closed today.
heute means today, and geschlossen means closed. Das Standesamt is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Wir besuchen morgen das Standesamt.
We are visiting the civil registry office tomorrow.
besuchen means to visit, and morgen means tomorrow. Das Standesamt is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; the article looks the same in nominative and accusative for a neuter noun.
Wir gehen nach der Arbeit zum Standesamt.
We are going to the civil registry office after work.
nach der Arbeit means after work, and gehen means to go. Zum Standesamt means zu dem Standesamt; zu always takes the dative and expresses the destination here.
Die Adresse des Standesamts steht auf der Einladung.
The address of the civil registry office is on the invitation.
die Adresse means the address, stehen means to be written or stand, and die Einladung means the invitation. Des Standesamts is genitive because it specifies the address; the finite verb steht is in position two.
In Deutschland gibt es viele Standesämter.
There are many civil registry offices in Germany.
Deutschland is Germany, viele means many, and geben in es gibt means there are. Standesämter is the plural of das Standesamt; in Deutschland is dative because it describes a location, while es gibt takes an accusative object.
Meine Schwester heiratet im Standesamt.
My sister is getting married at the civil registry office.
meine Schwester means my sister, and heiraten means to get married. Im Standesamt means in dem Standesamt; in takes the dative for a fixed location, and heiratet is in position two.
stehlen — to steal
Stehlen is a strong verb with the forms stiehlt - stahl - hat gestohlen. The stolen thing is a direct accusative object, and the person stolen from is commonly introduced by jemandem in the dative or by von plus the dative.
Der Mann stiehlt mein Fahrrad.
The man is stealing my bicycle.
der Mann is the man, and mein Fahrrad is my bicycle. Mein Fahrrad is accusative because stehlen takes the thing stolen as a direct object; stiehlt is in position two.
Jemand hat mein Portemonnaie gestohlen.
Someone stole my wallet.
jemand means someone, and das Portemonnaie is a wallet. Mein Portemonnaie is accusative because it is the stolen object; hat is in position two and gestohlen goes to the end with haben.
Der Dieb stahl die teure Uhr.
The thief stole the expensive watch.
der Dieb is the thief, teuer means expensive, and die Uhr is the watch. Stahl is the strong Präteritum form; die teure Uhr is accusative as the direct object.
Stiehl nichts aus dem Laden!
Don’t steal anything from the shop!
nichts means nothing, aus means from, and der Laden is the shop. Stiehl is the du imperative; nichts is accusative, while dem Laden is dative after aus.
Wenn er das Geld stiehle, wäre er ein Verbrecher.
If he stole the money, he would be a criminal.
das Geld is the money, and der Verbrecher is the criminal. Stiehle is Konjunktiv II; in the wenn clause the verb goes to the end, and das Geld is accusative as the object.
Der Täter wird morgen die Beute stehlen.
The perpetrator will steal the loot tomorrow.
der Täter is the perpetrator, morgen means tomorrow, and die Beute is the loot. Wird is the finite future auxiliary in position two, while stehlen goes to the end; die Beute is accusative.
die Steuer — tax
The feminine noun die Steuer means a tax. Its plural is die Steuern; masculine der Steuer is a different word meaning a steering wheel or control.
Die Steuer ist in diesem Jahr höher.
The tax is higher this year.
in diesem Jahr means this year, and höher means higher. Die Steuer is nominative because it is the subject; ist stands in position two.
Ich bezahle die Steuer pünktlich.
I pay the tax on time.
bezahle means pay, and pünktlich means on time. Die Steuer is accusative because bezahlen takes a direct object; the finite verb bezahle is in position two.
Der Staat hilft Bürgern bei der Steuer.
The state helps citizens with the tax.
der Staat means the government, Bürgern means citizens, and bei means with or in matters of. Bürgern is dative because helfen takes a dative person, and der Steuer is dative after bei.
Die Höhe der Steuer hängt vom Einkommen ab.
The amount of the tax depends on income.
die Höhe means the amount, hängt ab von means depends on, and das Einkommen means income. Der Steuer is genitive because it identifies the tax’s amount; hängt is in position two and ab closes the main clause.
Viele Steuern werden jedes Jahr erhöht.
Many taxes are increased every year.
viele means many, jedes Jahr means every year, and erhöht means increased. Viele Steuern is nominative plural in the passive sentence; the finite auxiliary werden is in position two and erhöht goes to the end.
die Strafe — punishment, penalty; fine, monetary penalty
A Strafe can be an official punishment or a consequence imposed for breaking a rule. For a financial penalty, English often uses fine; German still commonly uses Strafe in everyday contexts, while Geldstrafe is more precise.
Die Strafe ist zu hart.
The punishment is too severe.
zu hart means too severe or too harsh. Die Strafe is nominative because it is the subject, and the verb ist stands in position two.
Der Lehrer gibt ihm die Strafe.
The teacher gives him the punishment.
der Lehrer means the teacher and ihm means to him. Die Strafe is accusative as the thing given, while geben puts the recipient ihm in the dative.
Das Kind widerspricht der Strafe.
The child objects to the punishment.
das Kind means the child and widersprechen means to object or contradict. Widersprechen always takes the dative, so the feminine article is der.
Die Höhe der Strafe überrascht ihn.
The amount of the punishment surprises him.
die Höhe means the amount or level, and überrascht means surprises. Der Strafe is genitive because it specifies whose amount it is, while ihn is accusative after überraschen.
Hohe Strafen schrecken viele Menschen ab.
High punishments deter many people.
hohe means high and viele Menschen means many people. Strafen is plural and nominative as the subject, while viele Menschen is accusative after abschrecken.
Er muss eine Strafe zahlen.
He has to pay a fine.
muss means has to and zahlen means to pay. Eine Strafe is accusative as the object of zahlen, and the infinitive goes to the end after the modal verb muss.
Wegen der Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung bekam sie eine Strafe.
She received a fine for speeding.
wegen der Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung means because of the speeding offence, and bekam means received. Eine Strafe is accusative after bekommen, while the prepositional phrase at the beginning leaves the finite verb bekam in position two.
der Strafzettel — penalty notice, ticket, fine
A Strafzettel is usually a written fine for a parking or traffic offence, not the fine itself. It is a masculine noun with the plural Strafzettel.
Der Strafzettel lag unter dem Scheibenwischer.
The penalty notice was under the windscreen wiper.
lag means “was lying,” and unter dem Scheibenwischer means “under the windscreen wiper”; a Scheibenwischer is the device that clears rain from a car window. Der Strafzettel is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb lag is in position two.
Ich habe den Strafzettel sofort bezahlt.
I paid the penalty notice immediately.
sofort means “immediately,” and bezahlt means “paid.” Den Strafzettel is accusative because bezahlen takes a direct object; habe is in position two and bezahlt goes to the end in the perfect.
Die Polizistin gab mir den Strafzettel nicht zurück.
The policewoman did not give the penalty notice back to me.
die Polizistin means “the policewoman,” mir means “to me,” and zurückgeben means “give back.” Mir is dative because it marks the recipient, while den Strafzettel is accusative because it is the thing given; the separable verb places gab in position two and zurück at the end.
Die Höhe des Strafzettels hat mich überrascht.
The amount of the penalty notice surprised me.
die Höhe means “the amount,” and überrascht means “surprised.” Des Strafzettels is genitive because it identifies whose amount is meant; mich is accusative because überraschen takes an accusative object.
Viele Strafzettel lagen auf dem Tisch.
Many penalty notices were lying on the table.
viele means “many,” and lagen means “were lying”; auf dem Tisch means “on the table.” Strafzettel has the same form in the plural, but viele and the plural verb lagen show that it is plural.
der Streik — strike
Der Streik is a work stoppage used as a form of protest. The related verb is streiken, meaning to be on strike.
Der Streik beginnt morgen.
The strike starts tomorrow.
beginnt means starts and morgen means tomorrow. Der Streik is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Die Regierung fürchtet den Streik.
The government fears the strike.
die Regierung means the government and fürchtet means fears. Den Streik is accusative because fürchten takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Die Bürger leiden unter dem Streik.
The citizens are suffering because of the strike.
die Bürger means the citizens and leiden unter means suffer because of or under. Dem Streik is dative because unter governs dative here; the finite verb leiden is in position two.
Die Folgen des Streiks sind schwer.
The consequences of the strike are serious.
die Folgen means the consequences and schwer means serious or severe. Des Streiks is genitive because it identifies which consequences are meant; sind is the finite verb in position two.
Streiks können viele Menschen treffen.
Strikes can affect many people.
können means can, viele Menschen means many people, and treffen means affect or hit. Streiks is the plural subject; after the modal verb können, the infinitive treffen goes to the end.
traditionell — traditional
traditionell is often used for customs, food, clothing, festivals, and ways of life. It contrasts with modern and is normally compared with traditioneller and am traditionellsten.
Das Essen ist traditionell.
The food is traditional.
das Essen means the food. The adjective is predicative after ist and therefore has no ending; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Wir feiern ein traditionelles Fest.
We are celebrating a traditional festival.
feiern means to celebrate and ein Fest is a festival. ein traditionelles Fest is accusative because feiern takes an accusative object, and the neuter adjective takes -es after ein.
Dieses Fest ist traditioneller als das andere.
This festival is more traditional than the other one.
dieses Fest means this festival and das andere means the other one. traditioneller compares two things and is followed here by als; after ist, the adjective is predicative and has no ending.
Das ist das traditionellste Fest im Dorf.
That is the most traditional festival in the village.
das Dorf means the village. The superlative before the noun is traditionellste, with the ending -e after das; im Dorf means in the village and is a dative phrase.
der Trend — trend, tendency; popular style
Trend can mean a development over time or a popular fashion or idea. It is a masculine loanword and forms both the plural and genitive with -s.
Der Trend zu gesunder Ernährung wird stärker.
The trend towards healthy eating is getting stronger.
gesunde Ernährung means healthy eating, and stärker means stronger. Der Trend is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb wird stands in position two.
Viele Menschen beobachten den Trend.
Many people observe the trend.
viele Menschen means many people, and beobachten means observe or watch. Den Trend is accusative because beobachten takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Wir folgen dem Trend.
We follow the trend.
folgen means follow. Dem Trend is dative because the verb folgen governs the dative, not the accusative; the finite verb folgen is in position two.
Die Entwicklung des Trends ist schwer vorherzusagen.
The development of the trend is difficult to predict.
die Entwicklung means the development, and schwer vorherzusagen means difficult to predict. Des Trends is genitive because it shows which trend the development concerns; the noun takes -s in the genitive.
Viele Trends kommen und gehen schnell.
Many trends come and go quickly.
viele means many, and schnell means quickly. Trends is the plural of Trend and takes -s; the plural subject requires the finite verb kommen.
Dieser Trend ist bei Jugendlichen sehr beliebt.
This trend is very popular among young people.
dieser means this, Jugendliche means young people, and beliebt means popular. Bei Jugendlichen is dative because bei governs the dative; Trend is nominative because it is the subject of ist.
töten — to kill
töten is a regular weak verb with haben in the perfect. It takes an accusative object, for example jemanden töten; the word can describe killing people or animals.
Der Jäger tötet das verletzte Tier.
The hunter kills the injured animal.
der Jäger is the hunter, and das verletzte Tier is the injured animal. das verletzte Tier is accusative because töten takes a direct object, and the finite verb tötet stands in position two.
Die Soldaten haben viele Menschen getötet.
The soldiers have killed many people.
die Soldaten are the soldiers, and viele Menschen means many people. The perfect uses haben plus getötet; haben is in position two and getötet goes to the end, while viele Menschen is accusative.
Der König tötete seinen Feind.
The king killed his enemy.
der König is the king, and seinen Feind means his enemy. seinen Feind is accusative because it is the direct object, and the weak-verb past form tötete stands in position two.
Töte keine Tiere!
Do not kill any animals!
keine Tiere means no animals. Töte is the singular du imperative, and the accusative object keine Tiere follows the command; keine is used because the sentence is negative.
Ich würde niemanden töten.
I would not kill anyone.
niemanden means nobody or anyone in a negative sentence. würde töten expresses an unreal or hypothetical action, and niemanden is accusative because töten takes a direct object.
Der Film wird den Bösewicht nicht töten.
The film will not kill the villain.
der Bösewicht is the villain, and nicht means not. Future tense uses wird in position two and the infinitive töten at the end; den Bösewicht is accusative.
die Umfrage — survey, poll
A Umfrage asks a group of people the same questions, often to measure opinions or collect information. It can mean a formal survey or a public opinion poll.
Die Umfrage beginnt heute.
The survey begins today.
beginnt means begins, and heute means today. Die Umfrage is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb beginnt is in position two.
Wir machen die Umfrage online.
We are doing the survey online.
wir machen means we are doing, and online means online. Die Umfrage is accusative because machen takes a direct object; the feminine article looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Viele Menschen nehmen an der Umfrage teil.
Many people take part in the survey.
viele Menschen means many people, and teilnehmen means to take part. An takes the dative here because this is participation in an event, and the separable verb appears as nehmen ... teil.
Die Ergebnisse der Umfrage sind interessant.
The results of the survey are interesting.
die Ergebnisse means the results, and interessant means interesting. Der Umfrage is genitive because it identifies whose results they are; the finite verb sind stands in position two.
Wir vergleichen drei Umfragen.
We compare three surveys.
wir vergleichen means we compare, and drei means three. Umfragen is accusative plural because vergleichen takes a direct object; plural nouns do not take an indefinite article.
unfair — unfair
unfair means not fair or unjust. It can describe treatment, decisions, rules or behaviour; before a noun it takes a normal adjective ending.
Das ist unfair!
That is unfair!
Das means that, and the exclamation expresses a complaint. unfair is predicative after ist, so it has no adjective ending.
Der Schiedsrichter traf eine unfaire Entscheidung.
The referee made an unfair decision.
der Schiedsrichter is the referee and traf means made or took in this expression. eine unfaire Entscheidung is accusative because it is the direct object of treffen; the adjective takes -e after eine.
Diese Regel ist noch unfairer als die alte.
This rule is even more unfair than the old one.
diese Regel means this rule and die alte means the old one. unfairer is a comparative predicate after ist, and als introduces the thing it is compared with.
Das war die unfairste Entscheidung im ganzen Spiel.
That was the fairest decision in the whole game.
die Entscheidung means the decision, im ganzen Spiel means in the whole game. The superlative before the feminine noun has the ending -ste plus adjective ending -e; im is short for in dem and marks location.
unschuldig — innocent, not guilty
In legal contexts, unschuldig means not guilty. It can also mean harmless or naive, depending on the noun or situation.
Der Mann ist unschuldig.
The man is innocent.
der Mann means the man, and ist means is. unschuldig is predicative after sein, so it has no adjective ending; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Polizei sucht den unschuldigen Zeugen.
The police are looking for the innocent witness.
die Polizei means the police, sucht means is looking for, and der Zeuge means the witness. den unschuldigen Zeugen is accusative because suchen takes an accusative object; the adjective has -en after den.
Sie wirkt unschuldiger als ihr Bruder.
She seems more innocent than her brother.
sie means she, wirkt means seems or appears, and ihr Bruder means her brother. unschuldiger is a predicative comparative after wirken, so it has no ending, and als introduces the comparison.
Von allen Angeklagten wirkt er am unschuldigsten.
Of all the defendants, he seems the most innocent.
von allen Angeklagten means of all the defendants, and wirkt means seems. am unschuldigsten is the predicative superlative; von takes the dative, shown by allen Angeklagten, while er is the nominative subject.
der Verband — association; organisation; bandage; dressing
In this sense, Verband is an organisation or association. Do not confuse it with the medical sense, where Verband means a dressing or bandage.
Der Verband vertritt die Interessen der Mitglieder.
The association represents the members’ interests.
vertritt means represents, die Interessen means the interests, and die Mitglieder means the members. Der Verband is nominative as the subject, while die Interessen is accusative as the direct object.
Ich kenne den Verband gut.
I know the association well.
kenne means know, and gut means well here. Den Verband is accusative because kennen takes a direct object; the finite verb kenne is in position two.
Sie hilft dem Verband bei der Organisation.
She helps the association with the organisation.
hilft means helps, bei means with or during, and Organisation means organisation. Dem Verband is dative because helfen takes a dative object; bei der Organisation is also dative because bei always governs the dative.
Die Ziele des Verbands sind klar.
The association’s goals are clear.
die Ziele means the goals, and klar means clear. Des Verbands is genitive because it shows possession; the plural subject die Ziele makes the verb sind plural.
Viele Verbände arbeiten zusammen.
Many associations work together.
viele means many, arbeiten means work, and zusammen means together. Viele Verbände is the plural nominative subject, so the verb is plural; the plural has an umlaut and -e.
Der Arzt legt einen Verband an.
The doctor puts on a bandage.
der Arzt is the doctor, legt ... an means puts on, and einen marks a masculine accusative object. Einen Verband is accusative because anlegen takes a direct object; the separable verb has legt in position two and an at the end.
Der Verband muss morgen gewechselt werden.
The dressing must be changed tomorrow.
muss means must, morgen means tomorrow, and gewechselt werden means be changed. Der Verband is nominative because it is the subject of the passive sentence; the modal verb muss is in position two and the verb group goes to the end.
verboten — forbidden, prohibited
Verboten means that something is not allowed. It can stand after sein without an ending or before a noun with an adjective ending, as in ein verbotenes Spiel; comparison with verbotener and am verbotensten is rare because the adjective usually expresses an absolute rule.
Das Parken ist hier verboten.
Parking is forbidden here.
Das Parken means parking, and hier means here. Verboten is predicative after ist and has no adjective ending; it says that parking is not allowed in this place.
Das verbotene Feuerwerk liegt im Schrank.
The forbidden fireworks are in the cupboard.
Das Feuerwerk means the fireworks, liegt means is lying, and im Schrank means in the cupboard. Before the noun, verboten takes the ending -e after das; the finite verb liegt stands in position two.
Dieser noch verbotenere Trick funktioniert trotzdem.
This even more forbidden trick works nevertheless.
Dieser Trick means this trick, funktioniert means works, and trotzdem means nevertheless. Verbotenere is a rare comparative form before a masculine nominative noun; dieser forces the adjective ending -e, and funktioniert is in position two.
Von allen Methoden ist diese am verbotensten.
Of all the methods, this one is the most forbidden.
Von allen Methoden means of all the methods, and diese means this one. Am verbotensten is a predicative superlative after ist and has no adjective ending; the phrase von allen introduces the group being compared.
die Vereinbarung — agreement, arrangement
Eine Vereinbarung is a planned agreement, often made after discussion; it is more formal than simply saying ein Plan. The common phrase eine Vereinbarung treffen means to reach an agreement.
Die Vereinbarung gilt ab morgen.
The agreement is valid from tomorrow.
ab morgen means from tomorrow, and gilt means is valid or applies. Die Vereinbarung is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb gilt stands in position two.
Wir unterschreiben die Vereinbarung heute.
We are signing the agreement today.
unterschreiben means to sign, and heute means today. Die Vereinbarung is accusative because unterschreiben takes a direct object; the finite verb unterschreiben stands in position two.
Wir folgen der Vereinbarung nicht.
We are not following the agreement.
folgen means to follow, and nicht means not. Der Vereinbarung is dative because the verb folgen governs the dative, not the accusative; the finite verb stands in position two.
Die Bedingungen der Vereinbarung sind klar.
The conditions of the agreement are clear.
die Bedingungen means the conditions, and klar means clear. Der Vereinbarung is genitive because it shows whose conditions they are; the finite verb sind stands in position two.
Die Vereinbarungen gelten für alle Länder.
The agreements apply to all countries.
gelten means apply or are valid, and alle Länder means all countries. Die Vereinbarungen is plural and nominative because it is the subject; für takes the accusative in alle Länder.
die Versammlung — meeting, assembly, gathering
Versammlung can describe an ordinary meeting or a larger public assembly. The verb sich versammeln means to gather, while eine Versammlung abhalten means to hold a meeting.
Die Versammlung beginnt um acht Uhr.
The meeting starts at eight o’clock.
beginnt means starts and um acht Uhr means at eight o’clock. Die Versammlung is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Ich besuche die Versammlung.
I am attending the meeting.
ich means I and besuche means attend or visit. die Versammlung is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; the finite verb besuche is in position two.
Er spricht in der Versammlung.
He speaks at the meeting.
er means he and spricht means speaks. in der Versammlung is dative because in describes a fixed location here, not movement into it; der is the feminine dative article.
Das Ergebnis der Versammlung war wichtig.
The result of the meeting was important.
das Ergebnis means the result and wichtig means important. der Versammlung is genitive because it identifies which meeting the result belongs to; the finite verb war is in position two.
In Berlin finden viele Versammlungen statt.
Many meetings take place in Berlin.
in Berlin means in Berlin, viele means many, and finden ... statt means take place. Versammlungen is the plural subject, and the separable verb stattfinden splits with finden in position two and statt at the end.
die Versicherung — insurance; insurance policy; insurance company
The meaning depends on context: die Versicherung can mean the insurance cover, the policy, or the company providing it. It is often used with abschließen for taking out insurance and kündigen for cancelling it.
Die Versicherung bezahlt die Reparatur.
The insurance pays for the repair.
bezahlt means pays, and die Reparatur is the repair. Die Versicherung is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb bezahlt stands in position two.
Ich brauche die Versicherung für den Mietwagen.
I need the insurance for the rental car.
brauche means need, and der Mietwagen is the rental car. die Versicherung is accusative because brauchen takes a direct object; the finite verb brauche is in position two.
Wir sprechen mit der Versicherung über den Schaden.
We are talking to the insurance company about the damage.
sprechen means talk, mit means with, and der Schaden is the damage. der Versicherung is dative because mit always takes the dative; the preposition über here takes the accusative for the topic.
Die Entscheidung der Versicherung kam heute.
The insurance company's decision came today.
die Entscheidung means the decision, and heute means today. der Versicherung is genitive because it shows whose decision it is; the finite verb kam is in position two.
Viele Versicherungen bieten diesen Tarif an.
Many insurance companies offer this plan.
viele means many, bieten ... an means offer, and dieser Tarif is this plan. Versicherungen is plural and has the article viele here; the finite verb bieten agrees with the plural subject and stands in position two.
Die Versicherung ist teuer.
The insurance is expensive.
teuer means expensive. Die Versicherung is nominative as the subject, and ist is in position two; after sein, teuer is predicative and has no adjective ending.
verteidigen — to defend, to protect; to defend an opinion or position
For physical protection, verteidigen takes an accusative object: jemanden/etwas verteidigen. It is a regular verb and forms the perfect with haben.
Die Soldaten verteidigen die Stadt.
The soldiers are defending the city.
die Soldaten means the soldiers, and die Stadt means the city. Die Stadt is accusative because verteidigen takes the thing being protected as an accusative object; the finite verb verteidigen stands in position two.
Die Soldaten haben die Stadt verteidigt.
The soldiers defended the city.
die Soldaten means the soldiers, and die Stadt means the city. The perfect uses haben plus verteidigt; the Partizip II goes to the end, while die Stadt remains an accusative object.
Die Soldaten verteidigten die Stadt die ganze Nacht.
The soldiers defended the city all night.
die Soldaten means the soldiers, die Stadt means the city, and die ganze Nacht means all night. Die Stadt is accusative after verteidigten, and the finite verb stands in position two; verteidigten is the regular simple past.
Verteidige deine Familie!
Defend your family!
deine Familie means your family. The imperative Verteidige addresses one person informally, omits du, and takes deine Familie as an accusative object.
Ich würde meine Meinung verteidigen.
I would defend my opinion.
meine Meinung means my opinion. Würde expresses a hypothetical situation, and the infinitive verteidigen goes to the end; meine Meinung is accusative because it is what is defended.
Wir werden unser Land verteidigen.
We will defend our country.
unser Land means our country. Future tense uses werden in position two and sends the infinitive verteidigen to the end; unser Land is an accusative object.
Sie verteidigt ihre Entscheidung.
She is defending her decision.
ihre Entscheidung means her decision. The phrase is accusative because verteidigen takes the opinion or decision being defended as its object, and the finite verb verteidigt is in position two.
Der Politiker hat seine Position verteidigt.
The politician defended his position.
der Politiker means the politician, and seine Position means his position. The perfect places verteidigt at the end after hat; seine Position is accusative because it is the thing he argues for.
der Verteidiger — defender; person who protects; defender in sport
Der Verteidiger can mean a person protecting someone or something, or a defensive player in sport. The feminine form is die Verteidigerin.
Der Verteidiger steht vor dem Tor.
The defender is standing in front of the goal.
steht means is standing, vor dem Tor means in front of the goal, and das Tor is the goal in a sport. Der Verteidiger is nominative because it is the subject; vor takes the dative here because the sentence describes a location, not movement.
Ich sehe den Verteidiger.
I can see the defender.
sehe means see. Den Verteidiger is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Ich helfe dem Verteidiger.
I am helping the defender.
helfe means help. Dem Verteidiger is dative because helfen always takes a dative person; the masculine article changes to dem.
Die Aufgabe des Verteidigers ist schwierig.
The defender’s task is difficult.
die Aufgabe means the task, and schwierig means difficult. Des Verteidigers is genitive to show possession, and the masculine noun adds -s.
Die Verteidiger spielen sehr konzentriert.
The defenders are playing very attentively.
spielen means are playing, and sehr konzentriert means very attentively or with great concentration. Die Verteidiger is the plural subject; this noun has the same ending in the singular and plural, so the article and verb show the difference.
Der Verteidiger stoppt den Stürmer.
The defender stops the striker.
stoppt means stops, and der Stürmer means the striker. Der Verteidiger is nominative as the subject, while den Stürmer is accusative because stoppen takes a direct object.
Unser bester Verteidiger ist verletzt.
Our best defender is injured.
unser bester means our best, and verletzt means injured. Unser bester Verteidiger is nominative because it is the subject; the adjective ending -er follows the masculine possessive determiner.
die Verteidigerin — female defender; female defender in sport
Die Verteidigerin is the specifically female form of der Verteidiger. Its plural is die Verteidigerinnen, with -innen added to the stem.
Die Verteidigerin schützt das Kind.
The female defender protects the child.
schützt means protects, and das Kind means the child. Die Verteidigerin is nominative because it is the subject, while das Kind is accusative as the direct object.
Ich sehe die Verteidigerin.
I can see the female defender.
sehe means see. Die Verteidigerin is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; with a feminine noun, the article die looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Ich helfe der Verteidigerin.
I am helping the female defender.
helfe means help. Der Verteidigerin is dative because helfen requires a dative person; the feminine article changes from die to der.
Die Meinung der Verteidigerin ist überzeugend.
The female defender’s opinion is convincing.
die Meinung means the opinion, and überzeugend means convincing. Der Verteidigerin is genitive to show possession; feminine nouns use der in the genitive and do not add an ending.
Die Verteidigerinnen trainieren jeden Tag.
The female defenders train every day.
trainieren means train, and jeden Tag means every day. Die Verteidigerinnen is the plural subject, formed with -innen, and the plural verb trainieren stands in position two.
Die Verteidigerin stoppt den Angriff.
The female defender stops the attack.
stoppt means stops, and der Angriff means the attack. Die Verteidigerin is nominative as the subject, while den Angriff is accusative because stoppen takes a direct object.
Unsere beste Verteidigerin ist verletzt.
Our best female defender is injured.
unsere beste means our best, and verletzt means injured. Unsere beste Verteidigerin is nominative because it is the subject; the adjective ending -e follows the feminine possessive determiner.
der Vertrag — contract, agreement; treaty
Der Vertrag is a formal agreement, especially one that is signed. Common verbs are einen Vertrag unterschreiben, abschließen, and kündigen.
Der Vertrag ist ab morgen gültig.
The contract is valid from tomorrow.
ab morgen means from tomorrow, and gültig means valid. Der Vertrag is nominative because it is the subject; ist is the finite verb in position two, and gültig is a predicate adjective.
Wir unterschreiben den Vertrag.
We are signing the contract.
unterschreiben means sign. Den Vertrag is accusative because unterschreiben takes the document being signed as a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Die Firma bietet dem Vertrag eine neue Klausel an.
The company offers the contract a new clause.
die Firma means the company, eine neue Klausel means a new clause, and anbieten means offer. Dem Vertrag is dative as the recipient or reference point, while eine neue Klausel is accusative; the separable verb appears as bietet ... an.
Die Bedingungen des Vertrags sind klar.
The terms of the contract are clear.
die Bedingungen means the terms or conditions, and klar means clear. Des Vertrags is genitive to show which contract the terms belong to; die Bedingungen is the plural nominative subject of sind.
Die Verträge liegen auf dem Tisch.
The contracts are lying on the table.
liegen means are lying, and auf dem Tisch means on the table. Die Verträge is the plural subject, formed with -e and an umlaut; auf dem Tisch is dative because it describes a fixed location.
Die beiden Länder unterzeichnen einen Vertrag.
The two countries are signing a treaty.
die beiden Länder means the two countries, and unterzeichnen means sign officially. Einen Vertrag is accusative because it is the document being signed; unterzeichnen stands in position two.
Der Friedensvertrag beendet den Krieg.
The peace treaty ends the war.
der Friedensvertrag means the peace treaty, beendet means ends, and der Krieg means the war. Der Friedensvertrag is nominative as the subject, while den Krieg is accusative as the object of beenden.
das Volk — people, nation; ethnic group; crowd, mass of people
Volk can mean the people of a country or an ethnic group. Its plural Völker usually refers to several peoples or nations, not simply several crowds.
Das Volk wählt ein neues Parlament.
The people are electing a new parliament.
wählt means elects, ein neues Parlament means a new parliament, and neu means new. Das Volk is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb wählt stands in position two.
Die Regierung unterstützt das Volk.
The government supports the people.
die Regierung means the government and unterstützt means supports. Das Volk is accusative because unterstützen takes a direct object; the finite verb unterstützt is in position two.
Die Regierung hilft dem Volk.
The government helps the people.
die Regierung means the government and hilft means helps. Dem Volk is dative because helfen always takes a dative object; the finite verb hilft stands in position two.
Die Stimme des Volkes ist wichtig.
The voice of the people is important.
die Stimme means the voice and wichtig means important. Des Volkes is genitive because it identifies whose voice it is; ist is in position two.
Viele Völker leben in diesem Gebiet.
Many peoples live in this region.
viele means many, leben means live, and dieses Gebiet means this region. Völker is the irregular plural of Volk and refers here to several peoples; the finite verb leben is in position two.
Ein Volk wartet vor dem Stadion.
A crowd is waiting outside the stadium.
ein means a, wartet means is waiting, vor means outside or in front of, and das Stadion means the stadium. Ein Volk is nominative because it is the subject, and vor dem Stadion uses the dative for a fixed location.
Das Volk drängte sich durch das enge Tor.
The crowd pushed through the narrow gate.
drängte sich means pushed or crowded its way, durch means through, eng means narrow, and das Tor means the gate. Das Volk is nominative, while durch das enge Tor is accusative because durch always takes the accusative.
die Vorschrift — regulation, rule, instruction; instructions, specifications
die Vorschrift is usually an official rule, while a less formal instruction can also be called die Anweisung. The common phrase gegen eine Vorschrift verstoßen means to break a regulation and uses gegen with the accusative.
Die Vorschrift ist für alle Mitarbeiter wichtig.
The regulation is important for all employees.
für alle Mitarbeiter means for all employees. die Vorschrift is nominative because it is the subject, while für always takes the accusative; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Ich lese die Vorschrift sorgfältig.
I am reading the regulation carefully.
lese means am reading, and sorgfältig means carefully. die Vorschrift is accusative because lesen takes a direct object, and the finite verb lese stands in position two.
Wir folgen der Vorschrift.
We follow the regulation.
folgen means to follow or comply with. der Vorschrift is dative because folgen governs the dative, not the accusative; the finite verb folgen is in position two.
Der Sinn der Vorschrift ist klar.
The purpose of the regulation is clear.
der Sinn means the purpose or meaning, and klar means clear. der Vorschrift is genitive because it identifies whose purpose it is, while the whole phrase Der Sinn der Vorschrift is the nominative subject.
In diesem Gebäude gelten viele Vorschriften.
Many regulations apply in this building.
in diesem Gebäude means in this building, and gelten means apply or are in force. Vorschriften is the plural subject, and viele shows that the noun is plural; after in with a location, diesem Gebäude is dative.
Bitte befolgen Sie die Vorschriften auf der Packung.
Please follow the instructions on the packet.
befolgen means follow, auf der Packung means on the packet, and Bitte makes the request polite. die Vorschriften is accusative because befolgen takes a direct object; auf der Packung is dative because it describes a fixed location.
Die technischen Vorschriften sind sehr genau.
The technical specifications are very precise.
technisch means technical and genau means precise or exact. Vorschriften is nominative plural because it is the subject, and sind is the plural form of sein in position two.
der Weltfrauentag — International Women’s Day
Der Weltfrauentag ist am achten März.
International Women’s Day is on 8 March.
achten März means 8 March. Der Weltfrauentag is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Viele Menschen feiern den Weltfrauentag.
Many people celebrate International Women’s Day.
viele Menschen means many people, and feiern means celebrate. Den Weltfrauentag is accusative because feiern takes a direct object; the finite verb feiern is in position two.
Zum Weltfrauentag bekommt sie Blumen.
She gets flowers for International Women’s Day.
bekommt means gets, sie means she, and Blumen means flowers. Zum Weltfrauentag means zu dem Weltfrauentag and is dative because zu always takes the dative; the finite verb bekommt is in position two.
Die Geschichte des Weltfrauentags ist interessant.
The history of International Women’s Day is interesting.
die Geschichte means the history, and interessant means interesting. Des Weltfrauentags is genitive because it identifies whose history it is, and the masculine noun adds -s.
In verschiedenen Ländern werden Weltfrauentage organisiert.
International Women’s Days are organised in different countries.
verschiedenen Ländern means different countries, and organisiert means organised. Weltfrauentage is the plural subject; werden organisiert is a passive construction, with the participle at the end.
Wir feiern den Weltfrauentag jedes Jahr.
We celebrate International Women’s Day every year.
wir means we, and jedes Jahr means every year. Den Weltfrauentag is accusative as the object of feiern, while the finite verb stands in position two.
der Weltkrieg — world war
In historical contexts, der Erste Weltkrieg and der Zweite Weltkrieg mean the First and Second World Wars. The plural Weltkriege is used when more than one world war is meant.
Der Weltkrieg begann im Jahr 1939.
The World War began in 1939.
begann means began, and im Jahr 1939 means in the year 1939. Der Weltkrieg is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb begann stands in position two.
Viele Familien verloren im Weltkrieg ihre Häuser.
Many families lost their homes in the World War.
viele Familien means many families, verloren means lost, and ihre Häuser means their houses. Den Weltkrieg is not the object here: im Weltkrieg means during the war and is dative because in describes a fixed time or situation.
Nach dem Weltkrieg wurde die Stadt neu aufgebaut.
After the World War, the city was rebuilt.
nach means after, die Stadt means the city, and neu aufgebaut means rebuilt. Nach dem Weltkrieg is dative because nach always takes the dative; the participle aufgebaut stands at the end of the passive clause.
Die Folgen des Weltkriegs waren lange spürbar.
The consequences of the World War could be felt for a long time.
die Folgen means the consequences, and lange spürbar means noticeable for a long time. Des Weltkriegs is genitive because it shows which war the consequences belong to, and Weltkrieg takes -s.
Die beiden Weltkriege veränderten Europa stark.
The two World Wars changed Europe greatly.
beiden means two, veränderten means changed, and Europa is Europe. Die beiden Weltkriege is a plural subject, while Europa is accusative as the object of veränderten.
Im Weltkrieg war das Leben sehr schwer.
Life was very difficult during the World War.
das Leben means life, and sehr schwer means very difficult. Im Weltkrieg is short for in dem Weltkrieg and uses the dative because it describes a situation in time; war is in position two.