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Vocab: Work & office — A1 (1)
Work & office vocabulary at A1 level.
Maskulin Feminin Neutrum Plural
die Arbeit — work; job; task; assignment; paper
Arbeit can mean work in general, paid employment, or a task. For a specific job, German often uses die Stelle; zur Arbeit means to work or to the workplace.
Die Arbeit beginnt um acht Uhr.
Work starts at eight o'clock.
beginnt means starts and um acht Uhr means at eight o'clock. Die Arbeit is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb beginnt is in position two.
Ich mache heute die Arbeit.
I am doing the work today.
heute means today and machen means to do. Die Arbeit is accusative because machen takes a direct object; the finite verb mache stands in position two.
Nach der Arbeit treffe ich meine Freunde.
After work I meet my friends.
nach means after and treffe means meet. Nach always takes the dative, so der Arbeit is dative; the prepositional phrase is first, so treffe remains in position two.
Das Ende der Arbeit ist in Sicht.
The end of the work is in sight.
das Ende means the end and in Sicht means in sight. Der Arbeit is genitive because it specifies the work's end; the finite verb ist is in position two.
Die Schüler schreiben verschiedene Arbeiten.
The pupils are writing different assignments.
die Schüler means the pupils, schreiben means write, and verschiedene means different. Arbeiten is plural and accusative because it is the direct object of schreiben.
Ich muss noch eine Arbeit für die Schule schreiben.
I still have to write an assignment for school.
noch means still, für die Schule means for school, and schreiben means to write. Eine Arbeit is accusative after muss because it is the object of schreiben; the modal verb muss is in position two and the infinitive schreiben goes to the end.
Die Professorin hat die Arbeit gestern korrigiert.
The professor corrected the assignment yesterday.
die Professorin means the female professor, gestern means yesterday, and korrigiert means corrected. Die Arbeit is accusative as the object of korrigieren; in the perfect, hat is in position two and korrigiert goes to the end.
arbeiten — to work; to function; to operate
arbeiten usually takes no direct object when it means to work. With a place or employer, use a suitable preposition, such as bei plus dative for an employer.
Ich arbeite in einem Hotel.
I work in a hotel.
in einem Hotel means in a hotel. Arbeite is the finite verb in position two; in takes the dative here because it describes a fixed workplace, so einem Hotel is dative.
Wir haben gestern lange gearbeitet.
We worked for a long time yesterday.
gestern means yesterday and lange means for a long time. The perfect uses haben in position two and gearbeitet at the end; arbeiten takes haben, not sein.
Früher arbeitete er in einer Fabrik.
He used to work in a factory.
früher means formerly or in the past, and eine Fabrik is a factory. Because Früher is first, the finite verb arbeitete is still in position two, before the subject er.
Arbeite bitte nicht so spät!
Please do not work so late!
bitte means please and so spät means so late. Arbeite is the du imperative and stands first; nicht negates the activity, and the subject du is normally omitted.
Wenn ich weniger arbeiten müsste, arbeitete ich nur vier Tage.
If I had to work less, I would work only four days.
wenn means if, weniger means less, and nur vier Tage means only four days. In the wenn clause, müsste goes to the end; in the main clause, arbeitete is the Konjunktiv II form and stands in position two.
Nächste Woche werde ich wieder arbeiten.
Next week I will work again.
nächste Woche means next week and wieder means again. Future I uses werde in position two and the infinitive arbeiten at the end; the time phrase comes first without changing this verb bracket.
Der Drucker arbeitet wieder.
The printer is working again.
der Drucker means the printer and wieder means again. Arbeitet is an ordinary finite verb in position two; here arbeiten means function, not do a job.
Das neue Programm hat nicht richtig gearbeitet.
The new program did not work properly.
das neue Programm means the new program, nicht richtig means not properly, and neu means new. The perfect uses hat in position two and gearbeitet at the end; nicht negates the adverb richtig.
die Arbeiterin — female worker
The feminine form is made by adding -in to der Arbeiter. The plural ending is -innen.
Die Arbeiterin kommt jeden Morgen früh zur Fabrik.
The female worker comes to the factory early every morning.
jeden Morgen means every morning, früh means early, and die Fabrik is the factory. Die Arbeiterin is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb kommt stands in position two.
Der Chef lobt die Arbeiterin für ihre gute Arbeit.
The boss praises the female worker for her good work.
der Chef is the boss, loben means to praise, and gute Arbeit means good work. Die Arbeiterin is accusative because loben takes a direct object; the preposition für also always takes the accusative.
Der Meister hilft der Arbeiterin bei der Maschine.
The foreman helps the female worker with the machine.
der Meister is the foreman, helfen means to help, and die Maschine is the machine. Der Arbeiterin is dative because helfen requires a dative object, while bei also takes the dative.
Die Jacke der Arbeiterin hängt an der Tür.
The female worker's jacket is hanging on the door.
die Jacke is the jacket, hängen means to hang, and die Tür is the door. Der Arbeiterin is genitive to show possession, meaning the jacket belongs to her; the finite verb hängt is in position two.
Die Arbeiterinnen tragen Helme und Schutzkleidung.
The female workers wear helmets and protective clothing.
tragen means wear or carry, die Helme are helmets, and die Schutzkleidung is protective clothing. Die Arbeiterinnen is plural nominative because it is the subject, and the ending -innen shows several female workers.
der Arbeitstag — working day; workday; working day; hours worked in a day
Arbeitstag means a day spent working, while Werktag often means a weekday or business day, including days when a person may not personally work. The plural is Arbeitstage, not Arbeitstags.
Der Arbeitstag beginnt um acht Uhr.
The working day starts at eight o’clock.
beginnen means to start and um acht Uhr means at eight o’clock. Arbeitstag is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Ich habe heute einen langen Arbeitstag.
I have a long working day today.
heute means today and lang means long. Arbeitstag is accusative because haben takes a direct object; after einen, the adjective has the ending -en, and the finite verb habe stands in position two.
Nach dem Arbeitstag bin ich müde.
I am tired after the working day.
nach means after and müde means tired. Arbeitstag is dative because nach always takes the dative; bin is in position two and müde completes the clause.
Das Ende des Arbeitstages ist um fünf Uhr.
The end of the working day is at five o’clock.
das Ende means the end and um fünf Uhr means at five o’clock. Arbeitstages is genitive after das Ende to show which end; the masculine genitive uses des and -es, while ist stands in position two.
Die Arbeitstage sind diese Woche sehr lang.
The working days are very long this week.
diese Woche means this week and sehr lang means very long. Arbeitstage is plural because there is more than one working day; the plural subject takes sind, and the finite verb stands in position two.
Mein Arbeitstag dauert normalerweise acht Stunden.
My working day normally lasts eight hours.
normalerweise means normally and dauern means to last. Arbeitstag is nominative as the subject, and dauert stands in position two; acht Stunden gives the duration.
Der flexible Arbeitstag endet manchmal schon um drei.
The flexible working day sometimes ends as early as three.
flexibel means flexible, manchmal means sometimes, and schon means as early as or already. Arbeitstag is nominative because it is the subject, and endet stands in position two; um drei means at three o’clock.
der Arzt — doctor
Der Arzt is the usual word for a male doctor; the general word is die Ärztin for a female doctor and die Ärzte for doctors in the plural. The common phrase zum Arzt gehen uses zu with the dative.
Der Arzt untersucht den Patienten.
The doctor examines the patient.
untersucht means examines and der Patient means the patient. Der Arzt is nominative because it is the subject, while den Patienten is accusative because untersuchen takes a direct object.
Ich rufe den Arzt an.
I call the doctor.
rufe ... an means call, and anrufen is a separable verb. den Arzt is accusative as the object; in the main clause, rufe is in position two and an goes to the end.
Ich vertraue dem Arzt.
I trust the doctor.
vertrauen means trust. This verb takes the dative, so dem Arzt is dative, not accusative; the finite verb vertraue is in position two.
Das Auto des Arztes steht vor der Praxis.
The doctor's car is in front of the medical practice.
das Auto means the car, steht means is standing or is parked, and die Praxis means the doctor's office. des Arztes is genitive to show possession, while vor der Praxis is dative because it describes a fixed location.
Die Ärzte arbeiten heute lange.
The doctors are working for a long time today.
arbeiten means work, heute means today, and lange means for a long time. Ärzte is plural and is the nominative subject; the umlaut changes Arzt to Ärzte.
Morgen habe ich einen Termin beim Arzt.
Tomorrow I have an appointment with the doctor.
morgen means tomorrow, der Termin means the appointment, and beim means at or with the, short for bei dem. beim Arzt is dative because bei always takes the dative; the opening time expression comes first, so habe is in position two.
die Aufgabe — task, exercise, duty; responsibility, duty
At school, die Aufgabe usually means an exercise or task. In everyday life it can also mean a responsibility or duty, and context shows which meaning is intended.
Die Aufgabe ist leicht.
The exercise is easy.
leicht means easy. Die Aufgabe is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Ich mache die Aufgabe jetzt.
I am doing the task now.
jetzt means now and machen means do here. Die Aufgabe is accusative because machen takes a direct object; mache is the finite verb in position two.
Der Lehrer gibt den Schülern eine Aufgabe.
The teacher gives the pupils an exercise.
der Lehrer means the teacher and den Schülern means the pupils. Den Schülern is dative because they receive something, while eine Aufgabe is accusative as the thing given.
Die Lösung der Aufgabe steht im Buch.
The solution to the exercise is in the book.
die Lösung means the solution, steht means is located, and im Buch means in the book. Der Aufgabe is genitive because it specifies which solution; the subject Die Lösung puts steht in position two.
Wir haben heute drei Aufgaben.
We have three tasks today.
heute means today and drei means three. Aufgaben is plural and accusative because it is what we have; the perfect auxiliary haben is in position two and the participle gehabt is understood at the end.
Das ist eine wichtige Aufgabe.
That is an important responsibility.
wichtig means important and das means that here. Eine wichtige Aufgabe is nominative after sein in this sentence; the finite verb ist stands in position two, and the adjective takes the ending -e after eine.
Sie übernimmt die Aufgabe, das Team zu leiten.
She takes on the responsibility of leading the team.
übernimmt means takes on, das Team means the team, and zu leiten means to lead. Die Aufgabe is accusative because übernehmen takes a direct object; the infinitive phrase explains what the responsibility involves.
der Bauer — farmer; bishop (in chess)
Bauer is a weak masculine noun: use der Bauer in the nominative singular but den/dem/des Bauern in the other singular cases. The plural is also Bauern.
Der Bauer arbeitet auf dem Hof.
The farmer works on the farm.
arbeitet means works and auf dem Hof means on the farm. Der Bauer is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Ich sehe den Bauern.
I see the farmer.
sehe means see. den Bauern is accusative because sehen takes a direct object, and the weak noun adds -n outside the nominative.
Ich helfe dem Bauern.
I help the farmer.
helfe means help. dem Bauern is dative because helfen governs the dative, and this weak masculine noun keeps the ending -n.
Das Auto des Bauern ist alt.
The farmer’s car is old.
das Auto means the car and alt means old. des Bauern expresses possession in the genitive, and the weak noun uses -n here.
Die Bauern verkaufen Gemüse.
The farmers sell vegetables.
verkaufen means sell and Gemüse means vegetables. Die Bauern is the plural subject, so the verb is plural; Gemüse is an uncountable accusative object.
Der Bauer steht neben dem König.
The bishop is standing next to the king.
steht means stands, neben means next to, and der König means the king. Der Bauer is nominative as the subject, while dem König is dative because neben describes a fixed location.
Im Schach kann der Bauer diagonal schlagen.
In chess, the bishop can capture diagonally.
im Schach means in chess, kann means can, and diagonal schlagen means capture diagonally. After the modal kann, the infinitive schlagen goes to the end; der Bauer is the nominative subject.
der Beruf — job, profession, occupation; calling, vocation
der Beruf can mean a person's occupation or professional field. Do not confuse it with die Arbeit, which means work more generally.
Mein Beruf ist interessant.
My profession is interesting.
mein means my and interessant means interesting. Beruf is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Ich suche einen Beruf.
I am looking for a profession.
suchen means to look for, and einen means a in the masculine accusative. Beruf is accusative because suchen takes a direct object; the finite verb suche stands in position two.
In meinem Beruf treffe ich viele Menschen.
In my profession, I meet many people.
in meinem Beruf means in my profession, and viele Menschen means many people. in takes the dative for a location or situation, so meinem Beruf is dative; treffe is in position two.
Die Aufgaben des Berufs sind vielfältig.
The tasks of the profession are varied.
die Aufgaben are the tasks and vielfältig means varied. des Berufs is genitive because it identifies whose tasks they are; the masculine noun adds -s in the genitive.
Viele Berufe brauchen eine Ausbildung.
Many professions require training.
viele means many, brauchen means need or require, and eine Ausbildung is training. Berufe is plural and nominative because it is the subject; eine Ausbildung is accusative because brauchen takes a direct object.
Für sie ist der Lehrerberuf eine Beruf.
For her, teaching is a calling.
für sie means for her, der Lehrerberuf is the teaching profession, and eine Berufung would mean a calling; in this sentence Beruf means a vocation. für takes the accusative, so sie is accusative, and Beruf follows the linking verb ist as a predicate noun.
Er sieht seinen Beruf als Aufgabe.
He sees his profession as a responsibility.
sehen means to see, seinen Beruf means his profession, and die Aufgabe is the task or responsibility. seinen Beruf is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; als Aufgabe describes how he views it.
bestellen — to order food, goods or a service; to reserve, to book
Bestellen normally takes an accusative object for the thing ordered: eine Pizza bestellen. It is a regular weak verb, and the perfect is formed with haben: hat bestellt.
Ich bestelle eine Pizza.
I am ordering a pizza.
ich means I, and eine Pizza is a pizza. Eine Pizza is accusative because bestellen takes the ordered thing as a direct object; the finite verb bestelle is in position two.
Wir haben zwei Pizzen bestellt.
We ordered two pizzas.
wir means we, and zwei Pizzen means two pizzas. The perfect uses haben plus bestellt, with the participle at the end; zwei Pizzen is accusative as the thing ordered.
Er bestellte einen Kaffee.
He ordered a coffee.
er means he, and einen Kaffee is a coffee. Bestellte is the regular simple-past form with -te; the drink is accusative because it is the direct object.
Bestell bitte einen Tee!
Please order a tea!
bitte means please, and einen Tee is a tea. Bestell is the singular imperative with the subject du omitted; the ordered drink is accusative.
Ich würde gern ein vegetarisches Gericht bestellen.
I would like to order a vegetarian dish.
gern means gladly or would like to, vegetarisch means vegetarian, and das Gericht is the dish. Ein vegetarisches Gericht is accusative as the direct object; after würde, the infinitive bestellen goes to the end.
Wir werden das Essen später bestellen.
We will order the food later.
das Essen means the food, and später means later. Future I uses werden plus the infinitive bestellen at the end; das Essen is accusative as the thing ordered.
Wir bestellen einen Tisch für sechs Personen.
We are reserving a table for six people.
einen Tisch is a table, and sechs Personen means six people. Einen Tisch is accusative because it is the object of bestellen, and für also takes the accusative in für sechs Personen.
Sie hat ein Hotelzimmer bestellt.
She booked a hotel room.
sie means she, and das Hotelzimmer is the hotel room. The perfect uses hat plus bestellt at the end; ein Hotelzimmer is accusative because it is the reserved item.
der Bäcker — baker
Der Bäcker is the person; the place where bread is sold is die Bäckerei. The feminine form for a woman is die Bäckerin.
Der Bäcker backt heute früh.
The baker is baking early today.
backen means to bake and heute früh means early today. Der Bäcker is nominative because he is the subject, and the finite verb backt stands in position two.
Ich sehe den Bäcker im Laden.
I see the baker in the shop.
sehen means to see and der Laden means shop. Den Bäcker is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; this masculine article changes from der to den.
Ich danke dem Bäcker für das Brot.
I thank the baker for the bread.
danken means to thank, and das Brot means bread. Dem Bäcker is dative because danken always takes a dative person; für takes the accusative.
Das Auto des Bäckers steht vor dem Laden.
The baker's car is in front of the shop.
das Auto means car and vor dem Laden means in front of the shop. Des Bäckers is genitive to show possession, and this masculine noun adds -s in the genitive singular.
Die Bäcker arbeiten schon um fünf Uhr.
The bakers are already working at five o'clock.
arbeiten means to work, schon means already, and um fünf Uhr means at five o'clock. Bäcker has the same form in the plural, but die and the plural verb arbeiten show that there is more than one.
die Bäckerin — female baker
Die Bäckerin is the specifically feminine form of der Bäcker. Its plural is die Bäckerinnen, with the characteristic feminine plural ending -innen.
Die Bäckerin macht frische Brötchen.
The female baker is making fresh bread rolls.
machen means to make, and frische Brötchen means fresh bread rolls. Die Bäckerin is nominative because she is the subject, and the finite verb macht stands in position two.
Ich kenne die Bäckerin gut.
I know the female baker well.
kennen means to know a person, and gut means well here. Die Bäckerin is accusative because kennen takes a direct object; the feminine article remains die.
Ich helfe der Bäckerin im Laden.
I help the female baker in the shop.
helfen means to help and im Laden means in the shop. Der Bäckerin is dative because helfen always takes a dative person; im is short for in dem.
Das Rezept der Bäckerin ist geheim.
The female baker's recipe is secret.
das Rezept means recipe and geheim means secret. Der Bäckerin is genitive because it shows whose recipe it is; the feminine genitive article is der.
Die Bäckerinnen beginnen früh.
The female bakers start early.
beginnen means to start and früh means early. Bäckerinnen is plural with -innen, and the plural subject takes the verb form beginnen.
das Büro — office
Büro is a neuter noun borrowed from Italian, so it has the article das. Its plural is Büros, and its genitive singular is also written Büros, but the article des identifies the genitive.
Das Büro ist im dritten Stock.
The office is on the third floor.
im dritten Stock means on the third floor. Das Büro is nominative because it is the subject, and ist is in position two.
Ich putze das Büro.
I clean the office.
ich means I and putze means clean. das Büro is accusative because putzen takes a direct object; the neuter article stays das in both nominative and accusative.
Wir arbeiten in dem Büro.
We work in the office.
wir means we and arbeiten means work. in dem Büro is dative because in describes a fixed location; in dem is commonly shortened to im.
Die Tür des Büros ist offen.
The office door is open.
die Tür means door and offen means open. des Büros is genitive because it shows that the door belongs to or is connected with the office; the noun takes -s.
Die Büros schließen um sechs Uhr.
The offices close at six o'clock.
schließen means close and um sechs Uhr means at six o'clock. Die Büros is plural nominative because it is the subject, and the plural is made with -s.
der Chef — boss, male manager
Chef is a common everyday word for a boss or manager and does not mean a chef who cooks; that person is a Koch. The plural is Chefs, and the genitive is des Chefs.
Der Chef kommt um neun Uhr.
The boss is coming at nine o’clock.
kommt means comes or is coming, and um neun Uhr means at nine o’clock. Der Chef is nominative because he is the subject; the finite verb kommt is in position two.
Ich sehe den Chef.
I see the boss.
sehe means see. Den Chef is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Ich spreche mit dem Chef.
I am speaking with the boss.
spreche means speak, and mit means with. Mit always takes the dative, so the phrase is dem Chef; the finite verb spreche is in position two.
Das Büro des Chefs ist im dritten Stock.
The boss’s office is on the third floor.
das Büro is the office, and der dritte Stock is the third floor. Des Chefs is genitive to show possession, meaning “of the boss”; ist is in position two.
Die Chefs sitzen im Konferenzraum.
The bosses are sitting in the conference room.
sitzen means sit, and der Konferenzraum is the conference room. Die Chefs is plural with -s; it is the nominative subject, so the plural verb sitzen follows.
Mein Chef ist sehr freundlich.
My boss is very friendly.
mein means my, and freundlich means friendly. Mein Chef is nominative because it is the subject, and freundlich comes after ist as a predicative adjective without an ending.
die Chefin — female boss, female manager
Chefin is the feminine form of Chef and means a female boss or manager. Its plural is Chefinnen, with -innen, not Chefs.
Die Chefin ist heute nicht da.
The boss is not here today.
heute means today, and nicht da means not here or not present. Die Chefin is nominative because she is the subject; ist is the finite verb in position two.
Ich sehe die Chefin.
I see the female boss.
sehe means see. Die Chefin is accusative because sehen takes a direct object, but the feminine article die looks the same in the nominative and accusative.
Ich spreche mit der Chefin.
I am speaking with the female boss.
spreche means speak, and mit means with. Mit always takes the dative, so the phrase is der Chefin; do not mistake der here for a masculine article.
Das Büro der Chefin ist neben der Küche.
The female boss’s office is next to the kitchen.
das Büro is the office, neben means next to, and die Küche is the kitchen. Der Chefin is genitive to show possession; the feminine genitive article is der, just like the dative article.
Die Chefinnen arbeiten zusammen.
The female bosses are working together.
arbeiten means work, and zusammen means together. Chefinnen is the plural formed with -innen; the plural subject takes the verb arbeiten.
Unsere Chefin ist sehr nett.
Our female boss is very nice.
unsere means our, and nett means nice. Unsere Chefin is nominative because it is the subject, while nett is a predicative adjective after ist and has no ending.
der Drucker — printer; printer, printing worker
This usually means a computer printer; the plural is die Drucker without an ending. It can also mean a person who prints, but the machine meaning is much more common for beginners.
Der Drucker ist neben dem Computer.
The printer is next to the computer.
neben means next to, and der Computer means the computer. Der Drucker is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist is in position two.
Ich brauche den Drucker.
I need the printer.
brauchen means to need. den Drucker is accusative because brauchen takes a direct object, while the finite verb brauche stands in position two.
Ich gebe dem Drucker neues Papier.
I am putting new paper in the printer.
geben means to give or put, and neues Papier means new paper. dem Drucker is dative because it is the recipient or destination of the paper, while neues Papier is the accusative thing being given.
Die Farbe des Druckers ist leer.
The printer's ink is empty.
die Farbe means the colour or ink, and leer means empty. des Druckers is genitive to show possession or association, and the genitive ending -s is added to the noun.
Im Büro stehen drei Drucker.
There are three printers in the office.
im Büro means in the office, stehen means are standing or are located, and drei means three. Drucker has the same form in the singular and plural, so drei and the context show that it is plural.
Mein Onkel arbeitet als Drucker.
My uncle works as a printer.
mein Onkel means my uncle, and arbeitet means works. als Drucker describes his job after arbeiten als; a profession after als normally has no article.
Der Drucker kontrolliert die Maschinen.
The printer checks the machines.
kontrolliert means checks, and die Maschinen means the machines. Der Drucker is nominative as the subject, while die Maschinen is accusative as the object of kontrollieren.
der Fahrer — driver
Fahrer is the general word for a person who drives, including a car, bus, or lorry driver. The feminine form is Fahrerin; the plural Fahrer can refer to men or to a mixed group.
Der Fahrer wartet vor dem Hotel.
The driver is waiting in front of the hotel.
wartet means is waiting, and vor dem Hotel means in front of the hotel. Der Fahrer is nominative because it is the subject; vor takes the dative here because the sentence describes a location.
Ich sehe den Fahrer.
I see the driver.
ich sehe means I see. Den Fahrer is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Wir danken dem Fahrer für die Hilfe.
We thank the driver for the help.
danken means thank, and die Hilfe means the help. Dem Fahrer is dative because the verb danken requires a dative person; für takes the accusative.
Das Auto des Fahrers ist neu.
The driver's car is new.
das Auto means the car, and neu means new. Des Fahrers is genitive because it shows possession; the masculine noun adds -s, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Fahrer warten an der Ampel.
The drivers are waiting at the traffic light.
warten means are waiting, and die Ampel means the traffic light. Fahrer is plural with die; an der Ampel is dative because it describes a fixed location.
der Feierabend — end of the working day; evening after work
Feierabend usually means the time after work, not simply any evening. The very common phrase Feierabend machen means to finish work for the day.
Der Feierabend beginnt um fünf Uhr.
The working day ends at five o’clock.
beginnt means begins, and um fünf Uhr means at five o’clock. Der Feierabend is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb beginnt stands in position two.
Ich genieße den Feierabend.
I enjoy my evening after work.
genieße means enjoy, and ich means I. den Feierabend is accusative because genießen takes an accusative object; the finite verb genieße stands in position two.
Nach dem Feierabend gehe ich nach Hause.
After work, I go home.
nach means after here, and nach Hause means home. dem Feierabend is dative because nach takes the dative in this time meaning; the verb gehe is in position two even though the sentence begins with the prepositional phrase.
Die Ruhe des Feierabends tut mir gut.
The quiet of the evening after work does me good.
die Ruhe means the quiet, and tut mir gut means does me good. des Feierabends is genitive and means of the evening after work, while mir is dative with the fixed expression jemandem guttun.
Viele Feierabende verbringt er mit Freunden.
He spends many evenings after work with friends.
viele means many, verbringt means spends, and mit Freunden means with friends. Feierabende is plural accusative because it is the object of verbringen; mit Freunden is dative because mit requires the dative.
die Firma — company, firm; employer, workplace
The everyday word Firma can mean either a company or the business itself. For a formal legal context, Unternehmen is also common.
Die Firma verkauft Kleidung.
The company sells clothes.
verkauft means sells and Kleidung means clothing. Die Firma is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb verkauft stands in position two.
Ich kenne die Firma gut.
I know the company well.
kenne means know and gut means well. Die Firma is accusative because kennen takes a direct object; the finite verb kenne is in position two.
Ich arbeite bei der Firma.
I work at the company.
arbeite means work and bei means at or for. Der Firma is dative because bei always takes the dative, and the finite verb arbeite stands in position two.
Der Chef der Firma spricht heute.
The company’s boss is speaking today.
der Chef means the boss and heute means today. Der Firma is genitive because it shows whose boss it is; the finite verb spricht remains in position two.
In dieser Stadt gibt es viele Firmen.
There are many companies in this city.
dieser Stadt means this city and viele means many. Firmen is plural, and viele Firmen is accusative because the fixed expression es gibt takes an accusative object.
Meine Firma bezahlt die Reise.
My company is paying for the trip.
meine means my, bezahlt means pays, and die Reise means the trip. Meine Firma is nominative as the subject, while die Reise is accusative as the object of bezahlen.
Viele Kollegen sind heute nicht in der Firma.
Many colleagues are not at the company today.
viele Kollegen means many colleagues and heute means today. In der Firma is dative because in describes a fixed location here; nicht negates the statement.
fleißig — hard-working, diligent
This word is positive and is often used for pupils, students and employees. The opposite is faul, meaning lazy.
Meine Schwester ist sehr fleißig.
My sister is very hard-working.
meine Schwester means my sister, and sehr means very. The adjective is predicative after ist, so it has no ending; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Das ist ein fleißiger Schüler.
That is a hard-working pupil.
ein Schüler means a pupil. fleißiger describes the masculine nominative noun after ein, so it takes the ending -er; ist is in position two.
Lena lernt fleißiger als ihr Bruder.
Lena studies harder than her brother.
lernt means studies, and ihr Bruder means her brother. fleißiger compares two people and is used with als; the finite verb lernt is in position two.
Von allen Kindern arbeitet Paul am fleißigsten.
Of all the children, Paul works the hardest.
von allen Kindern means of all the children, and arbeitet means works. am fleißigsten is the predicative superlative; the finite verb arbeitet remains in position two.
der Friseur — hairdresser, barber; male hairdresser; hairdressing professional
The usual neutral word for a male hairdresser is Friseur. The job title is often used with gehen zu plus dative: zum Friseur gehen.
Der Friseur schneidet die Haare meines Sohnes.
The hairdresser cuts my son’s hair.
schneidet means cuts, die Haare means the hair, and meines Sohnes means my son’s. Friseur is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb schneidet stands in position two.
Ich besuche den Friseur jeden Monat.
I visit the hairdresser every month.
besuche means visit and jeden Monat means every month. Friseur is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; the finite verb besuche is in position two.
Ich gebe dem Friseur ein Trinkgeld.
I give the hairdresser a tip.
gebe means give and ein Trinkgeld means a tip. Friseur is dative because it is the person receiving something, while ein Trinkgeld is the accusative thing given.
Die Schere des Friseurs ist sehr scharf.
The hairdresser’s scissors are very sharp.
die Schere means scissors and scharf means sharp. Friseurs is genitive because it shows possession, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Friseure arbeiten heute bis spät.
The hairdressers are working until late today.
arbeiten means work, heute means today, and bis spät means until late. Friseure is the plural, so the verb is arbeiten, not singular arbeitet.
Der Friseur wäscht zuerst meine Haare.
The hairdresser washes my hair first.
wäscht means washes and zuerst means first. Friseur is the nominative subject, while meine Haare is accusative because wäscht has a direct object.
Mein Bruder möchte Friseur werden.
My brother would like to become a hairdresser.
mein Bruder means my brother, möchte means would like, and werden means become. Friseur follows werden without an article when it describes a profession, and werden goes to the end after möchte.
Der Friseur hat einen kleinen Salon eröffnet.
The hairdresser opened a small salon.
hat eröffnet means opened, einen kleinen Salon means a small salon, and klein means small. Friseur is the subject; einen kleinen Salon is accusative, and eröffnet goes to the end with haben.
Mein Bruder möchte Friseur werden.
My brother would like to become a hairdresser.
mein Bruder means my brother, möchte means would like, and werden means become. Friseur follows werden without an article when it describes a profession, and werden goes to the end after möchte.
die Friseurin — female hairdresser
Friseurin is the standard feminine form of Friseur. Feminine job nouns ending in -in form their plural with -innen, as in Friseurinnen.
Die Friseurin schneidet meiner Tochter die Haare.
The hairdresser cuts my daughter’s hair.
schneidet means cuts, meiner Tochter means to my daughter, and die Haare means the hair. Friseurin is nominative as the subject, while meiner Tochter is dative.
Ich rufe die Friseurin an.
I call the hairdresser.
rufe ... an means call, and anrufen is separable. Friseurin is accusative because anrufen takes a direct object; rufe is in position two and an goes to the end.
Ich vertraue der Friseurin.
I trust the hairdresser.
vertraue means trust. Friseurin is dative because vertrauen always takes a dative person, not an accusative person.
Die Empfehlung der Friseurin war sehr gut.
The hairdresser’s recommendation was very good.
die Empfehlung means the recommendation and sehr gut means very good. Friseurin is genitive because it shows whose recommendation it was, and war is in position two.
Die Friseurinnen arbeiten in diesem Salon.
The female hairdressers work in this salon.
arbeiten means work and in diesem Salon means in this salon. Friseurinnen is the plural, formed with -innen; the location phrase uses dative.
Die Friseurin wäscht mir die Haare.
The hairdresser washes my hair for me.
wäscht means washes and mir means for me or to me. Friseurin is nominative, mir is dative as the beneficiary, and die Haare is accusative.
Morgen gehe ich zu der Friseurin.
Tomorrow I’m going to the hairdresser’s.
morgen means tomorrow and gehe means go. Zu der Friseurin is usually shortened to zur Friseurin; zu always requires the dative, while gehe remains in position two.
das Geschäft — shop, store; business; deal; business; deal; matter
The common meaning is a shop, but das Geschäft can also mean a business or a business deal. In the shop meaning, im Geschäft is a common phrase for “in the shop.”
Das Geschäft öffnet um neun Uhr.
The shop opens at nine o’clock.
öffnet means “opens,” and um neun Uhr means “at nine o’clock.” Das Geschäft is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb öffnet stands in position two.
Ich besuche heute das Geschäft.
I am visiting the shop today.
besuche means “visit,” and heute means “today.” Das Geschäft is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; the finite verb besuche is in position two.
Ich kaufe in dem Geschäft ein Geschenk.
I am buying a present in the shop.
kaufe ... ein means “buy,” and ein Geschenk is “a present.” Dem Geschäft is dative because in describes a fixed location here; the separable verb kaufe ... ein has its prefix at the end.
Die Tür des Geschäfts ist schon offen.
The shop’s door is already open.
die Tür is “the door,” and schon offen means “already open.” Des Geschäfts is genitive because it shows possession, meaning “of the shop”; the adjective offen follows the linking verb ist.
Am Samstag haben die Geschäfte lange geöffnet.
The shops are open for a long time on Saturday.
am Samstag means “on Saturday,” and lange geöffnet means “open for a long time.” Die Geschäfte is the plural subject, so the verb is haben; Geschäfte has an umlaut and -e in the plural.
Das ist ein gutes Geschäft.
That is a good deal.
ein gutes means “a good,” and ist means “is.” Ein gutes Geschäft is nominative after das ist in this identifying sentence; the adjective ending -es agrees with the neuter noun.
Wir müssen über das Geschäft sprechen.
We have to talk about the business deal.
müssen means “have to,” and über ... sprechen means “talk about.” Über das Geschäft is accusative because über takes the accusative with this topic meaning; the modal verb müssen sends sprechen to the end.
der Gärtner — gardener
Der Gärtner is the usual word for a professional gardener. The feminine form is die Gärtnerin, and the plural die Gärtner can refer to men or to a mixed group.
Der Gärtner arbeitet im Park.
The gardener works in the park.
arbeitet means works, and im Park means in the park. Der Gärtner is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Wir rufen den Gärtner.
We call the gardener.
wir means we, and rufen means call. Den Gärtner is accusative because anrufen or rufen can take the person called as a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Ich gebe dem Gärtner die Schlüssel.
I give the gardener the keys.
gebe means give, and die Schlüssel means the keys. Dem Gärtner is dative because he receives the keys; unlike a weak masculine noun, Gärtner does not add -n.
Das Werkzeug des Gärtners liegt im Schuppen.
The gardener’s tools are in the shed.
das Werkzeug means the tool or tools, and liegt means is lying; der Schuppen is the shed. Des Gärtners is genitive because it shows ownership, and the masculine noun adds -s.
Im Frühling arbeiten viele Gärtner im Freien.
In spring, many gardeners work outdoors.
im Frühling means in spring, and im Freien means outdoors. Viele Gärtner is plural after viele; the noun keeps the same ending as the singular, so the article and verb are important clues.
die Heftmaschine — stapling machine, stapler
The compound combines heften, “to staple,” with die Maschine, “machine.” Do not confuse this object with der Hefter, which can mean a stapler or a folder depending on context.
Die Heftmaschine liegt auf dem Schreibtisch.
The stapling machine is on the desk.
liegt means “is lying,” and der Schreibtisch is a desk. Die Heftmaschine is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb liegt is in position two.
Ich brauche die Heftmaschine für die Blätter.
I need the stapling machine for the sheets.
brauche means “need,” für means “for,” and die Blätter are the sheets of paper. Die Heftmaschine is accusative because brauchen takes an accusative object, while für also forces the accusative on die Blätter.
Ich gebe der Heftmaschine einen neuen Platz.
I am giving the stapling machine a new place.
gebe means “give,” and einen neuen Platz means “a new place.” Der Heftmaschine is dative because geben marks the recipient or affected thing as an indirect object; einen neuen Platz is accusative.
Der Griff der Heftmaschine ist kaputt.
The handle of the stapling machine is broken.
der Griff is the handle, and kaputt means broken. Der Heftmaschine is genitive because it shows whose handle it is; the feminine genitive article is der.
Benutzt du oft Heftmaschinen?
Do you often use stapling machines?
benutzt means “use,” and oft means often. Heftmaschinen is the plural without an ending change to the stem, and the yes-no question puts the finite verb benutzt first.
der Kellner — waiter
The feminine form is Kellnerin. The plural Kellner has no ending, while the genitive singular is Kellners.
Der Kellner bringt das Essen.
The waiter brings the food.
bringt means brings, and das Essen means the food. Der Kellner is nominative because he is the subject; the finite verb bringt stands in position two.
Ich rufe den Kellner.
I call the waiter.
rufe means call. Den Kellner is accusative because rufen takes a direct object, and the finite verb rufe is in position two.
Ich gebe dem Kellner ein Trinkgeld.
I give the waiter a tip.
gebe means give, and ein Trinkgeld is a tip. Dem Kellner is dative because it is the person receiving something, while ein Trinkgeld is the accusative thing given.
Das Fahrrad des Kellners steht draußen.
The waiter's bicycle is outside.
das Fahrrad is the bicycle and draußen means outside. Des Kellners is genitive because it shows possession; the masculine noun adds -s in the genitive singular.
Die Kellner arbeiten heute Abend.
The waiters are working this evening.
arbeiten means are working and heute Abend means this evening. The plural is die Kellner, with no noun ending; the plural subject requires arbeiten, not singular arbeitet.
die Kellnerin — waitress
Kellnerin is the feminine form of Kellner. Its plural is formed with -innen, a common pattern for feminine job nouns ending in -in.
Die Kellnerin kommt gleich.
The waitress is coming soon.
kommt means is coming and gleich means soon. Die Kellnerin is nominative because she is the subject, and the finite verb kommt stands in position two.
Wir bezahlen die Kellnerin.
We pay the waitress.
bezahlen means pay. Die Kellnerin is accusative because she is the direct object of bezahlen; the feminine article looks the same in the nominative and accusative.
Wir geben der Kellnerin das Geld.
We give the waitress the money.
geben means give and das Geld means the money. Der Kellnerin is dative because she receives the money, while das Geld is the accusative thing given.
Das Lächeln der Kellnerin ist freundlich.
The waitress's smile is friendly.
das Lächeln is the smile and freundlich means friendly. Der Kellnerin is genitive because it shows possession; feminine nouns do not add an ending in this case.
Die Kellnerinnen tragen schwarze Schürzen.
The waitresses are wearing black aprons.
tragen means wear or carry, and schwarze Schürzen means black aprons. The plural Kellnerinnen is formed with -innen, and the plural subject takes tragen.
der Koch — cook, chef
der Koch can mean a cook or a chef. The feminine form is die Köchin; German usually uses this feminine form when the person is a woman.
Der Koch macht heute Suppe.
The cook is making soup today.
macht means is making, heute means today, and Suppe means soup. Der Koch is nominative because it is the subject; Suppe is accusative as the object.
Ich sehe den Koch.
I see the cook.
ich means I, and sehe means see. Den Koch is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the masculine article changes from der to den.
Wir danken dem Koch.
We thank the cook.
wir means we, and danken means thank. Dem Koch is dative because danken always takes a dative person; do not use den Koch here.
Das Essen des Kochs schmeckt gut.
The cook's food tastes good.
das Essen means the food, and schmeckt gut means tastes good. Des Kochs is genitive because it shows whose food it is; this masculine noun adds -s.
Die Köche arbeiten in der Küche.
The cooks work in the kitchen.
arbeiten means work, and in der Küche means in the kitchen. Die Köche is plural and nominative as the subject; in der Küche is dative because it describes a location.
Der Koch schneidet das Gemüse.
The cook cuts the vegetables.
schneidet means cuts, and das Gemüse means the vegetables. Der Koch is nominative as the subject, while das Gemüse is accusative as the direct object.
Meine Schwester ist Köchin.
My sister is a cook.
meine Schwester means my sister, and Köchin is the feminine form of cook. Meine Schwester is nominative as the subject; after ist, the profession is a predicative noun without an article.
der Kollege — colleague; male colleague
Der Kollege is grammatically masculine, but it normally means a male colleague specifically. It is a weak masculine noun, so the form is den Kollegen or mit dem Kollegen, not den Kollege or mit dem Kollege.
Der Kollege arbeitet heute im Büro.
The colleague is working in the office today.
arbeitet means is working, and heute means today. Der Kollege is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb arbeitet is in position two.
Ich treffe den Kollegen nach der Arbeit.
I am meeting the colleague after work.
treffe means meet, and nach der Arbeit means after work. den Kollegen is accusative because treffen takes a direct object; as a weak masculine noun, Kollege adds -n outside the nominative.
Ich helfe einem Kollegen bei der Aufgabe.
I am helping a colleague with the task.
helfe means help, bei der Aufgabe means with the task, and einem Kollegen means a colleague. helfen takes the dative, so einem Kollegen has both the dative article einem and the weak-noun ending -n.
Das Auto des Kollegen steht draußen.
The colleague's car is outside.
das Auto means the car, steht means is standing, and draußen means outside. des Kollegen is genitive to show possession, and the weak noun keeps -n after des.
Meine Kollegen trinken zusammen Kaffee.
My colleagues are drinking coffee together.
Meine means my, trinken means are drinking, and zusammen means together. Kollegen is plural and is the nominative subject; the finite verb trinken is in position two.
die Kollegin — female colleague
Die Kollegin is the feminine form of der Kollege. Its plural is formed with -innen, so Kolleginnen has two n letters before the plural ending.
Die Kollegin arbeitet heute von zu Hause.
The colleague is working from home today.
arbeitet means is working, and von zu Hause means from home. Die Kollegin is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Ich treffe die Kollegin nach der Arbeit.
I am meeting the colleague after work.
treffe means am meeting, and nach der Arbeit means after work. die Kollegin is accusative because treffen takes a direct object; the feminine article looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Ich helfe einer Kollegin bei der Aufgabe.
I am helping a colleague with the task.
helfe means help, einer Kollegin means a female colleague, and bei der Aufgabe means with the task. helfen takes the dative, so the feminine indefinite article is einer.
Der Schreibtisch der Kollegin steht am Fenster.
The colleague's desk is by the window.
der Schreibtisch means the desk, steht means is standing, and am Fenster means by the window. der Kollegin is genitive to show possession; the feminine genitive article is der.
Meine Kolleginnen trinken zusammen Kaffee.
My female colleagues are drinking coffee together.
Meine means my, trinken means are drinking, and zusammen means together. Kolleginnen is plural and is the nominative subject, while Kaffee is the object of trinken.
die Kopie — copy
Kopie can mean a paper photocopy, a digital copy, or a copy of an original work. With the source, use eine Kopie von plus the dative after von, for example eine Kopie von dem Vertrag.
Die Kopie ist fertig.
The copy is ready.
fertig means ready or finished. Die Kopie is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Ich brauche die Kopie.
I need the copy.
brauche means need. Die Kopie is accusative because brauchen takes a direct object; feminine die looks the same in the nominative and accusative.
Ich gebe der Kopie eine Nummer.
I give the copy a number.
gebe means give and eine Nummer means a number. Der Kopie is dative because geben marks the recipient or assigned item with the dative; the direct object eine Nummer is accusative.
Die Qualität der Kopie ist schlecht.
The quality of the copy is poor.
die Qualität means the quality and schlecht means poor or bad. Der Kopie is genitive because it identifies whose quality is meant; with a feminine noun, the genitive article is der and the noun has no ending.
Wir vergleichen drei Kopien.
We are comparing three copies.
vergleichen means compare and drei means three. Kopien is plural and accusative because it is the object of vergleichen; the plural ending is -n.
kopieren — to copy
kopieren is usually used with an accusative object, such as einen Text or eine Datei. It is a regular weak verb and forms the perfect with haben; its Partizip II is kopiert, without ge-.
Ich kopiere den Text.
I am copying the text.
der Text means the text. Den Text is accusative because kopieren takes a direct object, and the finite verb kopiere is in position two.
Ich habe die Datei kopiert.
I copied the file.
die Datei means the file. Die Datei is accusative because it is the object of kopieren; the auxiliary habe is in position two and kopiert goes to the end.
Sie kopierte das Foto gestern.
She copied the photo yesterday.
das Foto means the photo, and gestern means yesterday. Das Foto is accusative after kopieren; the simple-past verb kopierte stands in position two.
Kopier bitte diese Seite.
Please copy this page.
bitte means please, and diese Seite means this page. The imperative kopier addresses one person informally; the object is accusative, and the subject du is left out.
Ich würde den Brief kopieren, wenn ich Zeit hätte.
I would copy the letter if I had time.
der Brief means the letter, and wenn ich Zeit hätte means if I had time. Würde is in the main clause position two, while the infinitive kopieren goes to the end; den Brief is accusative.
Morgen werde ich den Vertrag kopieren.
Tomorrow I will copy the contract.
morgen means tomorrow, and der Vertrag means the contract. In the future, werde is in position two and the infinitive kopieren goes to the end; den Vertrag is accusative.
der Kopierer — photocopier, copy machine
Der Kopierer ist kaputt.
The photocopier is broken.
kaputt means broken. Der Kopierer is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Ich benutze den Kopierer.
I am using the photocopier.
benutze means use. Den Kopierer is accusative because benutzen takes a direct object; the finite verb benutze is in position two.
Ich drucke mit dem Kopierer.
I am printing with the photocopier.
drucke means print, and mit means with. Mit always takes the dative, so the masculine article is dem; dem Kopierer is not accusative here.
Die Tür des Kopierers ist offen.
The photocopier’s door is open.
die Tür means the door, and offen means open. Des Kopierers expresses possession and is genitive; the masculine noun adds -s, while the finite verb ist is in position two.
Die Kopierer stehen im Büro.
The photocopiers are in the office.
stehen means stand or are located, and im Büro means in the office. Die Kopierer is plural and has no plural ending; im is short for in dem, which marks a location with the dative.
die Krankenschwester — female nurse
This word specifically refers to a female nurse; der Krankenpfleger is the usual word for a male nurse. The modern gender-neutral term die Pflegekraft can refer to any nursing professional.
Die Krankenschwester arbeitet im Krankenhaus.
The nurse works in the hospital.
arbeitet means works, and im Krankenhaus means in the hospital. Die Krankenschwester is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb arbeitet is in position two.
Ich sehe die Krankenschwester im Flur.
I see the nurse in the corridor.
sehe means see, and der Flur is the corridor. Die Krankenschwester is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the finite verb sehe stands in position two.
Ich danke der Krankenschwester**.
I thank the nurse.
danke means thank. Der Krankenschwester is dative because danken always takes a dative person; feminine die changes to der in the dative.
Die Tasche der Krankenschwester liegt hier.
The nurse’s bag is here.
die Tasche is the bag, and liegt hier means is lying here. Der Krankenschwester is genitive because it shows possession, meaning the bag belongs to the nurse.
Die Krankenschwestern sprechen mit den Patienten.
The nurses talk to the patients.
sprechen means talk, mit means with, and den Patienten means the patients. Krankenschwestern is the plural with die understood as the subject; mit forces the dative in den Patienten.
der Lehrer — teacher (male)
The feminine equivalent is die Lehrerin; der Lehrer normally refers specifically to a male teacher. The plural die Lehrer can also refer to a mixed group in general German.
Der Lehrer kommt pünktlich.
The teacher arrives on time.
pünktlich means on time. Der Lehrer is nominative because he is the subject, and the finite verb kommt stands in position two.
Ich sehe den Lehrer im Flur.
I see the teacher in the corridor.
sehen means to see, and der Flur is the corridor. Den Lehrer is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the finite verb sehe is in position two.
Ich danke dem Lehrer für seine Hilfe.
I thank the teacher for his help.
danken means to thank, für means for, and seine Hilfe means his help. Dem Lehrer is dative because danken requires a dative object; für seine Hilfe is accusative after für.
Das Auto des Lehrers steht vor der Schule.
The teacher’s car is outside the school.
das Auto means car, steht means is standing, and vor der Schule means outside the school. Des Lehrers is genitive because it shows possession, and the masculine noun adds -s.
Die Lehrer planen eine Konferenz.
The teachers are planning a conference.
planen means to plan, and eine Konferenz is a conference. Die Lehrer is the plural subject; this plural has no ending, and planen stands in position two.
die Lehrerin — female teacher
Die Lehrerin specifically means a female teacher. Its plural is die Lehrerinnen, with doubled n before the plural ending.
Die Lehrerin erklärt die Grammatik.
The teacher explains the grammar.
erklären means to explain, and die Grammatik is grammar. Die Lehrerin is nominative because she is the subject, and the finite verb erklärt stands in position two.
Wir besuchen die Lehrerin heute.
We are visiting the teacher today.
besuchen means to visit, and heute means today. Die Lehrerin is accusative because besuchen takes a direct object; the feminine article looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Ich gebe der Lehrerin das Buch.
I give the book to the teacher.
geben means to give, and das Buch is the book. Der Lehrerin is dative because it names the recipient, while das Buch is the accusative thing given.
Der Name der Lehrerin steht an der Tafel.
The teacher’s name is on the board.
der Name means the name, and die Tafel is the board. Der Lehrerin is genitive because it shows whose name it is; the feminine genitive has the same form as the nominative article.
Die Lehrerinnen arbeiten zusammen.
The female teachers work together.
zusammenarbeiten means to work together. Die Lehrerinnen is the plural subject, formed with -innen from Lehrerin, and arbeiten stands in position two.
der Maler — painter; painter and decorator
der Maler can mean a painter of pictures or a tradesperson who paints walls and rooms. Its plural is unchanged in spelling: der Maler, but die Maler in the plural.
Der Maler arbeitet im Atelier.
The painter is working in the studio.
arbeitet means is working and im Atelier means in the studio; Maler means painter. Der Maler is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Ich sehe den Maler.
I see the painter.
sehe means see and den Maler means the painter; ich means I. den Maler is accusative because sehen takes an accusative object, and the finite verb sehe is in position two.
Ich gebe dem Maler den Schlüssel.
I give the painter the key.
gebe means give and den Schlüssel means the key; dem Maler means to the painter. dem Maler is dative because geben assigns the recipient dative, while den Schlüssel is the accusative thing given.
Das Bild des Malers hängt im Museum.
The painter’s picture is hanging in the museum.
das Bild means the picture, hängt means is hanging, and im Museum means in the museum; des Malers means of the painter. des Malers is genitive because it shows possession, and the genitive masculine noun takes -s.
Die Maler arbeiten heute zusammen.
The painters are working together today.
arbeiten means are working, heute means today, and zusammen means together; Maler means painters here. The plural has no noun ending, so the article die identifies it; the finite verb arbeiten stands in position two.
die Malerin — female painter; painter and decorator
die Malerin is the feminine form of der Maler and can describe a painter of pictures or a tradesperson who paints rooms. Its plural is formed with -innen: die Malerinnen.
Die Malerin arbeitet im Atelier.
The female painter is working in the studio.
arbeitet means is working and im Atelier means in the studio; Malerin means female painter. Die Malerin is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Ich sehe die Malerin.
I see the female painter.
sehe means see and Malerin means female painter; ich means I. die Malerin is accusative because sehen takes an accusative object, although the feminine article die looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Ich gebe der Malerin den Schlüssel.
I give the female painter the key.
gebe means give and den Schlüssel means the key; der Malerin means to the female painter. der Malerin is dative because geben assigns the recipient dative, while den Schlüssel is the accusative thing given.
Das Bild der Malerin hängt im Museum.
The female painter’s picture is hanging in the museum.
das Bild means the picture, hängt means is hanging, and im Museum means in the museum; der Malerin means of the female painter. der Malerin is genitive because it shows possession, and feminine genitive uses der without changing the noun.
Die Malerinnen arbeiten heute zusammen.
The female painters are working together today.
arbeiten means are working, heute means today, and zusammen means together; Malerinnen means female painters. The plural ending -innen is added to the singular -in, and the finite verb arbeiten stands in position two.
die Mappe — folder, portfolio; portfolio, collection folder
Die Mappe is used for a folder that can hold papers or artwork; it is not normally the word for a small school exercise book, which is das Heft.
Die Mappe ist auf dem Tisch.
The folder is on the table.
auf dem Tisch means on the table. Die Mappe is nominative because it is the subject, and ist stands in position two.
Ich brauche die Mappe.
I need the folder.
brauchen means to need. Die Mappe is accusative because it is the direct object of brauche; feminine nominative and accusative articles are both die.
Ich gebe der Lehrerin die Mappe.
I give the teacher the folder.
geben means to give and die Lehrerin means the female teacher. Der Lehrerin is dative as the recipient, while die Mappe is accusative as the thing given.
Der Inhalt der Mappe ist wichtig.
The contents of the folder are important.
der Inhalt means the contents and wichtig means important. Der Mappe is genitive because it identifies whose contents they are; the feminine genitive article is der.
Die Sekretärin sortiert die Mappen.
The secretary sorts the folders.
die Sekretärin means the secretary and sortieren means to sort. Die Mappen is accusative plural because it is the object; the plural adds -n to Mappe.
Sie bringt eine Bewerbungsmappe zum Gespräch mit.
She brings an application portfolio to the interview.
Bewerbung means application, Gespräch means interview, and mitbringen means to bring along. Eine Bewerbungsmappe is accusative after bringt; the separable verb has mit at the end.
In seiner Mappe liegen wichtige Zeugnisse.
Important certificates are in his portfolio.
in seiner Mappe means in his portfolio, liegen means lie or be located, wichtig means important, and Zeugnisse means certificates. In takes the dative for location, and the plural subject wichtige Zeugnisse comes after the verb.
Meier — Meier, a German surname
Meier is a personal surname and is normally used without an article. Titles such as Herr and Frau come before the surname; surnames do not usually receive plural or gender endings.
Meier arbeitet heute im Büro.
Meier is working in the office today.
arbeitet means is working, heute means today, and im Büro means in the office. Meier is a surname used as the nominative subject, and the finite verb arbeitet stands in position two.
Ich habe mit Frau Meier gesprochen.
I spoke with Ms Meier.
mit Frau Meier means with Ms Meier, and gesprochen means spoken. Frau Meier is dative because mit always takes the dative; habe gesprochen is the perfect tense, with the participle at the end.
mitschreiben — to write along, to take notes
mitschreiben usually means writing notes while listening, especially in class or at a meeting. It is separable; the thing written down is an accusative object.
Die Studentin schreibt im Unterricht mit.
The student takes notes in class.
die Studentin means the female student, and der Unterricht means class or lessons. im Unterricht is dative because in describes the setting here; schreibt is in position two and mit goes to the end.
Ich habe die Adresse mitgeschrieben.
I wrote down the address.
die Adresse means the address. It is accusative because it is what was written down; the perfect uses haben, with mitgeschrieben at the end.
Er schrieb alle wichtigen Wörter mit.
He wrote down all the important words.
alle wichtigen Wörter means all the important words. This phrase is accusative as the object of mitschreiben; schrieb is in position two and mit is separated at the end.
Schreib die Telefonnummer mit!
Write down the telephone number!
die Telefonnummer means the telephone number. This is the du imperative, with the accusative object in the middle and the prefix mit at the end.
Du solltest die neuen Wörter mitschreiben.
You should write down the new words.
solltest means should, and die neuen Wörter means the new words. After the modal verb solltest, the infinitive mitschreiben goes to the end as one word; the object is accusative.
Im Kurs schreibt sie die wichtigsten Punkte mit.
In the course, she will write down the most important points.
der Kurs means the course, and die wichtigsten Punkte means the most important points. The present tense can describe a planned future; im Kurs is dative, schreibt is in position two, and mit is final.
die Mittagspause — lunch break
Mittagspause is the usual word for a break around midday at work or school. Do not confuse it with Pause, which can be a break at any time.
Die Mittagspause beginnt um zwölf Uhr.
The lunch break starts at twelve o’clock.
beginnt means starts and um zwölf Uhr means at twelve o’clock. Die Mittagspause is nominative because it is the subject, and the finite verb beginnt is in position two.
Ich brauche eine Mittagspause.
I need a lunch break.
ich brauche means I need. Eine Mittagspause is accusative because brauchen takes a direct object; with a feminine noun, the indefinite article is eine in both nominative and accusative.
In der Mittagspause trinken wir Kaffee.
During the lunch break we drink coffee.
trinken means drink and Kaffee means coffee. In der Mittagspause is dative because in describes a time period here, and the finite verb trinken follows the fronted phrase in position two.
Die Länge der Mittagspause hängt vom Arbeitstag ab.
The length of the lunch break depends on the working day.
die Länge means the length, hängt ... ab means depends, and der Arbeitstag means the working day. Der Mittagspause is genitive because it says whose length it is; the separable verb abhängen splits, with ab at the end.
Die Mittagspausen sind in dieser Firma kurz.
The lunch breaks are short in this company.
in dieser Firma means in this company and kurz means short. Die Mittagspausen is plural and nominative because it is the subject, and the plural ending is -n.
Müller — Müller, a German surname
Müller is used here as a personal surname, not as the common noun der Müller, a miller. Surnames normally do not take an article when used with a person's name.
Müller wohnt neben uns.
Müller lives next door to us.
wohnt means lives, and neben uns means next door to us. Müller is the surname functioning as the nominative subject, and the finite verb wohnt stands in position two.
Ich habe mit Frau Müller gesprochen.
I spoke with Mrs Müller.
gesprochen means spoken, and Frau is a respectful title for a woman. mit Frau Müller is dative because mit always takes the dative; the perfect auxiliary habe is in position two and gesprochen goes to the end.
der Ordner — binder, file folder; steward, usher, security person
This sense is common in office and school contexts. The plural is die Ordner, with no spelling change from the singular.
Der Ordner steht im Regal.
The binder is on the shelf.
das Regal means the shelf. Der Ordner is nominative because it is the subject, while im Regal means on the shelf and uses the dative for a fixed location; steht is in position two.
Ich brauche den Ordner.
I need the binder.
ich brauche means I need. den Ordner is accusative because brauchen takes an accusative object, and the finite verb brauche stands in position two.
Ich gebe dem Ordner ein Etikett.
I am putting a label on the binder.
geben means to give or put, and ein Etikett is a label. dem Ordner is dative as the recipient or target, while ein Etikett is accusative as the thing being given; the finite verb gebe is in position two.
Die Farbe des Ordners passt zum Schreibtisch.
The colour of the binder matches the desk.
die Farbe means the colour, passen means to match or fit, and der Schreibtisch is the desk. des Ordners is genitive because it shows whose colour it is; zum Schreibtisch means to the desk and zu takes the dative.
Die Ordner stehen im Schrank.
The binders are in the cupboard.
stehen means are standing or are placed, and der Schrank is the cupboard. Die Ordner is plural and has the same spelling as the singular; im Schrank uses the dative because it describes a fixed location.
Ein Ordner kontrolliert die Eintrittskarten.
A steward is checking the admission tickets.
kontrollieren means to check, and die Eintrittskarten are the admission tickets. Ein Ordner is the nominative subject, while die Eintrittskarten is accusative as the object of kontrolliert.
Bei dem Konzert helfen mehrere Ordner.
Several stewards help at the concert.
bei dem Konzert means at the concert, and mehrere means several. mehrere Ordner is a plural subject; bei takes the dative, and the finite verb helfen stands in position two.
der Pilot — pilot
Pilot is a weak masculine noun: it has -en in the accusative, dative and genitive singular, but not in the nominative singular. It normally means someone who flies an aircraft.
Der Pilot begrüßt die Passagiere.
The pilot greets the passengers.
begrüßt means greets, and die Passagiere means the passengers. Der Pilot is nominative because he is the subject, and the finite verb begrüßt stands in position two.
Die Passagiere sehen den Piloten im Cockpit.
The passengers see the pilot in the cockpit.
die Passagiere are the passengers, and das Cockpit is the part of an aircraft where the pilot works. Den Piloten is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; as a weak masculine noun, Pilot becomes Piloten.
Die Flugbegleiterin spricht mit dem Piloten.
The flight attendant speaks with the pilot.
die Flugbegleiterin means flight attendant. Mit always takes the dative, so dem Piloten is dative and the weak noun keeps its -en ending.
Das Büro des Piloten ist im Flughafen.
The pilot's office is at the airport.
das Büro means office, and der Flughafen means airport. Des Piloten is genitive because it shows whose office it is; Pilot is a weak masculine noun and therefore has -en here.
Die Piloten warten auf ihren Einsatz.
The pilots are waiting for their assignment.
warten means wait, and ihr Einsatz means their assignment or duty. Die Piloten is plural; auf takes the accusative here because the sentence describes what they are waiting for, not a location.
die Pilotin — female pilot, woman pilot
Pilotin is the feminine form of Pilot and refers specifically to a woman who flies an aircraft. Its plural is formed with -innen, as with other feminine job titles ending in -in.
Die Pilotin fliegt das Flugzeug sicher.
The pilot flies the aircraft safely.
fliegt means flies, das Flugzeug means the aircraft, and sicher means safely. Die Pilotin is nominative because she is the subject, and the finite verb fliegt stands in position two.
Die Passagiere sehen die Pilotin am Eingang.
The passengers see the pilot at the entrance.
die Passagiere are the passengers, and der Eingang means entrance. Die Pilotin is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the feminine article die looks the same in the nominative and accusative.
Ich danke der Pilotin für ihre Hilfe.
I thank the pilot for her help.
danke means thank, ihre Hilfe means her help, and für means for. Danken takes a dative person, so der Pilotin is dative; für ihre Hilfe is accusative because für always takes the accusative.
Die Entscheidung der Pilotin war richtig.
The pilot's decision was right.
die Entscheidung means decision and richtig means right or correct. Der Pilotin is genitive because it shows whose decision it was; the feminine genitive article is der.
Die Pilotinnen sprechen mit den Kindern.
The female pilots are speaking with the children.
sprechen means speak, and die Kinder are the children. Die Pilotinnen is plural and is formed with -innen; mit den Kindern is dative because mit always takes the dative.
die Polizei — police
Die Polizei is normally a singular mass noun for the police service, even when it means many officers. It has no ordinary plural; for one officer, use der Polizeibeamte or die Polizeibeamtin.
Die Polizei kommt sofort.
The police are coming immediately.
kommt means is coming, and sofort means immediately. Die Polizei is grammatically singular even when it refers to many officers, so the verb is kommt.
Ich rufe die Polizei.
I am calling the police.
ich rufe means I am calling. Die Polizei is accusative because rufen takes a direct object, but the feminine article die looks the same in nominative and accusative.
Wir helfen der Polizei bei der Suche.
We help the police with the search.
helfen means help, bei der Suche means with the search, and Suche means search. Der Polizei is dative because helfen requires a dative object; bei also requires the dative.
Die Arbeit der Polizei ist wichtig.
The work of the police is important.
die Arbeit means the work, and wichtig means important. Der Polizei is genitive and means of the police; the finite verb ist is in position two.
der Polizist — police officer
Polizist is a weak masculine noun: it has -en in the accusative, dative, and genitive singular and in the plural. The feminine equivalent is Polizistin.
Der Polizist kommt sofort.
The police officer is coming immediately.
kommen means to come, and sofort means immediately. Der Polizist is nominative because he is the subject; the finite verb kommt is in position two.
Ich sehe den Polizisten auf der Straße.
I see the police officer in the street.
sehen means to see, auf der Straße means in the street, and die Straße is the street. Den Polizisten is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; this weak masculine noun adds -en outside the nominative singular.
Ich danke dem Polizisten.
I thank the police officer.
danken means to thank. Dem Polizisten is dative because danken takes a dative object, and the weak noun keeps the ending -en.
Das Fahrrad des Polizisten steht hier.
The police officer’s bicycle is here.
das Fahrrad is the bicycle, and hier means here. Des Polizisten is genitive because it shows possession; the masculine article is des, and the noun ends in -en.
Die Polizisten kontrollieren die Autos.
The police officers check the cars.
kontrollieren means check, and die Autos means the cars. Die Polizisten is plural and nominative because it is the subject; its form is identical to accusative and dative singular without the article.
die Polizistin — female police officer
Polizistin is the feminine form of Polizist. Its plural is formed with -innen, as in many feminine job titles.
Die Polizistin arbeitet heute.
The female police officer is working today.
arbeiten means to work, and heute means today. Die Polizistin is nominative because she is the subject; the finite verb arbeitet is in position two.
Ich sehe die Polizistin.
I see the female police officer.
sehen means to see. Die Polizistin is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; the feminine article die does not change between nominative and accusative.
Wir helfen der Polizistin.
We help the female police officer.
helfen means to help, and wir means we. Der Polizistin is dative because helfen takes a dative object; the feminine article changes from die to der.
Das Auto der Polizistin ist blau.
The female police officer’s car is blue.
das Auto is the car, and blau means blue. Der Polizistin is genitive because it shows possession; the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Die Polizistinnen stehen vor dem Gebäude.
The female police officers are standing in front of the building.
stehen means to stand, vor dem Gebäude means in front of the building, and das Gebäude is the building. Die Polizistinnen is plural and nominative because it is the subject; the plural ending is -innen.
der Postbote — postman, postal worker
der Postbote is a weak masculine noun. It takes -n in the accusative and dative singular: den Postboten, dem Postboten; the plural is also die Postboten.
Der Postbote kommt jeden Morgen.
The postman comes every morning.
kommt means comes and jeden Morgen means every morning. der Postbote is the nominative subject, and the finite verb kommt is in position two.
Ich sehe den Postboten vor dem Haus.
I see the postman in front of the house.
sehe means see, vor dem Haus means in front of the house, and das Haus is the house. den Postboten is accusative because sehen takes a direct object; as a weak masculine noun, Postbote adds -n outside the nominative.
Ich gebe dem Postboten ein Trinkgeld.
I give the postman a tip.
gebe means give, ein Trinkgeld is a tip, and dem means to the in this context. dem Postboten is dative because geben takes a recipient in the dative; Postbote keeps the weak ending -n.
Das Fahrrad des Postboten steht im Hof.
The postman's bicycle is in the courtyard.
das Fahrrad means the bicycle, steht means is standing, and der Hof is the courtyard. des Postboten is genitive to show possession, and the weak noun again has -n; im Hof is short for in dem Hof and marks location.
Postboten verteilen Briefe und Pakete.
Postmen deliver letters and parcels.
verteilen means distribute, Briefe are letters, and Pakete are parcels. Postboten is plural nominative as the subject, while Briefe und Pakete are accusative objects; the plural form also ends in -n.
die Schwester — sister; nurse
Die Schwester can mean a female sibling. In a hospital, it can also mean a nurse, but that use is less neutral today than die Pflegefachkraft.
Meine Schwester wohnt in Berlin.
My sister lives in Berlin.
meine means my, wohnen means live, and Berlin is the capital of Germany. Meine Schwester is nominative because it is the subject; the finite verb wohnt stands in position two.
Ich besuche meine Schwester am Samstag.
I am visiting my sister on Saturday.
besuchen means visit, meine means my, and am Samstag means on Saturday. Meine Schwester is accusative because it is the direct object of besuche; the finite verb is in position two.
Ich helfe meiner Schwester bei den Hausaufgaben.
I help my sister with her homework.
helfen means help, meiner means my in the feminine dative, bei means with or during, and die Hausaufgaben are homework. Meiner Schwester is dative because helfen takes a dative person; bei den Hausaufgaben is also dative because bei requires the dative.
Das Fahrrad meiner Schwester ist neu.
My sister's bicycle is new.
das Fahrrad is the bicycle, and neu means new. Meiner Schwester is genitive because it shows possession, and the finite verb ist stands in position two.
Meine Schwestern lernen zusammen.
My sisters study together.
meine means my, lernen means study or learn, and zusammen means together. Meine Schwestern is plural nominative because it is the subject; the plural is formed with -n.
Meine Schwester trinkt gern Tee.
My sister likes drinking tea.
trinken means drink, gern means gladly or enjoy doing something, and der Tee is tea. Meine Schwester is the subject, and the finite verb trinkt is in position two.
Die Schwester bringt dem Patienten seine Medikamente.
The nurse brings the patient his medication.
bringen means bring, der Patient is the patient, and die Medikamente are the medicines. Dem Patienten is dative because it is the recipient, while seine Medikamente is the accusative thing being brought.
Die Schwester arbeitet auf der Station.
The nurse works on the ward.
arbeiten means work, auf der Station means on the hospital ward, and die Station is the ward. Die Schwester is nominative because it is the subject; auf der Station is dative because it describes a fixed location.