Adjective Declension in German: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to using adjectives in German, there's more to it than just throwing them into a sentence. Adjectives, in fact, have their own set of rules and declensions that can seem daunting at first. But don't worry, with this comprehensive guide, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of adjective declension in German.

So, when do we decline an adjective? The answer lies in its position within the sentence. If the adjective comes after a number, 'viele', 'einige' or 'andere', it's part of the third declension. However, if there is no article preceding the adjective, it falls under the first declension.

On the other hand, if the adjective precedes a noun and describes it, it must be declined according to certain rules. These rules are based on three key factors: what comes before the adjective (definite or indefinite article), the case of the noun (Nominativ, Akkusativ, Dativ, Genitiv), and the gender and number of the noun.

Let's take a closer look at each declension:

* The first declension is used with definite articles, such as 'Der schwarze Tisch ist sehr schön'.

* The second declension is used with indefinite articles, possessive adjectives (e.g., mein, dein, sein...), and certain other words. For instance, the adjective 'gute' becomes 'guten', 'gutes', or 'guter' depending on its position.

* The third declension is used when there is no article preceding the adjective.

In some cases, the ending of an adjective will be E (highlighted in orange above), while in others it will be EN. So, how do we determine which ending to use? It's simple: just consider the factors mentioned earlier and you'll be well on your way to choosing the correct declension.

It's also important to note that not all adjectives need to be declined. If an adjective comes after a noun (together with a verb), it remains in its basic form.

By understanding these rules and declensions, you'll be able to effectively use adjectives in German and add depth and nuance to your writing and speech. So, whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your skills, mastering adjective declension is an essential part of becoming proficient in the German language.

* Berlino Schule

Adjective declension german