The German language has four cases: Nominative, Accusative, Dative and Genitive. Each case indicates the function of the noun within a sentence. Usually the case is indicated by an article. Since German nouns also have a gender there are three definite articles, which would translate into "the“. Use "der“ for masculine nouns, "die“ for feminine nouns and "das“ for neuter nouns.
Verbs Take Direct Objects
Many verbs take an accusative object, which is also called direct object. An object is a noun or pronoun which is used to complete the activity of a verb. Examples are:
- Ich sehe den Mann. – I see the man.
- Du verkaufst das Buch. – You are selling the book.
- Er repariert die Maschine. – He repairs the machine.
Remember to use the accusative when it makes sense to ask the following questions: "who" or "what is being done“?
Use the Accusative With Verbs of Motion
The accusative is also used with verbs of motion.
- Ich laufe die Treppe hinunter. – I run down the stairs.
- Ich steige auf den Berg. – I climb the mountain.
- Ich muss nur wenige Kilometer fahren. – I just have to drive a few kilometers.
How to Change German Article Endings
Only masculine nouns call for a change of the article-ending, meaning "der“ changes into "den“, "ein“ changes into "einen“. Here is an overview:
- Nominative Accusative
- der Mann / ein Mann den Mann / einen Mann
- die Frau / eine Frau die Frau / eine Frau
- das Kind / ein Kind das Kind / ein Kind
Remember that possesive adjectives "mein“ (mine), "dein“ (yours), "sein“ (his) and also "kein“ (which is not a possessive adjective, but means none (will take the same ending as "ein“ (a, one).
Certain Prepositions take the Accusative
Certain prepositions are always followed by an accuastive. Those prepositions are bis (until), durch (through), für (for), gegen (against), ohne (without), um (around), entlang (along). Examples are:
- Das Fest dauert bis spät in die Nacht. – The Party goes on until late at night.
- Wir gehen durch die Stadt. – We are walking through the city.
- Stimmst du für das Rauchverbot im Büro? – Do you vote for the ban on smoking in the office?
- Er kämpft gegen den Drachen. – He fights (against) the dragon.
- Gehe nie ohne deinen Schirm spazieren. – Never go on a long walk without your umbrella.
- Wir tanzen um das Feuer. – We dance around the fire.
- Wir fahren die Straße entlang. – We drive along the road.
German Greetings and Wishes
Many conventional German greetings also use the accusative case, examples are:
- Gute Morgen – Good morning!
- Guten Abend. – Good evening.
- Guten Tag – Used to say "Hello“ during the day.
- Gute Nacht. – Good night.
- Herzlichen Glückwunsch! – congratulations
- Vielen Dank. – Many thanks.
- Gute Besserung. – Get well.
Changes Only for Masculine Nouns
While it is best to learn those expressions, and also the prepositions which are followed by the accusative, the accusative itself is not hard to use. Remember, that the article-ending just changes for masculine nouns, and never forget to ask the question "who or what is being done“ to figure out if the object is direct. Whenever the object is direct it is an accusative object. To learn when to use the dative case read Rules for the German Dative.
 |
