Learn the complete adjective ending system
Adjective Declension (Adjektivdeklination)
Adjectives before nouns need endings based on case, gender, and article type.
Three Types of Declension
1. After Definite Articles (Weak Declension)
Endings: -e or -en
| Case | M | F | N | Pl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nom | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| Akk | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| Dat | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| Gen | -en | -en | -en | -en |
2. After Indefinite Articles (Mixed Declension)
| Case | M | F | N | Pl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nom | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| Akk | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| Dat | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| Gen | -en | -en | -en | -en |
3. Without Article (Strong Declension)
| Case | M | F | N | Pl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nom | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| Akk | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| Dat | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| Gen | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Memory Tip
The adjective ending "shows" the gender when the article doesn't!
Examples / Beispiele
Der alte Mann sitzt auf der Bank.
→
The old man sits on the bench.
Ich trinke kalten Kaffee.
→
I drink cold coffee.
Sie trägt ein schönes Kleid.
→
She wears a beautiful dress.
Mit großer Freude...
→
With great joy...
Deutsche Autos sind beliebt.
→
German cars are popular.