Accusative Case: Definite and Indefinite Articles

In German, the accusative case is used to indicate the direct object of a sentence. When using definite and indefinite articles in the accusative case, there are certain rules and patterns to follow. In this guide, you will learn the correct usage of definite and indefinite articles in the accusative case.

Definite Articles in the Accusative Case

Definite articles indicate specific nouns. In the accusative case, the definite articles change depending on the gender and case of the noun. Here are the definite articles in the accusative case:

• Masculine: den (the)
• Feminine: die (the)
• Neuter: das (the)
• Plural: die (the)

Example:

• Ich sehe den Mann. (I see the man.)
• Sie kennt die Frau. (She knows the woman.)
• Er hat das Buch. (He has the book.)
• Wir treffen die Freunde. (We meet the friends.)

Indefinite Articles in the Accusative Case

Indefinite articles express nonspecific or unknown nouns. Similar to definite articles, the indefinite articles in the accusative case also change depending on the gender and case of the noun. Here are the indefinite articles in the accusative case:

• Masculine: einen (a or an)
• Feminine: eine (a or an)
• Neuter: ein (a or an)
• Plural: keine (no)

Example:

• Ich möchte einen Kaffee. (I would like a coffee.)
• Sie sucht eine Wohnung. (She is looking for an apartment.)
• Er hat ein Geschenk. (He has a gift.)
• Wir haben keine Kinder. (We don't have any children.)

Exceptions

It's important to note that there are a few exceptions to the rule. Here are some common exceptions in the accusative case:

• Masculine nouns that end in -en or -el do not change in the accusative case.
• Neuter nouns that end in -chen or -lein add an -s in the accusative case.

Examples:

• Er trinkt den Kaffee. (He drinks the coffee.)
• Sie besucht den Freund. (She visits the friend.)
• Das Mädchen sieht das Pferd. (The girl sees the horse.)
• Die Katze isst das Mäuschen. (The cat eats the little mouse.)

Summary

To summarize, when using definite and indefinite articles in the accusative case in German:

• Definite articles change based on the gender and case of the noun.
• Indefinite articles also change based on the gender and case of the noun.
• Pay attention to exceptions, such as masculine nouns ending in -en or -el, and neuter nouns ending in -chen or -lein.

By understanding and applying these rules, you will be able to use definite and indefinite articles correctly in the accusative case in German. Keep practicing and applying this knowledge to strengthen your understanding.