Learn German | Genitive case | Genitiv | German for beginners | A2 - Lesson 9

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the Genitive case (Genitiv) in German, an essential grammatical structure for beginners. Understanding the Genitive case is crucial as it helps express possession and relationships between nouns. This guide will provide you with actionable steps to master the Genitive case, including how articles change and how to use the question word "wessen."

Step 1: Understand the Genitive Case

• The Genitive case indicates possession or relationships between nouns.
• It answers the question "wessen?" which translates to "whose?" in English.
• Example: "Das Buch des Lehrers" (The book of the teacher).

Step 2: Learn the Question Word "Wessen"

• Familiarize yourself with the phrase "wessen," which is used to ask about possession.
• Practice forming questions using "wessen":
  • Example: "Wessen Buch ist das?" (Whose book is that?)

Step 3: Explore the Bestimmte Artikel in Genitiv

• The definite articles change in the Genitive case as follows:
  • Der (masculine) becomes des
  • Die (feminine) becomes der
  • Das (neuter) becomes des
  • Die (plural) becomes der
• Example sentences:
  • "Das Auto des Mannes." (The man's car)
  • "Die Tasche der Frau." (The woman's bag)

Step 4: Study the Unbestimmte Artikel in Genitiv

• The indefinite articles also change:
  • Ein (masculine) becomes eines
  • Eine (feminine) becomes einer
  • Ein (neuter) becomes eines
• Example sentences:
  • "Ein Freund eines Lehrers." (A friend of a teacher)
  • "Eine Idee einer Frau." (An idea of a woman)

Step 5: Learn About Possessive Artikel in Genitiv

• Possessive articles in the Genitive case retain their forms:
  • Mein (my) becomes meines
  • Dein (your) becomes deines
  • Sein (his) becomes seines
  • Ihr (her) becomes ihrer
• Example sentences:
  • "Das Auto meines Vaters." (My father's car)
  • "Das Buch ihrer Freundin." (Her friend's book)

Conclusion

Mastering the Genitive case is essential for expressing possession in German. By understanding the changes in articles and practicing the use of "wessen," you'll gain confidence in using this important grammatical structure. Continue your learning by practicing with different nouns and incorporating the Genitive case into your conversations. For further study, explore related videos on the Akkusative and Dative cases to enhance your understanding of German grammar.