Nominative and Accusative Case in German Language | Cases in German | A2 German Course | Lesson 1

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to help you understand the nominative and accusative cases in the German language. These grammatical concepts are essential for constructing correct sentences and using the appropriate articles and pronouns. Whether you are beginning your A2 German course or looking to refresh your knowledge, this guide will provide clear explanations and examples to enhance your understanding.

Step 1: Understanding the Nominative Case

The nominative case is used for the subject of a sentence. It answers the question "who?" or "what?" is performing the action.

Key Points

• Subject Identification: The nominative case identifies who is doing the action.
• Articles: Use the correct definite and indefinite articles based on the noun's gender:
  • Masculine: der (definite), ein (indefinite)
  • Feminine: die (definite), eine (indefinite)
  • Neuter: das (definite), ein (indefinite)
  • Plural: die (definite), keine (indefinite)

Examples

• Der Junge spielt Fußball. (The boy is playing soccer.)
• Eine Frau liest ein Buch. (A woman is reading a book.)

Step 2: Understanding the Accusative Case

The accusative case is used for the direct object of a sentence. It answers the question "whom?" or "what?" is affected by the action.

Key Points

• Direct Object Identification: The accusative case identifies what is receiving the action.
• Articles: Use the correct definite and indefinite articles for the accusative case:
  • Masculine: den (definite), einen (indefinite)
  • Feminine: die (definite), eine (indefinite)
  • Neuter: das (definite), ein (indefinite)
  • Plural: die (definite), keine (indefinite)

Examples

• Ich sehe den Jungen. (I see the boy.)
• Sie kauft eine Blume. (She buys a flower.)

Step 3: Sentence Structure

Understanding how to structure sentences with nominative and accusative cases is crucial for speaking and writing in German.

Sentence Format

1. Subject (Nominative)
2. Verb
3. Direct Object (Accusative)

Example

• Der Lehrer (nominative) erklärt (verb) die Grammatik (accusative). (The teacher explains the grammar.)

Step 4: Using Pronouns

Personal and possessive pronouns change based on the case being used.

Personal Pronouns

• Nominative: ich (I), du (you), er/sie/es (he/she/it), wir (we), ihr (you plural), sie (they)
• Accusative: mich (me), dich (you), ihn/sie/es (him/her/it), uns (us), euch (you plural), sie (them)

Possessive Pronouns

• Nominative: mein (my), dein (your), sein/ihr (his/her), unser (our), euer (your plural), ihr (their)
• Accusative: meinen (my), deinen (your), seinen/ihr (his/her), unseren (our), euren (your plural), ihren (their)

Conclusion

Understanding the nominative and accusative cases is fundamental in German grammar. By identifying the subject and direct object in sentences, you can use the correct articles and pronouns, enhancing your communication skills. Practice constructing sentences and identifying cases to reinforce your learning. As you progress, continue exploring other cases such as the dative and genitive to build a more comprehensive understanding of the German language.