German Adjective Endings to Know for AP German

Understanding German adjective endings is crucial for mastering sentence structure. These endings change based on the noun's gender, case, and whether an article is present, impacting how you express ideas in AP German. Let's break it down!

1. Nominative case endings

   • Used for the subject of the sentence.
   • Adjective endings depend on the gender of the noun (masculine, feminine, neuter, plural).
   • Endings: -e (feminine), -es (neuter), -er (masculine), -e (plural).

2. Accusative case endings

   • Used for the direct object of the sentence.
   • Masculine nouns change in the accusative case.
   • Endings: -e (feminine), -es (neuter), -en (masculine), -e (plural).

3. Dative case endings

   • Used for the indirect object of the sentence.
   • Adjective endings reflect the dative case changes.
   • Endings: -en (all genders), -em (masculine/neuter), -er (feminine), -en (plural).

4. Genitive case endings

   • Indicates possession or relationship.
   • Adjective endings vary based on the gender of the noun.
   • Endings: -en (all genders), -es (neuter), -er (feminine), -en (plural).

5. Strong adjective endings

   • Used when no article precedes the adjective.
   • Endings are determined solely by the gender, number, and case of the noun.
   • Endings: -er (masculine), -e (feminine), -es (neuter), -e (plural).

6. Weak adjective endings

   • Used when a definite article precedes the adjective.
   • The endings are consistent regardless of the noun's gender.
   • Endings: -e (feminine), -en (masculine/neuter/plural).

7. Mixed adjective endings

   • Used when an indefinite article or a possessive pronoun precedes the adjective.
   • Combines elements of strong and weak endings.
   • Endings: -er (masculine), -e (feminine), -es (neuter), -en (plural).

8. Adjective endings after definite articles

   • Adjective endings are predictable and consistent.
   • Always use weak endings.
   • Endings: -e (feminine), -en (masculine/neuter/plural).

9. Adjective endings after indefinite articles

   • Adjective endings reflect a mix of strong and weak endings.
   • The endings depend on the gender and case of the noun.
   • Endings: -er (masculine), -e (feminine), -es (neuter), -en (plural).

10. Adjective endings with no article

    • Strong endings are used when there is no article.
    • The endings are determined by the noun's gender, number, and case.
    • Endings: -er (masculine), -e (feminine), -es (neuter), -e (plural).