German A2 · Grammar cheat code
Subject = Nom. Direct object = Akk. Indirect = Dat.
What role does the noun play?
Subject — who/what does the action?Nominativ
Direct object — Wen? / Was?Akkusativ
Recipient — person given something — Wem?Dativ
After a preposition?Check the preposition list
Der Mann gibt dem Kind den Ball.
The man gives the child the ball.
Ich fahre mit dem Zug nach Berlin.
I'm taking the train to Berlin.
Two-object verbs: person = Dat, thing = Akk.
| Two-object verb | Example |
|---|---|
| geben | Er gibt mir (Dat) das Buch (Akk). |
| zeigen | Zeig mir (Dat) dein Foto (Akk)! |
| schenken | Ich schenke ihr (Dat) Blumen (Akk). |
| erklären | Er erklärt uns (Dat) die Regel (Akk). |
Kannst du mir das bitte erklären?
Can you explain that to me please?
Sie schenkt dem Lehrer einen Apfel.
She gives the teacher an apple.
Questions
- What is the rule for Case Decision Tree?
- Subject = Nom. Direct object = Akk. Indirect = Dat.
- How do I use Case Decision Tree?
- Person (Wem?) = Dativ. Thing (Was?) = Akkusativ. Person usually comes first.
- What role does the noun play?
- Subject — who/what does the action?: Nominativ; Direct object — Wen? / Was?: Akkusativ; Recipient — person given something — Wem?: Dativ; After a preposition?: Check the preposition list
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