German A2 · Grammar cheat code
A2.2 · L3 · n-Deklination

Some masc nouns: -n/-en in every case except Nom.

Noun ends in…Add
-e (Junge, Kollege)-n
-ent/-and/-ist (Student, Journalist)-en
Other masc (Mann, Tisch)nothing
Der Journalist schreibt einen Artikel.
Ich kenne den Journalisten gut.
— Details —

Some masc nouns add -n/-en in every case except Nom.

  • Masc nouns ending in -e: Junge, Kollege, Name
  • Masc nouns ending in -ent/-and/-ist: Student, Assistent, Journalist
  • Irregular: Herr → Herrn. Mensch → Menschen (no -e, but still weak).
Caseder Journalistder Mensch
Nomder Journalistder Mensch
Akkden Journalistenden Menschen
Datdem Journalistendem Menschen
Sie hat dem Journalisten geholfen.
Questions
What is the rule for n-Deklination?
Some masc nouns: -n/-en in every case except Nom.
How do I use n-Deklination?
Common error: *Ich sehe den Student* — Akk needs den Studenten, not den Student.
Before this lesson
Articles: Nominativ Dativ: dem / der / einem / einer
Open in the app → Interactive canvas with practice exercises