German Genitive Case
The genitive case shows possession and is the equivalent of English 'of' or apostrophe-s. Masculine and neuter nouns add -(e)s, articles change: der→des, die→der, das→des.
The genitive case (Genitiv) indicates possession, belonging, or close relationship. It answers the question Wessen? (Whose?)
When to Use the Genitive
The primary use is showing possession: Das Auto des Mannes (The man's car). It also follows certain prepositions and appears in formal writing more than in casual speech, where von + Dativ often replaces it.
Article Changes
Masculine and neuter: der/das → des, ein → eines. The noun itself adds -s (for longer words) or -es (for one-syllable words or words ending in -s, -ß, -z, -tz): des Mannes, des Hauses, des Kindes. Feminine and plural: die → der, eine → einer. Feminine nouns do not change their ending.
Genitive Prepositions
Formal prepositions requiring the genitive: wegen (because of), während (during), trotz (despite), statt/anstatt (instead of), außerhalb (outside of), innerhalb (within). In casual speech, wegen and trotz are often used with dative, but the genitive is grammatically correct.
Genitive in Everyday Speech
In spoken German, the genitive is increasingly replaced by von + dative: das Auto von dem Mann instead of das Auto des Mannes. However, the genitive remains essential in written German, formal contexts, and after genitive prepositions.
Proper Names in the Genitive
Proper names simply add -s without an article: Annas Buch (Anna's book), Deutschlands Hauptstadt (Germany's capital). If the name ends in -s, -z, or -x, use an apostrophe: Hans' Auto.
Reference Tables
Genitive Article Changes
| Gender | Nominative | Genitive | Noun Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masculine | der / ein | des / eines | add -(e)s |
| Feminine | die / eine | der / einer | no change |
| Neuter | das / ein | des / eines | add -(e)s |
| Plural | die | der | no change |
Genitive Prepositions
| Preposition | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| wegen | because of | wegen des Wetters |
| während | during | während der Pause |
| trotz | despite | trotz des Problems |
| statt/anstatt | instead of | statt eines Geschenks |
| außerhalb | outside of | außerhalb der Stadt |
| innerhalb | within | innerhalb eines Jahres |
Example Sentences
Das ist das Auto des Lehrers.
That is the teacher's car.
Masculine genitive: der Lehrer → des Lehrers
Die Farbe der Blume ist rot.
The color of the flower is red.
Feminine genitive: die Blume → der Blume
Trotz des Regens gehen wir spazieren.
Despite the rain, we go for a walk.
'Trotz' requires genitive: des Regens
Annas Bruder studiert Medizin.
Anna's brother studies medicine.
Proper names add -s without an article
Common Mistakes
Das Auto des Frau.
Das Auto der Frau.
Feminine genitive uses 'der', not 'des'. 'Des' is for masculine and neuter only.
Wegen dem Regen bleibe ich zu Hause.
Wegen des Regens bleibe ich zu Hause.
'Wegen' formally requires the genitive: 'des Regens'. Using dative is common in speech but grammatically incorrect in formal writing.
Das Haus des Kind.
Das Haus des Kindes.
Masculine and neuter nouns must add -(e)s in the genitive. One-syllable nouns typically add -es: des Kindes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the genitive case in German?
The genitive case shows possession or belonging, answering 'Wessen?' (Whose?). It changes articles (der→des, die→der, das→des) and adds -(e)s to masculine and neuter nouns: 'das Buch des Mannes' (the man's book).
Is the genitive case still used in spoken German?
The genitive is declining in casual speech, where 'von + dative' often replaces it: 'das Auto von dem Mann' instead of 'das Auto des Mannes'. However, it remains standard in written German, formal speech, and after genitive prepositions like wegen, trotz, während.
Which German prepositions take the genitive?
Common genitive prepositions include: wegen (because of), während (during), trotz (despite), statt/anstatt (instead of), außerhalb (outside of), and innerhalb (within). In formal writing, these require the genitive case.
Related Grammar Topics
Related Words
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