Adjectival nouns
B1 · Intermediate · Advanced Structures
The rule
Adjectives used as nouns are capitalised and inflected.
How it works
Adjectives can function as nouns and are capitalised: der Deutsche (a German man), die Angestellte (an employee, female), das Gute (the good thing). They take the same endings as adjectives after the article. This is common in German for people with a title or status, and many words are fixed nouns, such as der Kranke.
When to use it
Use adjectives as nouns, such as der Deutsche (German man) or die Angestellte (employee), capitalised and with adjective endings.
Use cases
- Naming a person by a characteristic: Der Alte sitzt auf der Bank
- Naming a type of person: Die Angestellte arbeitet im Büro
- Expressing abstract ideas: Das Gute ist nicht immer einfach
Examples
- der Deutsche, die Deutsche, die Deutschen – the German
- Der Verwandte kommt morgen. – The relative is coming tomorrow.
- Die Reisende wartet am Bahnhof. – The (female) traveller is waiting at the station.
- Ein Bekannter hat mir geholfen. – An acquaintance helped me.
Common mistake
Writing the noun in lower case or using the wrong adjective ending.
Memory tip
Treat it like an adjective: ein Deutscher, eine Deutsche.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Articles: der, die, das Explained with Rules and Tips.