Adjective endings after definite article
A2 · Elementary · Cases & Verbs
The rule
-e after nominative singular and accusative f/n; otherwise -en.
How it works
After der, die, das and the plural die, an adjective usually takes -e in the nominative singular and in the accusative singular of feminine and neuter nouns. Every other form takes -en. So der große Mann, die große Frau, das große Haus, but den großen Mann and dem großen Mann. The same ending pattern applies to words like dieser and jeder.
When to use it
Add the correct ending to an adjective after der, die, das (the definite article), which depends on case and gender.
Use cases
- Describing a person or object in a sentence: Der alte Mann lächelt
- Describing an object after a preposition: Ich wohne in dem großen Haus
- Using adjectives with dieser and jeder: Jeder neue Tag ist eine Chance
Examples
- mit dem großen Hund – the big dog
- Die kleine Katze schläft. – The small cat is sleeping.
- Ich kaufe den roten Pullover. – I am buying the red jumper.
- Mit dem neuen Auto fahren wir nach Hause. – With the new car we drive home.
Common mistake
Using the same ending for all cases: "der große Mann" (nominative) but "den großen Mann" (accusative).
Memory tip
After der-words the ending is usually -e or -en. Use -e in the nominative singular, and in the accusative singular of feminine and neuter nouns; use -en everywhere else.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Cases Explained: Nominative, Accusative, Dative and Genitive.