Dative and accusative object order
A2 · Elementary · Cases & Verbs
The rule
Pronouns: accusative before dative; nouns: dative before accusative.
How it works
When a sentence has both a dative (indirect) and an accusative (direct) object, the usual order for nouns is dative before accusative: Ich gebe dem Kind das Buch. With pronouns, the accusative normally comes before the dative: Ich gebe es ihm. Mastering this order makes your speech sound much more natural.
When to use it
Order two objects correctly: pronouns come before nouns, and accusative before dative for pronouns.
Use cases
- Giving something to someone: Ich zeige ihr den Weg
- Recommending a gift: Schenk ihm ein Buch
- Writing instructions with two objects: Gib es mir bitte
Examples
- Ich gebe es dir – I give it to you
- Er erzählt seiner Mutter die Geschichte. – He tells his mother the story.
- Ich schicke dir die Adresse. – I will send you the address.
- Sie bringt uns das Essen. – She brings us the food.
Common mistake
Putting the noun before the pronoun in the accusative-dative order: "Ich gebe ihm das Buch" is right; "Ich gebe das Buch ihm" is not.
Memory tip
Pronouns go first: "Ich gebe es ihm."