Nouns with n-declension
A2 · Elementary · Cases & Verbs
The rule
Some masculine nouns add -(e)n in all cases except nominative.
How it works
A small group of masculine nouns, called weak masculine nouns, add -n or -en in every case except the nominative singular. Examples include der Student (den Studenten), der Mensch (den Menschen) and der Kollege (den Kollegen). Learning them with the -en ending in brackets prevents most mistakes.
When to use it
Recognise masculine nouns with -n or -en in every case except the nominative, such as der Student or der Mensch.
Use cases
- Talking about students and colleagues: Ich treffe den Kollegen
- Describing people in general: Der Mensch braucht Schlaf
- Writing formal letters to a named person: Herrn Fischer
Examples
- Ich kenne den Studenten – I know the student
- Ich helfe dem Studenten. – I help the student.
- Er spricht mit dem Nachbarn. – He talks to the neighbour.
- Wir kennen den Polizisten. – We know the policeman.
Common mistake
Forgetting the -en in accusative, dative and genitive: "den Studenten" not "den Student".
Memory tip
Learn these nouns with -en in brackets: der Student (Student, Studenten).
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Cases Explained: Nominative, Accusative, Dative and Genitive.