📖 Explanation: What is the Genitive Case (Genitiv)?
The Genitive is the fourth and least frequently used case in modern spoken German, but it remains important in formal/written language, fixed expressions, and certain prepositions.
Main uses:
- Possession (replaces “von + Dative” in many cases): das Buch des Mannes = the man’s book.
- After certain prepositions (wegen, trotz, während, (an)statt, aufgrund, etc.).
- With a few verbs that govern the Genitive (e.g. gedenken, bedürfen – rare and formal).
- Note: sich erinnern is used with an + Akkusativ in modern German.
- In fixed expressions (e.g., eines Tages, Ende des Jahres).
In everyday spoken German, the Genitive is often replaced by von + Dative (das Buch von dem Mann). However, it is still common with proper names (Annas Auto) and in formal writing.
The Genitive changes articles significantly and adds -(e)s to many masculine/neuter nouns.
📋 Table 1: When to Use the Genitive
| Usage | Example Sentence | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | Das ist das Auto meines Vaters. | This is my father’s car. |
| After genitive prepositions | Wegen des Regens bleiben wir zu Hause. | Because of the rain, we’re staying home. |
| Fixed expressions | Eines Tages werde ich reich. | One day I’ll be rich. |
| With proper names | Das ist Marias Tasche. | That’s Maria’s bag. |
📋 Table 2: Definite Articles – Nominative vs. Genitive
| Gender | Nominative | Genitive | Example (Gen.) | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masculine | der | des (+ (e)s on noun) | des Mannes | of the man |
| Feminine | die | der | der Frau | of the woman |
| Neuter | das | des (+ (e)s on noun) | des Kindes | of the child |
| Plural | die | der | der Kinder | of the children |
📋 Table 3: Indefinite Articles – Nominative vs. Genitive
| Gender | Nominative | Genitive | Example (Gen.) | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masculine | ein | eines (+ (e)s) | eines Mannes | of a man |
| Feminine | eine | einer | einer Frau | of a woman |
| Neuter | ein | eines (+ (e)s) | eines Kindes | of a child |
| Plural | (no article) | (no article) | — | — |
📋 Table 4: Common Genitive Prepositions
| Preposition | Meaning | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| wegen | because of | Wegen des Wetters bleiben wir zu Hause. | Because of the weather… |
| trotz | in spite of | Trotz des Regens gehe ich spazieren. | In spite of the rain… |
| während | during | Während des Films essen wir Popcorn. | During the film… |
| (an)statt | instead of | Statt des Kaffees trinke ich Tee. | Instead of coffee… |
| aufgrund | due to / on the basis of | Aufgrund des Sturms fällt der Unterricht aus. | Due to the storm… |
| innerhalb | within | Innerhalb des Monats muss ich fertig sein. | Within the month… |
| außerhalb | outside | Außerhalb der Stadt ist es ruhiger. | Outside the city… |
📋 Table 5: Noun Endings in Genitive (Masculine/Neuter Singular)
| Noun Type | Example (Nom.) | Genitive Form | With Article Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most masculine/neuter | der Mann / das Kind | + -(e)s | des Mannes / des Kindes |
| Ending in -s/-ß/-sch/-z/-x | der Bus / das Glas | + -es (always) | des Busses / des Glases |
| Proper names | Peter / Anna | + -s (no apostrophe) | Peters Auto / Annas Buch |
🔑 Rules and Tips
- Noun ending: Masculine and neuter singular usually add -(e)s (no ending on feminine/plural).
- Von + Dative alternative: Very common in speech (das Buch von dem Mann instead of des Mannes).
- Proper names:
- Genitive with -s without apostrophe (Peters Auto, Annas Buch).
- If the name ends in an s-sound (s, ß, x, z), use an apostrophe: Max’ Auto, Felix’ Buch.
- Prepositions: Most genitive prepositions can also be used with Dative in spoken German (wegen dem Wetter – informal).
- Common mistake: Forgetting the -(e)s on nouns (des Mann wrong → des Mannes).
- Genitive is declining in spoken German but still required in formal writing and exams.
More examples:
- Das Ende des Films war überraschend. (The end of the film was surprising.)
- Trotz seines Alters ist er sehr fit. (In spite of his age, he’s very fit.)
- Ich erinnere mich an einen schönen Urlaub. (I remember a nice vacation.)
- Das Haus meiner besten Freundin ist groß. (My best friend’s house is big.)
The Genitive adds a formal touch – use it in writing and with prepositions to sound more advanced!