Schwache Adjektivdeklination: You use the weak adjective declension after the definite article (der, die, dasThe adjective then only has two possible endings: -e or -en.
Level: B1
When do you use the weak declension?
You use the weak declension when there is a noun before the adjective. bestimmter Artikel stands: der, die, das, the, the, the. Also after words like dieser, jener, jeder, welcher, alle This form applies.
Because the article already clearly indicates gender and case, the adjective doesn't need to do so again. Therefore, the endings remain simple.
Only two endings: -e or -en
The weak declension is the easiest because there are only two endings.
- -e It is in the nominative singular (all genders) and in the accusative singular feminine and neuter.
- -en In all other cases, the following applies: accusative masculine, throughout the dative and genitive cases, and throughout the plural.
Examples: der neue Wagen (-e), but den neuen Wagen (-en), die neuen Wagen (-en (in the plural).
A simple rule of thumb
Remember the L-pattern: In the singular, the top left corner is where the letter is placed. -e, everywhere else -enSpecifically, this means:
- Nominative singular masculine, feminine, neuter: -e
- Accusative singular feminine and neuter: -e
- Everything else (including the entire plural): -en
Anyone who understands the letter L will hardly make any mistakes here.
examples
| Example | Declaration |
|---|---|
| Der neue Lehrer ist nett. | weak nominative masculine, ending -e |
| Ich sehe den neuen Lehrer. | weak accusative masculine, ending -en |
| Die kleine Katze schläft. | weak nominative feminine ending -e |
| Wir helfen dem alten Mann. | weak dative masculine after "helfen" (to help), ending -en |
| Das ist das rote Auto. | weak nominative neuter, ending -e |
| Ich kenne die neuen Schüler. | weak accusative plural, ending -en |
Frequently asked questions
When is the weak declension used?
You use them after the definite article (der, die, das) and after words like this, each or all.
When will it be -e and when -en?
-e It is used in the nominative singular and in the accusative singular feminine and neuter. In all other cases and in the entire plural it is used. -en.
Why is it called the weak declension?
It's called weak because the adjective hardly has to do any work. The definite article already indicates the case; the adjective only receives a few additional modifiers. -e or -en.
You will learn this term in the German course B1 from Deutsch1, with explanatory videos, exercises and feedback.
Related terms
Strong adjective declension , Mixed adjective declension , Adjective declension , Definite article