Demonstrative Pronoun “das” – A1 Grammar
The demonstrative pronoun das can mean “this” or “that” in German. It is often used to point to a person, thing, action, or situation, regardless of gender. This pronoun can stand alone and replace a noun.
Uses of das:
- To refer to objects or people, often with location adverbs like hier (here), da or dort (there).
- To refer to an action, a situation, or a topic.
Examples:
- Was ist das hier? — What is this here?
- Das ist ein Stift. — This is a pen.
- Das dort ist ein Stift. — That is a pen.
- Wer ist das? — Who is that?
- Das ist Frau Meyer. — That is Mrs. Meyer.
- Das ist Herr Meyer. — That is Mr. Meyer.
Referring to an action, situation, or topic:
- Machst du das? — Are you doing this?
- Ja, ich mache das. — Yes, I am doing that.
- Das mache ich gern. — I enjoy doing this.
- Das ist schwer. — This is difficult.
- Das verstehe ich nicht. — I don’t understand this.