Learning German adjectives is essential for describing people, places, and things. In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll understand how adjectives function in German grammar, when to use different endings, and how to master them step by step.
What Are Adjectives in German?
Adjectives are words that describe nouns. In German, they agree with the gender, number, and case of the noun they modify.
Example: ein großes Haus (a big house)
How Do Adjectives Work in German Grammar?
Adjectives can appear before a noun (attributive) or after a verb (predicative). Attributive adjectives take endings; predicative ones don’t.
Attributive: Ich habe einen schönen Garten. (I have a beautiful garden.)
Predicative: Der Garten ist schön. (The garden is beautiful.)
Why Are German Adjective Endings Important to Learn?
Adjective endings show the role of the noun in the sentence—subject, object, etc. Without them, the meaning can become unclear.
When Do You Add Endings to German Adjectives?
Adjective endings are added when the adjective comes before a noun. The ending depends on the article (definite/indefinite) and the case (nominative, accusative, etc.).
Strong, Weak, and Mixed Adjective Endings – What’s the Difference?
- Strong endings: used when there’s no article.
- Weak endings: used with definite articles (der, die, das).
- Mixed endings: used with indefinite articles (ein, eine).
German Adjective Endings Explained (With Tables)
| Case | Masculine | Feminine | Neuter | Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der gute Mann | die gute Frau | das gute Kind | die guten Leute |
| Accusative | den guten Mann | die gute Frau | das gute Kind | die guten Leute |
| Dative | dem guten Mann | der guten Frau | dem guten Kind | den guten Leuten |
| Genitive | des guten Mannes | der guten Frau | des guten Kindes | der guten Leute |
Adjective Declension: Nominative, Accusative, Dative, Genitive
Each case affects the adjective’s ending. Practice with full sentence examples helps you remember these patterns.
Example: Ich sehe den kleinen Hund. (I see the small dog.)
How to Use German Adjectives Correctly in Sentences
Use adjectives before nouns for descriptions. Match the ending to the gender, number, case, and article type.
Adjectives Before vs After Nouns in German
Only adjectives before nouns take endings. After linking verbs like “sein,” they stay in base form.
Example: Das Auto ist schnell. (The car is fast.)
Comparative and Superlative Forms of German Adjectives
- Comparative: schnell → schneller (fast → faster)
- Superlative: schnell → am schnellsten (fast → fastest)
Example: Dieses Auto ist schneller als das andere. (This car is faster than the other.)
Commonly Used German Adjectives with English Meanings
- gut – good
- klein – small
- schön – beautiful
- alt – old
- neu – new
Examples of German Adjectives in Real Sentences
Die freundliche Frau hilft dem Kind. (The friendly woman helps the child.)
Ein neues Buch liegt auf dem Tisch. (A new book is on the table.)
Tips to Learn and Practice German Adjectives Effectively
- Use flashcards with adjective-noun pairs
- Practice in real sentences
- Memorize adjective endings with articles
- Do quizzes and exercises regularly
Printable PDF: German Adjective Endings Chart
Download our free PDF chart to visualize strong, weak, and mixed adjective endings in German.
Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of German Adjectives
Try this sample quiz: What’s the correct form?
Ich sehe einen _______ Hund. (klein)
Answer: kleinen
Conclusion: Mastering German Adjectives Step by Step
Understanding and practicing German adjectives is key to fluency. Focus on endings, declensions, and sentence structure to use them confidently. With regular practice, you’ll describe anything in German like a pro!