German Adjective Endings in the Dative Case
In the dative case there is good news: with an article, every adjective ends in -en. This lesson shows you how to decline German adjectives in the dative with definite and indefinite articles, and it finishes with two bonus tips: what to do with two or more adjectives, and the endings without an article.
Before You Start
The dative endings are easier if you know the basics. Watch or read the lessons on the nominative and the accusative first, and make sure you know the dative articles (dem, der, dem, den). See What is Dativ? if you need a refresher.
The Big Idea: -en Everywhere
After an article (der, die, das, ein, eine or kein), the adjective in the dative always ends in -en, whether the noun is masculine, feminine, neuter or plural. There is no difference between the definite and the indefinite article here.
Dative Endings with the Definite Article
| Gender | Dative | Example |
|---|---|---|
| masculine | dem alten Mann | Ich helfe dem alten Mann. |
| feminine | der alten Frau | Ich helfe der alten Frau. |
| neuter | dem kleinen Kind | Ich helfe dem kleinen Kind. |
| plural | den alten Leuten | Ich helfe den alten Leuten. |
Dative Endings with the Indefinite Article
| Gender | Dative | Example |
|---|---|---|
| masculine | einem alten Mann | Ich helfe einem alten Mann. |
| feminine | einer alten Frau | Ich helfe einer alten Frau. |
| neuter | einem kleinen Kind | Ich helfe einem kleinen Kind. |
| plural | keinen alten Leuten | Ich helfe keinen alten Leuten. |
Every adjective ends in -en. The article does the work of showing the gender, so the adjective only needs one ending.
Dative After Prepositions
The dative is also used after dative prepositions such as mit, bei, von, zu, nach and aus. The same rule applies:
- Ich fahre mit dem neuen Auto.
- Sie wohnt bei einer netten Familie.
- Wir kommen aus dem kleinen Dorf.
Bonus Tip 1: Two or More Adjectives
If two or more adjectives stand before the same noun, they all get the same ending:
- Ich helfe dem alten, netten Mann.
- Sie spricht mit einer klugen, freundlichen Frau.
Bonus Tip 2: No Article (Nullartikel)
When there is no article, the adjective has to show the case itself, so the endings are different. In the dative they are: -em for masculine and neuter, -er for feminine and -en for plural.
| Gender | Dative (no article) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| masculine | mit frischem Brot | Ich esse mit frischem Brot. |
| feminine | mit heißer Suppe | Wir starten mit heißer Suppe. |
| neuter | mit kaltem Wasser | Sie wäscht sich mit kaltem Wasser. |
| plural | mit frischen Brötchen | Er kommt mit frischen Brötchen. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ending do adjectives get in the dative?
With a definite or indefinite article they always end in -en: dem alten Mann, einer alten Frau, den alten Leuten.
Is there a difference between definite and indefinite articles in the dative?
No. In the dative, both patterns use -en for all genders and the plural.
What happens with two adjectives before one noun?
They both get the same ending: dem alten, netten Mann.
Which endings do I use without an article in the dative?
-em for masculine and neuter, -er for feminine and -en for plural: mit frischem Brot, mit heißer Suppe, mit frischen Brötchen.
What should I learn first, nominative or dative endings?
Start with the nominative and the accusative. The dative rule is easy, but it builds on the same idea.
Want to practise declining adjectives in all cases? Our A2 German course has step-by-step lessons for it.
