German Apostrophe Rules: Stop Saying Mein Vater's

Mein Vater's Auto? Stop! In German this apostrophe is wrong. English speakers often put an apostrophe before the s to show possession. In German that is a mistake. In this lesson you learn the two simple ways to say who something belongs to: the von-construction and names with -s, plus the rule for names ending in s, ß, x or z.

The Rule: No Apostrophe for Possession

German does not use an apostrophe + s for possession with normal nouns. Mein Vater's Auto is wrong.

Option 1: von + Dativ

The simplest way for A1 and A2 is von with the Dativ:

• das Buch vom Lehrer
• die Tasche von der Frau
• der Kuli vom Kind
• das Auto von meinem Vater (with a possessive article: meinem)

Option 2: Names with -s

With names, you just add -s, without an apostrophe, and the name comes before the noun:

• Peters Haus
• Lisas Tasche

Names Ending in s, ß, x or z

If a name already ends in s, ß, x or z, you do not add another -s. You only write an apostrophe after the name:

• Lukas' Jacke
• Moritz' Tasche
• Max' Handy

This also works with family names and titles: Familie Groß, Strauß' Musik, Herrn Weiß' Büro. Here the apostrophe is not about possession in general; it only shows that the name ends in an s sound.

What About the Genitiv?

The Genitiv is the formal way to show possession (das Auto meines Vaters), but it is only taught from B1. At A1 and A2, use von + Dativ or a name with -s.

Homework

Write three sentences about things that belong to people you know, using both options.

What to Learn Next

Practise possessive articles in Mein, Dein, Sein: German Possessives and the Dativ in Was ist Dativ?. At B1, read Possessive Power: Articles vs. Pronouns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mein Vater's correct in German?

No. German does not use an apostrophe for possession with normal nouns. Say das Auto von meinem Vater.

How do I show possession with names?

Add -s without an apostrophe, for example Peters Haus or Lisas Tasche.

What do I do with names ending in s, ß, x or z?

Do not add another s. Write only an apostrophe, for example Lukas' Jacke or Max' Handy.

Which case follows von?

The Dativ, for example von dem Lehrer, usually shortened to vom Lehrer.

When do I learn the Genitiv?

The Genitiv is B1 level. Until then, use von + Dativ.

Want to avoid typical mistakes from the beginning? Our A1 German online course teaches you clear rules step by step.