Position of Dativ and Akkusativ Objects

Once a German verb has both a dative and an accusative object, word order comes down to one simple question: are they nouns or pronouns? In this lesson, we cover the basic noun-object order, what changes once pronouns are involved, and a memory hack to keep both rules straight.

The Basic Rule: Dativ Before Akkusativ

When both objects are nouns, the dative object usually comes first, followed by the accusative object: Ich gebe dem Mann das Buch. (I give the man the book.)

When Pronouns Are Involved

Once both objects become pronouns, the order flips — accusative comes before dative: Ich gebe es ihm. (I give it to him.) And if only one object is a pronoun, that pronoun jumps ahead of the noun regardless of its own case: Ich gebe es dem Mann. See our guides to accusative and dative pronouns for the full pronoun lists.

A Memory Hack

Remember it in two steps: a pronoun always comes before a noun, no matter its case — and when both objects are pronouns, accusative comes before dative. For an even deeper breakdown of this word order with more example sentences, see our advanced guide to placing Dativ and Akkusativ objects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which object comes first when both are nouns, dative or accusative?

Dative usually comes first, e.g. Ich gebe dem Mann das Buch.

Which object comes first when both are pronouns?

Accusative comes first, e.g. Ich gebe es ihm.

What happens when only one object is a pronoun?

The pronoun moves ahead of the noun object, regardless of its own case, e.g. Ich gebe es dem Mann.

What's a simple way to remember this word order rule?

Pronouns always come before nouns, and when both objects are pronouns, accusative comes before dative.

How do you say “I give it to him” in German?

Ich gebe es ihm.

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