The German Genitive: Articles and Examples

The genitive is usually the last case you learn, and it is easier than its reputation. This lesson covers the genitive articles, the rules that come with them, and example sentences for all genders. The video itself is explained entirely in German.

Where You Will Meet the Genitive

The genitive is rarely used in spoken German, but you will meet it often in written German. It mostly shows possession (whose?), and you ask for it with Wessen?

• Wessen Auto ist das? – Das ist das Auto meines Vaters.

The Articles in the Genitive

The Special Rule: -s or -es

Masculine and neuter nouns also get an ending in the genitive (des Mannes, des Kindes). Feminine nouns and plural nouns get no ending (der Frau, der Kinder). We explain the choice between -s and -es in a separate lesson: The Genitive -s or -es in German: Which Ending?

Example Sentences for Each Gender

• masculine: Das ist das Auto des Mannes.
• feminine: Das ist die Tasche der Frau.
• neuter: Das ist das Spielzeug des Kindes.
• plural: Das sind die Bücher der Kinder.

Related Lessons

Refresh the other cases in Nominativ, Akkusativ and Dativ. Some prepositions also take the genitive; see innerhalb & außerhalb.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the genitive case used for?

Mostly to show possession or belonging, answering Wessen? (whose?).

What are the genitive articles in German?

des (masculine and neuter), der (feminine and plural), and eines / einer for the indefinite article.

Do nouns change in the genitive?

Masculine and neuter nouns usually take -s or -es. Feminine and plural nouns do not change.

Is the genitive used in spoken German?

Rarely. In speech many people use von plus dative instead, but the genitive is common in written German.

How do I ask for the genitive?

With Wessen?, for example Wessen Buch ist das?

Want to master all four cases? Our B1 German course will help you get there.