Accusative: Direct Objects
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Learn the German accusative after common verbs and the forms den, einen and keinen.
Explanation
The accusative
The accusative often marks the direct object: the person or thing directly affected by the action.
- Ich kaufe den Apfel. — I buy the apple.
- Mia braucht eine Fahrkarte. — Mia needs a ticket.
- Wir haben ein Problem. — We have a problem.
Only masculine articles visibly change: der → den, ein → einen, kein → keinen. Feminine, neuter and plural forms stay die/eine/keine, das/ein/kein, and die/keine.
Compare Der Hund schläft. (subject) with Ich sehe den Hund. (direct object). Common accusative verbs include haben, brauchen, kaufen, sehen, suchen, finden, nehmen, essen and trinken.
Exercises
- Choose the correct accusative article. (11)
- Add the direct object and write the full sentence. (11)
- Find the incorrect article and choose the correct form. (11)
A1 · German · Grammar