Accusative: Direct Objects

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

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