A2Cases

German Dative Case (Dativ)

The dative case is used for the indirect object - typically the recipient of an action.

Key Rules

  • 1Used for the indirect object (to whom/for whom)
  • 2Article changes: der → dem, die → der, das → dem, die (pl) → den + n
  • 3Answers: Wem? (To whom?)
  • 4Used after dative prepositions: aus, bei, mit, nach, seit, von, zu

Examples

Ich gebe dem Mann das Buch.

I give the man the book.

💡 'Dem Mann' is the indirect object - who receives the book.

Ich komme mit dir.

I'm coming with you.

Das gehört meiner Schwester.

That belongs to my sister.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Ich gebe die Frau das Buch.→✓ Ich gebe der Frau das Buch.

Indirect object needs dative: die → der for feminine nouns.

Related Grammar Topics

Cases
German Nominative Case (Nominativ)
A1
Cases
German Accusative Case (Akkusativ)
A1
Prepositions
German Dative Prepositions
A2

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