Grammar / Grammatik
German grammar grammar guides, lessons and exercises.
German Grammar Guide
Our guide to all the grammar articles and references on our site - listed by grammatical topic!
Our guide to all the grammar articles and references on our site - listed by grammatical topic!
German Verb Conjugator - Conjugate German Verbs
Quickly find the conjugation of many common German verbs.
Quickly find the conjugation of many common German verbs.
Adjective Endings in German
A simpler approach to learning or teaching the endings. Just ask yourself two questions. A guest feature.
A simpler approach to learning or teaching the endings. Just ask yourself two questions. A guest feature.
Adjective Endings - Exercises
Test yourself on how well you know your German adjective endings.
Test yourself on how well you know your German adjective endings.
Capitalization in German
German is the only world language that requires the capitalization of all nouns. But once you get past that easy rule, the German capitalization rules can be a bit more tricky. Here's a lesson to help you write better German.
German is the only world language that requires the capitalization of all nouns. But once you get past that easy rule, the German capitalization rules can be a bit more tricky. Here's a lesson to help you write better German.
Comparison: gut, besser, am besten
German comparisons are similar to English, but there are a few tricks you should know. With exercises.
German comparisons are similar to English, but there are a few tricks you should know. With exercises.
Conjugating German Verbs
All of our verb-related pages and verb conjugation charts.
All of our verb-related pages and verb conjugation charts.
Gender Hints
Der, die, or das? It's not always easy to tell the gender of German nouns. Here's some help.
Der, die, or das? It's not always easy to tell the gender of German nouns. Here's some help.
Sie und du - 'You' in German
A lesson about using 'Sie' and 'du' ('you' and 'thou') in German. Learning to use the formal versus the familiar forms of German 'you' words.
A lesson about using 'Sie' and 'du' ('you' and 'thou') in German. Learning to use the formal versus the familiar forms of German 'you' words.
The Subjunctive in German
An introduction to the subjunctive (der Konjunktiv) mood in German - when and how to use it. The German Subjunctive I and Subjunctive II.
An introduction to the subjunctive (der Konjunktiv) mood in German - when and how to use it. The German Subjunctive I and Subjunctive II.
The Subjunctive Mood in German 2
The German subjunctive (Konjunktiv) mood - when and how to use it. Subjunctive II, or the 'past subjunctive.'
The German subjunctive (Konjunktiv) mood - when and how to use it. Subjunctive II, or the 'past subjunctive.'
Tricky Masculine Nouns in German
There is a class of masculine German nouns that do things most German nouns don't do. In certain grammatical situations these nouns have endings that most other nouns don't have. Learn more in this lesson on German nouns with irregular endings.
There is a class of masculine German nouns that do things most German nouns don't do. In certain grammatical situations these nouns have endings that most other nouns don't have. Learn more in this lesson on German nouns with irregular endings.
German for Beginners
Our free online course for German. Includes audio.
Our free online course for German. Includes audio.
German Participles as Adjectives and Adverbs
As in English, German uses both present and past participles as adverbs and adjectives. However, there are some important differences between the ways that the two languages do this. Here's a lesson that points out the differences and gives examples.
As in English, German uses both present and past participles as adverbs and adjectives. However, there are some important differences between the ways that the two languages do this. Here's a lesson that points out the differences and gives examples.
German Punctuation - Zeichensetzung
Although German and English punctuation is often similar, there are a few key differences. Learn how German punctuation can differ from English--from the use of quotation marks (two kinds) to the lack of commas in certain situations.
Although German and English punctuation is often similar, there are a few key differences. Learn how German punctuation can differ from English--from the use of quotation marks (two kinds) to the lack of commas in certain situations.
German Verb Chart
Our chart of strong (irregular) verbs in German.
Our chart of strong (irregular) verbs in German.
Grammar Glossary
Can't tell the accusative from the dative? Not sure what a conjunction is? Find the answers to your German grammar terminology questions here - in plain English.
Can't tell the accusative from the dative? Not sure what a conjunction is? Find the answers to your German grammar terminology questions here - in plain English.
Konjunktiv II - Subjunctive II
Learn when and how to use this German verb mood. With self-scoring quiz.
Learn when and how to use this German verb mood. With self-scoring quiz.
Prepositional Pitfalls
German prepositions: potential problems and how to avoid them.
German prepositions: potential problems and how to avoid them.
Rechtschreibreform: German Spelling Reform and Prohibition
The public debate over German spelling reforms - first introduced in 1996 - heated up again in 2004 when several German periodicals announced they were returning to the 'classic' spelling rules. Does this spell the end of the reforms?
The public debate over German spelling reforms - first introduced in 1996 - heated up again in 2004 when several German periodicals announced they were returning to the 'classic' spelling rules. Does this spell the end of the reforms?
Spelling Reform - Double-s Words
A look at one aspect of German spelling reform: to ß or to ss, that is the question.
A look at one aspect of German spelling reform: to ß or to ss, that is the question.
Spelling Reform Hits the Newsstand
The German media began using the neue Rechtschreibung on Aug. 1, 1999. What does it mean for German-learners?
The German media began using the neue Rechtschreibung on Aug. 1, 1999. What does it mean for German-learners?
Strong Verbs
Our chart of strong (irregular) verbs in German.
Our chart of strong (irregular) verbs in German.
The Top 10 German Mistakes Made by Beginners
Learn the top ten kinds of mistakes that beginning students of German are likely to make - and how to avoid them!
Learn the top ten kinds of mistakes that beginning students of German are likely to make - and how to avoid them!