This key facts covers Key rules at a glance within Gender and articles: der, die, das (nominative and accusative) for GCSE German. Revise Gender and articles: der, die, das (nominative and accusative) in Core Grammar Toolkit for GCSE German with 10 exam-style questions and 15 flashcards. This topic shows up very often in GCSE exams, so students should be able to explain it clearly, not just recognise the term. It is section 3 of 4 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📌 Key rules at a glance
- der (masculine), die (feminine), das (neuter), die (plural).
- Accusative: only the masculine changes — der → den, ein → einen.
- die / das never change in the accusative.
- Endings as clues: -ung/-heit → die; -chen → das; but always learn each noun with its article.
- The article is part of the noun — memorise them together, never on their own.
Practice questions for Gender and articles: der, die, das (nominative and accusative)
Which article correctly completes: 'Ich lese ___ Buch.' (I am reading a book.)?
Which definite article goes with the neuter noun 'Buch' (book)?
Quick recall flashcards
der Hund, die Hunde
the dog, the dogs (masculine). Accusative: 'Ich habe einen Hund.' Remember masculine becomes 'einen/den' in the accusative.
das Buch, die Bücher
the book, the books (neuter). The plural takes an umlaut: 'die Bücher'. Accusative stays 'das Buch': 'Ich lese ein Buch.'