![]() Weak declension (a definite article or der-word precedes the adjective).Strong declension (no article preceding the adjective).The manner in which adjectives are declined depends on what precedes them: There are three forms of declension that you must learn for attributive adjectives. This section makes use of the Oklahoma mnemonic, which denotes the fields of nominative masculine nominative neuter accusative neuter nominative feminine and accusative feminine, which resemble the state of Oklahoma in the tables used below.įorms of Declension Proper use of adjective endings, especially in speaking, will come with repeated use. It is best to commit the declension tables to memory, while attempting to speak independently. Declension of adjectives is frequently cited as one of the hardest topics for new students to learn. Learning the adjective endings for attributive adjectives is an important aspect of the study of German. In the example above, the adjective modifies the verb laufen (läuft is the third person singular conjugation of the verb) and accordingly, it acts like an adverb.Īdverbial adjectives, like adverbs, are not declined.ĭeclension of Attributive Adjectives Note the shape of the state Oklahoma In German, any adjective can be used as an adverb. That is, the adverbial adjective modifies a verb or an adjective. This verb links the subject (Der große Mann) with the adjective (lustig).Īnother example of a predicative adjective using the adjective groß:Īdverbial Adjectives Īn adverbial adjective is an adjective that performs the function of an adverb in a sentence. ![]() In the example above, the copulative verb is sein (to be). ![]() A copulative verb links the subject of a sentence with an adjective or a noun. Predicative Adjectives Ī predicative adjective follows a copulative verb (for example, sein, bleiben, werden) in a sentence. You can determine what function an adjective plays in a sentence by looking at what the adjective modifies.Īttributive Adjectives Īn attributive adjective precedes the noun it describes it directly modifies the noun.Īttributive adjectives are always declined. The predicative and adverbial functions are not declined. Numbers are also adjectives, though they do not decline.Īdjectives can have three functions in a sentence:Īn adjective is only declined when it is attributive. Most adjectives are stand-alone words however, present and past participles can also be used as adjectives. Adjectives are words that describe nouns.
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