The idea
Use der Apfel for the nominative singular, den Apfel for the accusative, dem Apfel for the dative, and des Apfels for the genitive. In the dative plural use den Äpfeln.
| Kasus | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | der Apfel | die Äpfel |
| Akkusativ | den Apfel | die Äpfel |
| Dativ | dem Apfel | den Äpfeln |
| Genitiv | des Apfels | der Äpfel |
Meaning and useful combinations
Äpfel adds an umlaut without a new ending. Apfelsaft is masculine because Saft is its final element.
Useful combinations: einen Apfel schälen; ein saurer Apfel; der Apfelsaft. Practise each as a complete phrase; the article belongs to the noun even when an adjective comes between them.
Article check: nominative singular
die Apfelder ApfelThis check asks for the nominative singular: der Apfel. In the meaning taught here, Apfel is masculine. The nominative plural is die Äpfel. Learn both forms together; an English translation does not determine German gender.
Examples
- Der Apfel mit dem roten Fleck ist besonders süß.The apple with the red patch is especially sweet.
- Ich schneide den Apfel in acht Stücke.I cut the apple into eight pieces.
- In dem Apfel steckt ein kleiner Wurm.There is a small worm in the apple.
- Die Schale des Apfels glänzt.The apple's skin is shiny.
- Die Äpfel auf dem Markt kommen aus der Region.The apples at the market come from the region.
- Aus diesen Äpfeln machen wir einen Kuchen.We make a cake from these apples.
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Watch out
Do not transfer the gender of a translated word into German. The basic learning pair is der Apfel — die Äpfel. Äpfel adds an umlaut without a new ending. Apfelsaft is masculine because Saft is its final element.
Try it yourself
___ Apfel (der / die / das)
Show answer or example answer
der
der: Apfel is masculine.
Plural: der Apfel → die ___
Show answer or example answer
Äpfel
Äpfel: the plural has the article die in the nominative and accusative.
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Apfel (dem / der)
Show answer or example answer
dem
dem: mit takes the dative, giving mit dem Apfel.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ Apfel (der / die / das)
Plural: der Apfel → die ___
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Apfel (dem / der)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Read the six situations, identify Apfel and its forms, then complete the article, plural and dative checks without looking at the table.