The idea
Use der Computer for the nominative singular, den Computer for the accusative, dem Computer for the dative, and des Computers for the genitive. In the dative plural use den Computern.
| Kasus | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | der Computer | die Computer |
| Akkusativ | den Computer | die Computer |
| Dativ | dem Computer | den Computern |
| Genitiv | des Computers | der Computer |
Meaning and useful combinations
Computer is masculine and has an unchanged plural. Rechner is a common German alternative with the same gender.
Useful combinations: am Computer arbeiten; den Computer starten; der Rechner. Practise each as a complete phrase; the article belongs to the noun even when an adjective comes between them.
Article check: nominative singular
die Computerder ComputerThis check asks for the nominative singular: der Computer. In the meaning taught here, Computer is masculine. The nominative plural is die Computer. Learn both forms together; an English translation does not determine German gender.
Examples
- Der Computer im Leseraum ist gerade frei.The computer in the reading room is currently available.
- Ich starte den Computer vor dem Treffen.I start the computer before the meeting.
- Am Computer erstelle ich den Plan für die Gruppe.I create the plan for the group on the computer.
- Der Lüfter des Computers läuft ungewöhnlich laut.The computer's fan is unusually loud.
- Die Computer im Kursraum haben dieselben Programme.The computers in the classroom have the same programs.
- An den Computern hängen kurze Bedienhinweise.Short operating instructions are displayed at the computers.
Read-aloud uses a synthetic German voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.
No German device voice is available. You can still read the text and use the linked listening resources.
Watch out
Do not transfer the gender of a translated word into German. The basic learning pair is der Computer — die Computer. Computer is masculine and has an unchanged plural. Rechner is a common German alternative with the same gender.
Try it yourself
___ Computer (der / die / das)
Show answer or example answer
der
der: Computer is masculine.
Plural: der Computer → die ___
Show answer or example answer
Computer
Computer: the plural has the article die in the nominative and accusative.
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Computer (dem / der)
Show answer or example answer
dem
dem: mit takes the dative, giving mit dem Computer.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ Computer (der / die / das)
Plural: der Computer → die ___
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Computer (dem / der)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
Sign up for free to save your practice results in your account and carry on with the story in the game.
Sign up to saveI already have an accountUse it today
Read the six situations, identify Computer and its forms, then complete the article, plural and dative checks without looking at the table.