The idea
Use die Gabel for the nominative singular, die Gabel for the accusative, der Gabel for the dative, and der Gabel for the genitive. In the dative plural use den Gabeln.
| Kasus | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | die Gabel | die Gabeln |
| Akkusativ | die Gabel | die Gabeln |
| Dativ | der Gabel | den Gabeln |
| Genitiv | der Gabel | der Gabeln |
Meaning and useful combinations
Gabel names the eating utensil; in Fahrradgabel it also names a fork-shaped bicycle part.
Useful combinations: mit der Gabel essen; eine Gabel holen; Messer und Gabel. Practise each as a complete phrase; the article belongs to the noun even when an adjective comes between them.
Article check: nominative singular
das Gabeldie GabelThis check asks for the nominative singular: die Gabel. In the meaning taught here, Gabel is feminine. The nominative plural is die Gabeln. Learn both forms together; an English translation does not determine German gender.
Examples
- Die Gabel liegt links neben dem Teller.The fork is to the left of the plate.
- Kannst du mir eine saubere Gabel bringen?Can you bring me a clean fork?
- Mit der Gabel prüft er, ob die Kartoffeln weich sind.He uses the fork to check whether the potatoes are soft.
- Ein Zinken der Gabel ist verbogen.One prong of the fork is bent.
- Für den Kuchen legen wir kleine Gabeln bereit.We put out small forks for the cake.
- Neben den Gabeln liegen zusammengerollte Servietten.Rolled-up napkins are next to the forks.
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Watch out
Do not transfer the gender of a translated word into German. The basic learning pair is die Gabel — die Gabeln. Gabel names the eating utensil; in Fahrradgabel it also names a fork-shaped bicycle part.
Try it yourself
___ Gabel (der / die / das)
Show answer or example answer
die
die: Gabel is feminine.
Plural: die Gabel → die ___
Show answer or example answer
Gabeln
Gabeln: the plural has the article die in the nominative and accusative.
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Gabel (dem / der)
Show answer or example answer
der
der: mit takes the dative, giving mit der Gabel.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ Gabel (der / die / das)
Plural: die Gabel → die ___
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Gabel (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 Gabel and its forms, then complete the article, plural and dative checks without looking at the table.