The idea
Use das Gleis for the nominative singular, das Gleis for the accusative, dem Gleis for the dative, and des Gleises for the genitive. In the dative plural use den Gleisen.
| Kasus | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | das Gleis | die Gleise |
| Akkusativ | das Gleis | die Gleise |
| Dativ | dem Gleis | den Gleisen |
| Genitiv | des Gleises | der Gleise |
Meaning and useful combinations
Gleis names the track; Bahnsteig is the platform beside it. Announcements use Gleis plus a number.
Useful combinations: an Gleis drei; das Gleis wechseln; auf dem Gleis. Practise each as a complete phrase; the article belongs to the noun even when an adjective comes between them.
Article check: nominative singular
die Gleisdas GleisThis check asks for the nominative singular: das Gleis. In the meaning taught here, Gleis is neuter. The nominative plural is die Gleise. Learn both forms together; an English translation does not determine German gender.
Examples
- Das Gleis hinter der Baustelle wird gerade erneuert.The track behind the construction site is being renewed.
- Wir müssen das Gleis für unseren Anschluss prüfen.We need to check the platform number for our connection.
- Auf dem Gleis steht ein leerer Güterwagen.An empty freight wagon stands on the track.
- Die Nummer des Gleises erscheint auf der Anzeige.The track number appears on the display.
- Die Gleise dürfen nur an den vorgesehenen Stellen überquert werden.The tracks may only be crossed at designated points.
- Zwischen den Gleisen wachsen niedrige Pflanzen.Low plants grow between the tracks.
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Watch out
Do not transfer the gender of a translated word into German. The basic learning pair is das Gleis — die Gleise. Gleis names the track; Bahnsteig is the platform beside it. Announcements use Gleis plus a number.
Try it yourself
___ Gleis (der / die / das)
Show answer or example answer
das
das: Gleis is neuter.
Plural: das Gleis → die ___
Show answer or example answer
Gleise
Gleise: the plural has the article die in the nominative and accusative.
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Gleis (dem / der)
Show answer or example answer
dem
dem: mit takes the dative, giving mit dem Gleis.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ Gleis (der / die / das)
Plural: das Gleis → die ___
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Gleis (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 Gleis and its forms, then complete the article, plural and dative checks without looking at the table.