The idea
Use das Handtuch for the nominative singular, das Handtuch for the accusative, dem Handtuch for the dative, and des Handtuchs for the genitive. In the dative plural use den Handtüchern.
| Kasus | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | das Handtuch | die Handtücher |
| Akkusativ | das Handtuch | die Handtücher |
| Dativ | dem Handtuch | den Handtüchern |
| Genitiv | des Handtuchs | der Handtücher |
Meaning and useful combinations
Handtuch is neuter like its final element Tuch. The plural Handtücher combines an umlaut with er.
Useful combinations: ein frisches Handtuch; das Handtuch aufhängen; sich mit einem Handtuch abtrocknen. Practise each as a complete phrase; the article belongs to the noun even when an adjective comes between them.
Article check: nominative singular
die Handtuchdas HandtuchThis check asks for the nominative singular: das Handtuch. In the meaning taught here, Handtuch is neuter. The nominative plural is die Handtücher. Learn both forms together; an English translation does not determine German gender.
Examples
- Das Handtuch mit den Streifen gehört mir.The striped towel belongs to me.
- Nimm bitte ein trockenes Handtuch aus dem Schrank.Please take a dry towel from the cupboard.
- Mit dem Handtuch trocknet sie ihre Haare.She dries her hair with the towel.
- Die Ecke des Handtuchs ist noch feucht.The corner of the towel is still damp.
- Für unsere Gäste liegen saubere Handtücher bereit.Clean towels are ready for our guests.
- Zwischen den Handtüchern liegt ein kleines Seifenstück.There is a small bar of soap between the towels.
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Watch out
Do not transfer the gender of a translated word into German. The basic learning pair is das Handtuch — die Handtücher. Handtuch is neuter like its final element Tuch. The plural Handtücher combines an umlaut with er.
Try it yourself
___ Handtuch (der / die / das)
Show answer or example answer
das
das: Handtuch is neuter.
Plural: das Handtuch → die ___
Show answer or example answer
Handtücher
Handtücher: the plural has the article die in the nominative and accusative.
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Handtuch (dem / der)
Show answer or example answer
dem
dem: mit takes the dative, giving mit dem Handtuch.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ Handtuch (der / die / das)
Plural: das Handtuch → die ___
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Handtuch (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 Handtuch and its forms, then complete the article, plural and dative checks without looking at the table.