The idea
Use der Mantel for the nominative singular, den Mantel for the accusative, dem Mantel for the dative, and des Mantels for the genitive. In the dative plural use den Mänteln.
| Kasus | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | der Mantel | die Mäntel |
| Akkusativ | den Mantel | die Mäntel |
| Dativ | dem Mantel | den Mänteln |
| Genitiv | des Mantels | der Mäntel |
Meaning and useful combinations
Mantel changes a to ä in the plural. It can also name an outer layer in technical compounds.
Useful combinations: einen Mantel anziehen; ein langer Mantel; der Wintermantel. Practise each as a complete phrase; the article belongs to the noun even when an adjective comes between them.
Article check: nominative singular
die Mantelder MantelThis check asks for the nominative singular: der Mantel. In the meaning taught here, Mantel is masculine. The nominative plural is die Mäntel. Learn both forms together; an English translation does not determine German gender.
Examples
- Der Mantel reicht fast bis zum Boden.The coat almost reaches the floor.
- Ich lasse den Mantel an der Garderobe.I leave the coat at the cloakroom.
- In dem Mantel ist mir angenehm warm.I feel pleasantly warm in the coat.
- Die Taschen des Mantels sind tief.The coat's pockets are deep.
- Die Mäntel im Schaufenster sind reduziert.The coats in the shop window are reduced in price.
- Zwischen den Mänteln hängt ein gelber Schal.A yellow scarf hangs among the coats.
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Watch out
Do not transfer the gender of a translated word into German. The basic learning pair is der Mantel — die Mäntel. Mantel changes a to ä in the plural. It can also name an outer layer in technical compounds.
Try it yourself
___ Mantel (der / die / das)
Show answer or example answer
der
der: Mantel is masculine.
Plural: der Mantel → die ___
Show answer or example answer
Mäntel
Mäntel: the plural has the article die in the nominative and accusative.
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Mantel (dem / der)
Show answer or example answer
dem
dem: mit takes the dative, giving mit dem Mantel.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ Mantel (der / die / das)
Plural: der Mantel → die ___
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Mantel (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 Mantel and its forms, then complete the article, plural and dative checks without looking at the table.