The idea
Use der Name for the nominative singular, den Namen for the accusative, dem Namen for the dative, and des Namens for the genitive. In the dative plural use den Namen.
| Kasus | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | der Name | die Namen |
| Akkusativ | den Namen | die Namen |
| Dativ | dem Namen | den Namen |
| Genitiv | des Namens | der Namen |
Meaning and useful combinations
Name is a mixed-declension noun: den Namen, dem Namen, des Namens. The genitive has both n and s.
Useful combinations: einen Namen nennen; mit vollem Namen; der Familienname. Practise each as a complete phrase; the article belongs to the noun even when an adjective comes between them.
Article check: nominative singular
die Nameder NameThis check asks for the nominative singular: der Name. In the meaning taught here, Name is masculine. The nominative plural is die Namen. Learn both forms together; an English translation does not determine German gender.
Examples
- Der Name auf dem Schild wurde falsch geschrieben.The name on the sign was spelled incorrectly.
- Ich buchstabiere meinen Namen noch einmal.I spell out my name once more.
- Mit diesem Namen finde ich den Eintrag sofort.With this name I find the entry immediately.
- Die Aussprache des Namens ist ungewohnt.The pronunciation of the name is unfamiliar.
- Die Namen der Teilnehmenden stehen auf der Liste.The participants' names are on the list.
- Neben den Namen sind kleine Kästchen zum Ankreuzen.There are small checkboxes beside the names.
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 Name — die Namen. Name is a mixed-declension noun: den Namen, dem Namen, des Namens. The genitive has both n and s.
Try it yourself
___ Name (der / die / das)
Show answer or example answer
der
der: Name is masculine.
Plural: der Name → die ___
Show answer or example answer
Namen
Namen: the plural has the article die in the nominative and accusative.
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Namen (dem / der)
Show answer or example answer
dem
dem: mit takes the dative, giving mit dem Namen.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ Name (der / die / das)
Plural: der Name → die ___
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Namen (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 Name and its forms, then complete the article, plural and dative checks without looking at the table.