The idea
Use der Ordner for the nominative singular, den Ordner for the accusative, dem Ordner for the dative, and des Ordners for the genitive. In the dative plural use den Ordnern.
| Kasus | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | der Ordner | die Ordner |
| Akkusativ | den Ordner | die Ordner |
| Dativ | dem Ordner | den Ordnern |
| Genitiv | des Ordners | der Ordner |
Meaning and useful combinations
Ordner can be a physical ring binder or a digital folder. Its plural stays Ordner; the dative plural is Ordnern.
Useful combinations: einen Ordner anlegen; im Ordner; der Aktenordner. Practise each as a complete phrase; the article belongs to the noun even when an adjective comes between them.
Article check: nominative singular
die Ordnerder OrdnerThis check asks for the nominative singular: der Ordner. In the meaning taught here, Ordner is masculine. The nominative plural is die Ordner. Learn both forms together; an English translation does not determine German gender.
Examples
- Der Ordner für die Rechnungen steht ganz links.The invoice binder is on the far left.
- Ich lege einen neuen Ordner für die Fotos an.I create a new folder for the photos.
- In dem Ordner liegen die Dateien nach Datum sortiert.The files are sorted by date in the folder.
- Der Name des Ordners enthält das Projektjahr.The folder name includes the project year.
- Die Ordner im Regal wurden neu beschriftet.The binders on the shelf have been relabeled.
- Zwischen den Ordnern steht ein flaches Archivkästchen.A flat archive box stands between the binders.
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Watch out
Do not transfer the gender of a translated word into German. The basic learning pair is der Ordner — die Ordner. Ordner can be a physical ring binder or a digital folder. Its plural stays Ordner; the dative plural is Ordnern.
Try it yourself
___ Ordner (der / die / das)
Show answer or example answer
der
der: Ordner is masculine.
Plural: der Ordner → die ___
Show answer or example answer
Ordner
Ordner: the plural has the article die in the nominative and accusative.
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Ordner (dem / der)
Show answer or example answer
dem
dem: mit takes the dative, giving mit dem Ordner.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ Ordner (der / die / das)
Plural: der Ordner → die ___
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Ordner (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 Ordner and its forms, then complete the article, plural and dative checks without looking at the table.