The idea
Use der Pilz for the nominative singular, den Pilz for the accusative, dem Pilz for the dative, and des Pilzes for the genitive. In the dative plural use den Pilzen.
| Kasus | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | der Pilz | die Pilze |
| Akkusativ | den Pilz | die Pilze |
| Dativ | dem Pilz | den Pilzen |
| Genitiv | des Pilzes | der Pilze |
Meaning and useful combinations
Pilz is a general word for a fungus or mushroom; it does not by itself mean an edible mushroom.
Useful combinations: Pilze anbraten; ein getrockneter Pilz; der Champignon. Practise each as a complete phrase; the article belongs to the noun even when an adjective comes between them.
Article check: nominative singular
die Pilzder PilzThis check asks for the nominative singular: der Pilz. In the meaning taught here, Pilz is masculine. The nominative plural is die Pilze. Learn both forms together; an English translation does not determine German gender.
Examples
- Der Pilz auf dem Foto hat einen breiten Hut.The mushroom in the photo has a broad cap.
- Im Supermarkt wähle ich einen großen Pilz zum Füllen.At the supermarket I choose a large mushroom for stuffing.
- Neben dem Pilz liegt ein Stück Petersilie.A piece of parsley is next to the mushroom.
- Der Stiel des Pilzes wird fein gehackt.The mushroom's stem is chopped finely.
- Die gekauften Pilze kommen erst später in die Soße.The shop-bought mushrooms are added to the sauce later.
- Aus diesen Pilzen bereitet das Restaurant ein Risotto zu.The restaurant makes a risotto from these mushrooms.
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Watch out
Do not transfer the gender of a translated word into German. The basic learning pair is der Pilz — die Pilze. Pilz is a general word for a fungus or mushroom; it does not by itself mean an edible mushroom.
Try it yourself
___ Pilz (der / die / das)
Show answer or example answer
der
der: Pilz is masculine.
Plural: der Pilz → die ___
Show answer or example answer
Pilze
Pilze: the plural has the article die in the nominative and accusative.
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Pilz (dem / der)
Show answer or example answer
dem
dem: mit takes the dative, giving mit dem Pilz.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ Pilz (der / die / das)
Plural: der Pilz → die ___
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Pilz (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 Pilz and its forms, then complete the article, plural and dative checks without looking at the table.