The idea
Use das Rathaus for the nominative singular, das Rathaus for the accusative, dem Rathaus for the dative, and des Rathauses for the genitive. In the dative plural use den Rathäusern.
| Kasus | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | das Rathaus | die Rathäuser |
| Akkusativ | das Rathaus | die Rathäuser |
| Dativ | dem Rathaus | den Rathäusern |
| Genitiv | des Rathauses | der Rathäuser |
Meaning and useful combinations
Rathaus is neuter like Haus. The plural Rathäuser has two relevant changes: the ending er and the umlaut in Häuser.
Useful combinations: im Rathaus; vor dem Rathaus; das alte Rathaus. Practise each as a complete phrase; the article belongs to the noun even when an adjective comes between them.
Article check: nominative singular
die Rathausdas RathausThis check asks for the nominative singular: das Rathaus. In the meaning taught here, Rathaus is neuter. The nominative plural is die Rathäuser. Learn both forms together; an English translation does not determine German gender.
Examples
- Das Rathaus steht am westlichen Ende des Platzes.The town hall stands at the western end of the square.
- Wir besichtigen das Rathaus während einer Führung.We visit the town hall on a guided tour.
- Im Rathaus findet heute eine öffentliche Sitzung statt.A public meeting takes place in the town hall today.
- Die Uhr des Rathauses wird gerade repariert.The town hall clock is being repaired.
- Die historischen Rathäuser unterscheiden sich stark im Baustil.The historic town halls differ greatly in architectural style.
- Vor den Rathäusern wehen die Fahnen der Gemeinden.The municipalities' flags fly in front of the town halls.
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Watch out
Do not transfer the gender of a translated word into German. The basic learning pair is das Rathaus — die Rathäuser. Rathaus is neuter like Haus. The plural Rathäuser has two relevant changes: the ending er and the umlaut in Häuser.
Try it yourself
___ Rathaus (der / die / das)
Show answer or example answer
das
das: Rathaus is neuter.
Plural: das Rathaus → die ___
Show answer or example answer
Rathäuser
Rathäuser: the plural has the article die in the nominative and accusative.
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Rathaus (dem / der)
Show answer or example answer
dem
dem: mit takes the dative, giving mit dem Rathaus.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ Rathaus (der / die / das)
Plural: das Rathaus → die ___
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Rathaus (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 Rathaus and its forms, then complete the article, plural and dative checks without looking at the table.