The idea
Use das Schiff for the nominative singular, das Schiff for the accusative, dem Schiff for the dative, and des Schiffes for the genitive. In the dative plural use den Schiffen.
| Kasus | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | das Schiff | die Schiffe |
| Akkusativ | das Schiff | die Schiffe |
| Dativ | dem Schiff | den Schiffen |
| Genitiv | des Schiffes | der Schiffe |
Meaning and useful combinations
Schiff is neuter with plural Schiffe. Boot is another neuter word, often used for smaller vessels, though usage depends on vessel type.
Useful combinations: mit dem Schiff reisen; an Bord eines Schiffes; das Passagierschiff. Practise each as a complete phrase; the article belongs to the noun even when an adjective comes between them.
Article check: nominative singular
die Schiffdas SchiffThis check asks for the nominative singular: das Schiff. In the meaning taught here, Schiff is neuter. The nominative plural is die Schiffe. Learn both forms together; an English translation does not determine German gender.
Examples
- Das Schiff legt am frühen Abend ab.The ship departs in the early evening.
- Wir sehen das Schiff vom Leuchtturm aus.We see the ship from the lighthouse.
- Auf dem Schiff gibt es ein kleines Café.There is a small café on the ship.
- Der Name des Schiffes steht am Heck.The ship's name is on the stern.
- Die Schiffe im Hafen werden gerade beladen.The ships in the harbor are being loaded.
- Zwischen den Schiffen fährt ein kleines Arbeitsboot.A small workboat travels between the ships.
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Watch out
Do not transfer the gender of a translated word into German. The basic learning pair is das Schiff — die Schiffe. Schiff is neuter with plural Schiffe. Boot is another neuter word, often used for smaller vessels, though usage depends on vessel type.
Try it yourself
___ Schiff (der / die / das)
Show answer or example answer
das
das: Schiff is neuter.
Plural: das Schiff → die ___
Show answer or example answer
Schiffe
Schiffe: the plural has the article die in the nominative and accusative.
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Schiff (dem / der)
Show answer or example answer
dem
dem: mit takes the dative, giving mit dem Schiff.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ Schiff (der / die / das)
Plural: das Schiff → die ___
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Schiff (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 Schiff and its forms, then complete the article, plural and dative checks without looking at the table.