The idea
Use der Schlüssel for the nominative singular, den Schlüssel for the accusative, dem Schlüssel for the dative, and des Schlüssels for the genitive. In the dative plural use den Schlüsseln.
| Kasus | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | der Schlüssel | die Schlüssel |
| Akkusativ | den Schlüssel | die Schlüssel |
| Dativ | dem Schlüssel | den Schlüsseln |
| Genitiv | des Schlüssels | der Schlüssel |
Meaning and useful combinations
The plural Schlüssel keeps the singular form. A digital Zugangsschlüssel is also a key, but not a physical door key.
Useful combinations: einen Schlüssel verlieren; der Schlüssel zur Wohnung; ein Ersatzschlüssel. Practise each as a complete phrase; the article belongs to the noun even when an adjective comes between them.
Article check: nominative singular
die Schlüsselder SchlüsselThis check asks for the nominative singular: der Schlüssel. In the meaning taught here, Schlüssel is masculine. The nominative plural is die Schlüssel. Learn both forms together; an English translation does not determine German gender.
Examples
- Der Schlüssel steckt noch im Briefkasten.The key is still in the mailbox lock.
- Ich lege den Schlüssel in die blaue Schale.I put the key in the blue bowl.
- Mit dem Schlüssel lässt sich auch der Keller öffnen.The key also opens the cellar.
- Der Bart des Schlüssels ist verbogen.The key's blade is bent.
- Diese Schlüssel gehören zum Vereinsraum.These keys belong to the club room.
- An den Schlüsseln hängen rote Anhänger.Red tags hang on the keys.
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 Schlüssel — die Schlüssel. The plural Schlüssel keeps the singular form. A digital Zugangsschlüssel is also a key, but not a physical door key.
Try it yourself
___ Schlüssel (der / die / das)
Show answer or example answer
der
der: Schlüssel is masculine.
Plural: der Schlüssel → die ___
Show answer or example answer
Schlüssel
Schlüssel: the plural has the article die in the nominative and accusative.
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Schlüssel (dem / der)
Show answer or example answer
dem
dem: mit takes the dative, giving mit dem Schlüssel.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ Schlüssel (der / die / das)
Plural: der Schlüssel → die ___
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Schlüssel (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 Schlüssel and its forms, then complete the article, plural and dative checks without looking at the table.