The idea
Use das Theater for the nominative singular, das Theater for the accusative, dem Theater for the dative, and des Theaters for the genitive. In the dative plural use den Theatern.
| Kasus | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | das Theater | die Theater |
| Akkusativ | das Theater | die Theater |
| Dativ | dem Theater | den Theatern |
| Genitiv | des Theaters | der Theater |
Meaning and useful combinations
Theater has an unchanged plural. It can name the building or the performing art; eine Theateraufführung is a specific performance.
Useful combinations: ins Theater gehen; Theater spielen; das Stadttheater. Practise each as a complete phrase; the article belongs to the noun even when an adjective comes between them.
Article check: nominative singular
die Theaterdas TheaterThis check asks for the nominative singular: das Theater. In the meaning taught here, Theater is neuter. The nominative plural is die Theater. Learn both forms together; an English translation does not determine German gender.
Examples
- Das Theater probt gerade ein neues Stück.The theater is currently rehearsing a new play.
- Wir erreichen das Theater über den Seiteneingang.We reach the theater through the side entrance.
- Im Theater werden vor Beginn die Plätze kontrolliert.The seats are checked before the start at the theater.
- Die Bühne des Theaters ist ungewöhnlich breit.The theater's stage is unusually wide.
- Die Theater der Region veranstalten ein gemeinsames Festival.The theaters in the region organize a joint festival.
- In diesen Theatern gibt es günstige Karten für Studierende.These theaters offer discounted tickets for students.
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Watch out
Do not transfer the gender of a translated word into German. The basic learning pair is das Theater — die Theater. Theater has an unchanged plural. It can name the building or the performing art; eine Theateraufführung is a specific performance.
Try it yourself
___ Theater (der / die / das)
Show answer or example answer
das
das: Theater is neuter.
Plural: das Theater → die ___
Show answer or example answer
Theater
Theater: the plural has the article die in the nominative and accusative.
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Theater (dem / der)
Show answer or example answer
dem
dem: mit takes the dative, giving mit dem Theater.
Practice round
Answer three questions, then rebuild three German sentences. We keep your score.
___ Theater (der / die / das)
Plural: das Theater → die ___
Dativ Singular: mit ___ Theater (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 Theater and its forms, then complete the article, plural and dative checks without looking at the table.