Table of Contents
Introduction
The genitive case (Genitiv) in German is one of those grammar topics that fascinates learners and frustrates them at the same time. While it is gradually disappearing from everyday spoken German—often replaced by the dative—it still holds strong in academic writing, formal contexts, and literary texts. For anyone aiming to reach advanced German proficiency (B2 and above), understanding and mastering the genitive is a must. This article will guide you through the rules, usage, exceptions, and practical tips for learning the genitive case, making it easier to apply in your writing and speech.
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What is the German genitive? (Genitiv)
1: How do you say "Good Morning" in German?
- The genitive case (Genitiv) expresses goods or possession.
- This is one of four German (Kasus) cases.
- It is used in a noun-noun structure.
- We also use the genitive after some verbs, prepositions and adjectives.
- The question for the genitive case is “Wessen?”
|
Case |
Role | Description |
|
nominative |
subject |
takes action |
|
accusative |
direct object |
receives action |
|
dative |
indirect object |
to/for whom action is taken |
| genitive | possessive |
indicates owner of something/someone |
Examples
- “Das Pferd des Reiters ist weiß.“
⇒ Wessen Pferd ist weiß? – Des Reiters!
⇒ Noun – Noun Constructions ⇒ Genitive
- “Während des Spiels verletzt er sich.“
The Prepositions “während“ requires the Genitive ⇒ des Spiels
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Start Learning GermanHow the Genitive Case Works in German
Simply put, German uses the same two ways to form the genitive and when to use it, which is actually very similar to English! Two ways to use the genitive in German are:
- Add an s (no apostrophe!)
Use the structure noun modifier + determiner (and/or + adjective) + modifier noun Add a -s
In German, we can add the letter “s” (without the apostrophe) to the names or terms of family members if they are listed right before the name they are modifying: Vaters Computer, Opas Haus .
- Changing sentence structure If we add a determiner and/or one or more adjectives, we must use configuration number 2, equivalent to an ‘of’ sentence in English. (This is “the classic German genitive”):
Der Computer meines Vaters (My father’s computer, literally ‘the computer of my father’)
Das Haus meines lieben Opas (My dear grandpa’s house, or ‘the house of my dear grandpa’)
We also use this variant number 2 of the genitive if we are referring to non-person nouns (so it is more restricted than animate and inanimate possessive nouns in English):
Das Dach des Zuges (the roof of the train)
Das Kälbchen der alten Kuh (the old cow’s calf, or ‘the calf of the old cow’)
Just as in English, there’s a third way to demonstrate one things association to (or ownership of) another thing, but it doesn’t essentially include the genitive case.
- Avoiding the genitive
As mentioned above, we will utilize possessive determiners (my, your, his, her, our, etc.) to show ownership in any of the four cases (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive). These possessive determiners are as often as possible utilized as a way to dodge communicating ownership utilizing the genitive case at all.
Old School Charm: The genitive case is used more in written German than in spoken German. While in casual speech, people often prefer the dative case, especially with prepositions like mit, bei, nach, etc., the genitive still adds a formal or literary tone.
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Genitive – Declension
We have to alter all Articles according to the case.
Special Characteristics
Nouns that are either Masculine and Neuter need the ending „s“ or „es“.
Nouns that end in -s, -ß, -x, -z (“-es” MUST be used)
-
- „der Platz“ – „des Platzes“
Monosyllabic Nouns: (Just an „s“ is ok, but „-es“ usually sounds better)
- „der Mann“ – „des Mann(e)s“
For all other nouns: just „-s“
End on s, ß, x, z (you MUST use „es“)
- „der Ventilator“ – „der Ventilators“
Use of the Genitive Case
Use: To Indicate Belonging or Possession
We express belonging or possession with the help of Noun-Noun Constructions.
Special Characteristics: Noun-Noun-Constructions with Proper Nouns
As there is no Article, we have to signal the Genitive in a different way:
- „Holgers Pferd ist weiß.“
The Proper noun goes to the front and needs the ending „-s“.
If the proper noun ends with s, ß, x or z an Apostrophe is needed:
- „Hans´ Pferd ist weiß.“
Use: After Prepositions
- „Wegen der Krankheit kann er nicht arbeiten.“
The Preposition „wegen“ needs the use of the Genitive case.
Some of the most important Genitive Prepositions are the following:
„Während“, „wegen“, „trotz“, „innerhalb“, „außerhalb“, „oberhalb“, „unterhalb“, „aufgrund“, „anstelle“, „(an)statt“
Use: After certain Verbs
Something, Someone: gedenken, bedürfen, Herr werden
- „Wir gedenken der Toten.“
- „Wir bedürfen der Hilfe.“
- „Wir werden der Situation Herr.“
To someone, something: anklagen, bezichtigen, überführen, beschuldigen, verdächtigen
- „Man klagt ihn der Korruption an.“
- „Man verdächtigt ihn des Verbrechens.“
- „Man beschuldigt ihn des Verrats.“
Commit to one thing: brüsten, erinnern, erfreuen, enthalten, schämen
- „Ich erinnere mich der alten Zeiten.“
- „Ich schäme mich meiner schlechten Aussprache.“
- „Ich erfreue mich des Lebens!“
Use: With certain Adjectives
- Aware (Bewusst): „Ich bin mir meines Fehlers bewusst.“
- Capable (Fähig): „Du bist des Mordes nicht fähig.“
- Certain (Gewiss): „Sie ist sich des Erfolges gewiss.“
- Secure (Sicher): „Du kannst dir meiner Unterstützungsicher sein!“
Also: „überdrüssig“, „verdächtig“, „würdig“, „bedürftig“
The Adjectives always comes after the noun and remains in its basic form!
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Start Learning GermanExercises
In the following exercises, we will learn how to build sentences using possessive pronouns, translate sentences from English to German, expand our vocabulary and apply everything we have learned in a short text. So let’s get started!
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Put the Sentences in the Correct Order – German Genitive Pronouns
a) meines / das / ist / buch / das / bruders
Das ist das Buch meines Bruders.
Answers:
b. Das ist das Auto deines Vaters.
c. Das ist der Hund ihres Nachbarn.
d. Das ist die Tasche unserer Mutter.
e. Das sind die Bücher seines Freundes.
f. Das ist die Wohnung unseres Onkels.
Translate these Sentences – German Genitive Pronouns
a) This is my sister’s house.
Das ist das Haus meiner Schwester.
Answers:
b. Das ist das Auto deines Bruders.
c. Das ist das Buch seines Freundes.
d. Das sind die Zimmer unserer Eltern.
e. Das ist das Büro ihres Chefs.
f. Das sind die Fotos eurer Großeltern.
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Study Tips
The list of things you need to know about the genitive is very short.
- Add “s” to family members’ names and terms when they appear immediately before the name they are editing: Vaters Computer, Opas Haus.
- If you are referring to something other than a human being OR if there is additional information inserted between nouns, an expression with the dative preposition “von” is generally appropriate: Der Computer von meinem Vater, Das Haus von meinem Opa
- Use at least meinetwegen , otherwise there are other forms wegen + pronoun
- Use time expressions for “one day / one day” (eines Tages) and other forms
- Learning idioms and adjectives
To approach this other angle, I recommend NOT using the genitive in these cases in spoken German (they are still usually appropriate in written German):
- with prepositions — use dative only
- with verbs — choose less pretentious alternatives
- with measure — use prepositions or the phrase “von” instead
Conclusion
Although the genitive case isn’t as widely used in daily conversation as it once was, mastering it gives your German an unmistakably polished and professional edge. From showing possession to sounding more formal in academic or official settings, the genitive still plays a vital role in the language. Think of it as the “old-school charm” of German grammar—optional in casual chat, but indispensable for exams, advanced studies, or career opportunities.
With the right practice—through declension drills, vocabulary building, and targeted exercises—you’ll not only understand when and how to use the genitive but also earn extra credit on your German language learning journey. And if you want to strengthen your skills with structured lessons, guided practice, and expert feedback, the Entri German Language Course is the perfect place to start.
👉 Take your German one step further—master the genitive, and watch your fluency level up!
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Start Learning GermanFrequently Asked Questions
What is the genitive case in German?
The genitive case (Genitiv) in German shows possession or relationships between nouns. For example: Das ist das Auto meines Bruders (That is my brother’s car). It’s similar to the English “‘s” or the structure “of.”
Is the genitive case still used in German?
Yes, but less frequently in spoken German. Many native speakers replace it with the dative case + von, e.g., Das Auto von meinem Bruder instead of Das Auto meines Bruders. However, genitive is still important in formal contexts, academic writing, exams, and advanced German learning (B2/C1 levels).
Which prepositions require the genitive case?
Some common genitive prepositions include:
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während (during)
-
wegen (because of)
-
trotz (despite)
-
innerhalb/außerhalb (inside of/outside of)
-
aufgrund (due to)
Example: Wegen des Regens blieb er zuhause (He stayed at home because of the rain).
How do you form the genitive in German?
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For masculine and neuter nouns, add -s or -es at the end (e.g., des Mannes, des Platzes).
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Feminine and plural nouns do not change in the genitive (der Frau, der Kinder).
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Articles, adjectives, and pronouns also decline in the genitive case.
What is the difference between the genitive and dative case in German?
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The dative case shows the indirect object (to/for whom) → Ich gebe dem Mann ein Buch. (I give the man a book).
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The genitive case shows possession → Das ist das Buch des Mannes. (That is the man’s book).
In spoken German, you’ll often hear dative instead of genitive, but in written or exam settings, genitive is preferred.
Can I avoid using the genitive case?
Yes—in casual speech, many Germans use “von + dative” instead of genitive. For example:
-
Das Haus meines Vaters → Das Haus von meinem Vater.
However, for exams (like Goethe B2/C1) and formal writing, you should still use the genitive correctly.
What are some common verbs that take the genitive?
Some verbs that uniquely require the genitive are:
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gedenken (to commemorate) → Wir gedenken der Opfer.
-
sich erfreuen (to delight in) → Er erfreut sich guter Gesundheit.
-
sich schämen (to be ashamed of) → Ich schäme mich meiner Fehler.
Why is learning the genitive case important for German exams?
The genitive case frequently appears in Goethe B2, TestDaF, and other proficiency exams. Knowing how to decline articles, adjectives, and nouns in genitive will improve your writing scores, reading comprehension, and grammar accuracy, helping you stand out as an advanced learner.
