B1 · Grammar · N-Deklination
German Weak Nouns: the n-Declension Nobody Mentions
The ruleA small group of masculine nouns adds -n or -en in every case except the nominative singular, including the accusative, where nothing else does.
This is the rule that makes Ich sehe den Herrn correct and Ich sehe den Herr wrong, and it is skipped by enough courses that learners meet it first as a red mark on an exam.
Which nouns
| Group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Masculine in -e for people and animals | der Junge, der Kunde, der Kollege, der Löwe, der Affe |
| Nationalities and origins in -e | der Franzose, der Türke, der Grieche, der Ire |
| Foreign nouns stressed on the last syllable | der Student, der Polizist, der Journalist, der Präsident, der Fotograf |
| In -ant, -ent, -ist, -oge, -at | der Praktikant, der Patient, der Tourist, der Biologe, der Kandidat |
| A short irregular set | der Herr, der Mensch, der Nachbar, der Bauer, der Held |
They are all masculine and nearly all animate. That is the closest thing to a shortcut: if a masculine noun denotes a person and ends in -e, assume it is weak.
The declension
| — | der Junge | der Student | der Herr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative sg. | der Junge | der Student | der Herr |
| Accusative sg. | den Jungen | den Studenten | den Herrn |
| Dative sg. | dem Jungen | dem Studenten | dem Herrn |
| Genitive sg. | des Jungen | des Studenten | des Herrn |
| Plural | die Jungen | die Studenten | die Herren |
Herr is the one irregular: -n in the singular, -en in the plural. Note also the genitive: no -s anywhere, which is what distinguishes weak nouns from every other masculine.
Where it shows up
- Ich kenne diesen Studenten. I know this student. Accusative: the -en is compulsory.
- Sehr geehrter Herr Schmidt, Dear Mr Schmidt, Nominative in the salutation: bare.
- Ich habe mit Herrn Schmidt gesprochen. I spoke to Mr Schmidt. Dative after mit: Herrn.
- Der Name des Kollegen ist mir entfallen. I've forgotten my colleague's name. Genitive: -en, not -s.
Where it goes wrong
Ich habe den Kollege gefragt.
Ich habe den Kollegen gefragt.
der Kollege is a weak noun, so everything but the nominative singular takes -n. The article was already right; it is the noun that most learners leave alone.
Common questions
What is the n-declension in German?
A group of masculine nouns that take -n or -en in the accusative, dative and genitive singular as well as throughout the plural. der Junge becomes den Jungen; der Student becomes dem Studenten. It is the only place where a German noun changes shape in the accusative.
How do I recognise a weak noun?
They are masculine, usually animate, and fall into recognisable groups: masculines ending in -e for people and animals, nationalities in -e, and foreign words in -ant, -ent, -ist, -oge, -at stressed on the final syllable. Plus a short irregular list headed by Herr, Mensch and Nachbar.
Why is it 'Herrn Schmidt' and not 'Herr Schmidt'?
Because Herr is a weak noun, so any case other than the nominative singular adds -n. 'Herr Schmidt ist da' is nominative; 'Ich sehe Herrn Schmidt' and 'mit Herrn Schmidt' are not.
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