German grammar · Upper intermediate (B2)
The n-declension: der Student, den Studenten
Masculine nouns like der Student, der Kollege and der Herr add -n or -en in every case except the nominative singular. How to recognise and use them.
What it is
Most masculine nouns only change in the genitive singular (). A group of masculine nouns works differently: they add -n or -en in every form except the nominative singular. This is called the n-declension (), and these nouns are sometimes called “weak nouns”.
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | ||
| accusative | ||
| dative | ||
| genitive |
How to recognise them
Almost all of them are masculine nouns for people or animals. Look out for these groups:
| Group | Examples |
|---|---|
| masculine nouns ending in -e | |
| nouns ending in -ant, -ent, -ist | |
| a short list to learn |
Special cases: Herr and Name
adds only -n in the singular () but -en in the plural (): Don't forget it in letters and on envelopes: .
A few nouns, like , also add -s in the genitive: . Others in this group are (letter of the alphabet) and (thought).
- Ich könnte mal mit einem Kollegen reden.I could talk to a colleague.
- Frag doch den Nachbarn.Why don't you ask the neighbour?