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raniya
11/12/2025
German
German Grammar Notes
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11 Dec 2025
•
Comprehensive German Grammar Notes for Students
raniya
@raniya
1 / 4
Essential German Grammar Rules
Word order in German follows a strict pattern that's actually quite logical once you get the hang of it. When you've got time, manner, and place in the same sentence, they must appear in that exact order - no exceptions!
Think of it like this: when something happens, how it happens, then where it happens. "Morgen gehe ich mit meiner Mutter ins Kino" (Tomorrow I'm going with my mother to the cinema) follows this perfectly.
The perfect tense (past tense) needs three parts working together - remember SAP: Subject, Auxiliary verb, Past participle. To create past participles, add 'ge-' to the front, remove '-en' from the end, and add '-t'. So 'spielen' becomes 'gespielt'.
Quick Tip: Think of SAP as your German past tense formula - once you've got these three elements in order, you're sorted!
The dative case might sound scary, but it's just showing who receives something indirectly. It answers 'to whom?' or 'for whom?' - like giving someone a present where they're the indirect object.
Time Expressions and Future Tense
Time expressions in German are flexible but follow clear rules. You can put time at the start of your sentence, but then the verb must come immediately after - no gaps allowed!
When time goes first, like "Um halb fünf schicke ich SMS," the verb 'schicke' follows straight away. If you prefer the time in the middle, it goes right after the verb: "Ich schicke um halb fünf SMS."
Creating the future tense is brilliantly simple - just use 'ich werde' (I will) plus an infinitive verb. "Ich werde Pizza essen" (I will eat pizza) shows this perfectly in action.
Memory Trick: Remember the rhyme "weil is so vile it makes the verb run a mile" - whenever you use 'weil' (because), the verb scarpers to the end of the sentence!
Prepositions like 'in' change the articles that follow them. 'Der' becomes 'dem', and you can even shorten 'in dem' to 'im' - German loves its shortcuts!
Perfect Tense Deep Dive
The perfect tense is your go-to for talking about completed actions in the past. You absolutely need those three components working together: subject, auxiliary verb (usually 'haben'), and past participle.
Past participles follow a simple pattern that becomes second nature with practice. Take any regular verb, stick 'ge-' on the front, chop off the '-en' ending, and add '-t' instead.
Look at these examples: 'hören' transforms into 'gehört', 'wohnen' becomes 'gewohnt', and 'spielen' turns into 'gespielt'. Once you've mastered this formula, you can tackle most German verbs.
Practice Tip: Try converting five verbs you use daily into past participles - this pattern will stick much faster with familiar vocabulary!
Remember that SAP structure - "Ich habe in einem Hotel gewohnt" shows subject (Ich), auxiliary (habe), and past participle (gewohnt) working perfectly together.
Accusative Case and Vocabulary
The accusative case shows the direct object - basically what's receiving the action in your sentence. Different genders need different articles, and this page gives you loads of practical examples to work with.
Masculine words (der) become 'einen' in accusative, like films, jumpers, and coffee. Feminine words (die) become 'eine', covering things like shops, clothes, and TV programmes. Neuter words (das) become 'ein', including food items and weather.
Some plural words don't need articles at all - socks, trainers, and jeans fall into this category, making them easier to remember.
Study Smart: Group these vocabulary words by gender rather than topic - you'll learn the accusative patterns much more quickly this way!
This massive vocabulary list covers everything from food and clothes to shops and entertainment. Each word shows which article it takes in the accusative case, giving you real examples to practise with immediately.
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Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
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4.8/5
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Comprehensive German Grammar Notes for Students
raniya
@raniya
Ever wondered how German grammar actually works when you're trying to build proper sentences? This guide breaks down the essential rules you need to know - from getting your word order spot-on to mastering different tenses and cases that'll make... Show more
Essential German Grammar Rules
Word order in German follows a strict pattern that's actually quite logical once you get the hang of it. When you've got time, manner, and place in the same sentence, they must appear in that exact order - no exceptions!
Think of it like this: when something happens, how it happens, then where it happens. "Morgen gehe ich mit meiner Mutter ins Kino" (Tomorrow I'm going with my mother to the cinema) follows this perfectly.
The perfect tense (past tense) needs three parts working together - remember SAP: Subject, Auxiliary verb, Past participle. To create past participles, add 'ge-' to the front, remove '-en' from the end, and add '-t'. So 'spielen' becomes 'gespielt'.
Quick Tip: Think of SAP as your German past tense formula - once you've got these three elements in order, you're sorted!
The dative case might sound scary, but it's just showing who receives something indirectly. It answers 'to whom?' or 'for whom?' - like giving someone a present where they're the indirect object.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Time Expressions and Future Tense
Time expressions in German are flexible but follow clear rules. You can put time at the start of your sentence, but then the verb must come immediately after - no gaps allowed!
When time goes first, like "Um halb fünf schicke ich SMS," the verb 'schicke' follows straight away. If you prefer the time in the middle, it goes right after the verb: "Ich schicke um halb fünf SMS."
Creating the future tense is brilliantly simple - just use 'ich werde' (I will) plus an infinitive verb. "Ich werde Pizza essen" (I will eat pizza) shows this perfectly in action.
Memory Trick: Remember the rhyme "weil is so vile it makes the verb run a mile" - whenever you use 'weil' (because), the verb scarpers to the end of the sentence!
Prepositions like 'in' change the articles that follow them. 'Der' becomes 'dem', and you can even shorten 'in dem' to 'im' - German loves its shortcuts!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Perfect Tense Deep Dive
The perfect tense is your go-to for talking about completed actions in the past. You absolutely need those three components working together: subject, auxiliary verb (usually 'haben'), and past participle.
Past participles follow a simple pattern that becomes second nature with practice. Take any regular verb, stick 'ge-' on the front, chop off the '-en' ending, and add '-t' instead.
Look at these examples: 'hören' transforms into 'gehört', 'wohnen' becomes 'gewohnt', and 'spielen' turns into 'gespielt'. Once you've mastered this formula, you can tackle most German verbs.
Practice Tip: Try converting five verbs you use daily into past participles - this pattern will stick much faster with familiar vocabulary!
Remember that SAP structure - "Ich habe in einem Hotel gewohnt" shows subject (Ich), auxiliary (habe), and past participle (gewohnt) working perfectly together.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Accusative Case and Vocabulary
The accusative case shows the direct object - basically what's receiving the action in your sentence. Different genders need different articles, and this page gives you loads of practical examples to work with.
Masculine words (der) become 'einen' in accusative, like films, jumpers, and coffee. Feminine words (die) become 'eine', covering things like shops, clothes, and TV programmes. Neuter words (das) become 'ein', including food items and weather.
Some plural words don't need articles at all - socks, trainers, and jeans fall into this category, making them easier to remember.
Study Smart: Group these vocabulary words by gender rather than topic - you'll learn the accusative patterns much more quickly this way!
This massive vocabulary list covers everything from food and clothes to shops and entertainment. Each word shows which article it takes in the accusative case, giving you real examples to practise with immediately.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content in German
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user