German grammar: Adjektivdeklination nach bestimmtem Artikel

What this grammar point covers

Adjective declension after the definite article in German means changing the ending of an adjective when it comes after 'der', 'die', or 'das'. This helps show the gender, case, and number of the noun.

When to use it

Use this form when an adjective comes directly after a definite article (der, die, das) and before a noun. It shows the correct gender, case, and number of the noun in German sentences.

Key forms

• der + Adjektiv(-e) + Nomen: der kleine Hund
• die + Adjektiv(-e) + Nomen: die schöne Blume
• das + Adjektiv(-e) + Nomen: das große Haus
• Plural: die + Adjektiv(-en) + Nomen: die alten Bücher

Examples

Tips

• Always use -e or -en endings after 'der', 'die', or 'das'.
• In plural, the adjective always ends with -en after the definite article.
• Remember to match the adjective ending to the gender and case of the noun.