German grammar: Adjektive: Grundform

What this grammar point covers

Adjectives in German describe people, things, or situations. The basic form of an adjective is called the 'Grundform'. This is the simple, unchanged form of the adjective, used when not adding endings.

When to use it

Use the basic form of a German adjective when the adjective comes after the verb 'sein', 'werden', or 'bleiben', or when it stands alone, not before a noun.

Key forms

• schön
• klein
• alt
• neu

Examples

Tips

• Do not add endings to the adjective when it comes after 'sein', 'werden', or 'bleiben'.
• If the adjective comes before a noun, you need to add an ending. That is a different topic.
• Remember that the basic form is only used when the adjective is not directly before a noun.