German grammar: Adjektivdeklination

What this grammar point covers

Adjektivdeklination means changing the ending of an adjective in German, depending on the noun's gender, number, and case, as well as the article before it.

When to use it

Use adjective endings when an adjective comes before a noun in German. The ending changes depending on the article (der, ein, etc.), the gender (masculine, feminine, neuter), the number (singular, plural), and the case (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive).

Key forms

• ein schöner Tag
• eine große Stadt
• das kleine Kind
• mit einem alten Freund

Examples

Tips

• Always pay attention to the article before the adjective; it affects the ending.
• Remember: the adjective ending changes for each case (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive).
• Don't forget to use an ending even if there is no article (e.g. guter Wein).

Exceptions and edge cases

• If there is no article, adjectives take strong endings.
• After 'etwas', 'nichts', 'viel', 'wenig', adjectives often use strong endings.