German grammar: Genitiv (einfache Formen)

What this grammar point covers

The Genitiv is a German case used to show possession or relationships between nouns. It often answers the question 'whose?'.

When to use it

Use the Genitiv to show that something belongs to someone or something, after certain prepositions (like während, trotz, wegen, statt), and in some fixed expressions.

Key forms

• des + (e)s for masculine and neuter singular nouns
• der for feminine and plural nouns
• Add -(e)s to masculine and neuter nouns in singular

Examples

Tips

• Remember to add -(e)s to masculine and neuter nouns in singular.
• Feminine and plural nouns do not change in the Genitiv.
• The Genitiv is less common in spoken German; sometimes people use 'von' + Dativ instead.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some masculine nouns form the Genitiv with -en instead of -(e)s (e.g., 'des Jungen').
• Proper names sometimes just add an 's' (e.g., 'Karls Buch').