Overview
This lecture explains the purpose and use of German grammatical cases, focusing on when to use accusative or dative, and how to identify each case in sentences.
Why Do We Have Cases?
- Cases show the function of nouns in a sentence, clarifying who does what to whom.
- The nominative case marks the subject, while accusative and dative mark different kinds of objects.
The Nominative Case
- The nominative case is used for the subject, the main character or thing in a sentence.
- When you learn a new noun, the nominative is its default form (e.g., der Tisch, die Flasche).
- Ask "wer?" (who?) or "was?" (what?) to find the subject.
The Accusative Case
- The accusative marks the direct object, the thing or person directly affected by the action.
- Most German verbs use the accusative for their object.
- Ask "wen?" (whom?) or "was?" (what?) after the verb to identify the accusative.
- Only masculine articles change in accusative (e.g., der → den).
- Some sentences may have both verb and auxiliary; use the main verb to decide the case.
The Dative Case
- The dative marks the indirect object, usually a person receiving something.
- Dative is used after specific verbs (about 50 common ones) and prepositions.
- Ask "wem?" (to whom?) to find the dative object.
- Articles change more in dative; memorization is required.
- Dative is generally assigned to people, especially with two objects in a sentence.
Accusative and Dative Together
- Some verbs, like "geben" (to give), require both a direct (accusative) and indirect (dative) object.
- With two objects, the person usually takes the dative and the thing takes the accusative.
- Direct object = accusative; indirect object = dative.
Determining Case in Complex Sentences
- If there is one object, it is usually accusative unless the verb takes dative.
- Learn which verbs require the dative case.
- In sentences with helper verbs (e.g., perfect or modal constructions), always check the main verb for case assignment.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Nominative — case for the subject of a sentence.
- Accusative — case for direct objects, usually the thing being acted upon.
- Dative — case for indirect objects, often the recipient.
- Direct Object — receives the action directly; usually accusative.
- Indirect Object — receives something from the action; usually dative.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Memorize the list of common dative verbs.
- Practice identifying subjects, direct and indirect objects in sample sentences.
- Review or watch further detailed videos on each case if needed.