'Der' Definition

What is the meaning of the German word 'Der'?

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The word 'Der' is a German word that can mean 'The' in English. You can find example sentences below to help you understand how to use the word in context.

Definition of 'Der' in English

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The article 'Der' is used in German to indicate a masculine gender noun in the nominative case. It translates to 'The' in English when used before a masculine noun in the singular form.

Example Sentences:

German Challenges

Beginner

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the definite article 'die' in the dative case for a plural noun.

Das Buch gehört den Kindern

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The dative case of the definite article 'die' (the) when used with plural nouns is 'den'. So, the sentence should read 'Das Buch gehört den Kindern', translating to 'The book belongs to the children' in English.
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Beginner

What is the correct form of the definite article "the" in the genitive case for the feminine noun "Mutter" (mother)?

Das Auto der freundlichen Dame ist blau.

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The correct form of the definite article for feminine nouns in the genitive case is "der". The sentence is indicating possession and thus, it needs to use the genitive case. The complete sentence is: "Das Auto der freundlichen Dame ist blau", which translates to "The friendly lady's car is blue"
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Beginner

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the definite article "the" in the accusative case for a Neuter noun.

Kannst du das Buch sehen?

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The word "Buch" is a neuter noun. In German, "Buch" remains "das Buch" even in the accusative case. Therefore, the correct sentence is "Kannst du das Buch sehen?" which translates to "Can you see the book?" in English.
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Beginner

Conjugate the modal verb "sollen" to fit the sentence below. Important to note that we are using the third person plural or formal address here.

Sie sollen das Buch lesen.

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The correct form for 'sollen' in the third person singular or formal address is 'sollen'. The full translation of the sentence is "You should read the book" or "They should read the book". Fun fact - this sentence would also be correct with 'soll' if we were using the third person singular 'sie' to mean 'she'.
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Intermediate

Which preposition correctly pairs with the verb 'hoffen' to mean 'to hope for'?

Er hofft auf einen Sieg

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The correct preposition to use with 'hoffen' to convey the meaning of 'to hope for' is 'auf', forming the phrase 'hoffen auf'. The sentence 'Er hofft auf einen Sieg' translates to 'He hopes for a victory.' The other prepositions cannot be used to express the concept of hoping for something. Fun Fact: 'Hoffen auf' requires the accusative case.
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Intermediate

Which preposition correctly pairs with the verb "fahren" to mean "to drive through"?

Er fährt durch die Stadt.

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The correct preposition to use with "fahren" to convey the meaning of 'to drive through' is 'durch'. Therefore, the sentence 'Er fährt durch die Stadt' translates to 'He drives through the city'. The use of 'durch' is required to convey the action of moving through a location in German.
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Beginner

Conjugate the modal verb "mögen" to fit the sentence

Du magst Schokoladeneis.

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In German, the verb "mögen" (to like) in the second person singular (informal) form is "magst." Therefore, the correct translation of "You like chocolate ice cream" into German is "Du magst Schokoladeneis."
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Beginner

Conjugate the modal verb "dürfen" to fit the sentence below

Du darfst das Fenster öffnen.

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The correct form for "dürfen" in the second person singular is "darfst". In German, the verb "dürfen" (to be allowed to, can) is conjugated differently depending on the subject. For the second person singular, such as when addressing someone directly with "you" in English, "dürfen" is conjugated as "darfst." This form applies in sentences like "Du darfst das machen" (You are allowed to do that). This conjugation is part of the pattern in German where most verbs change their endings based on the subject's person and number, ensuring that the verb agrees with its subject. Remembering these conjugation patterns is crucial for correctly constructing sentences in German.
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Beginner

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the personal pronoun 'du' in the dative case.

Ich habe dir bereits die Einladung gegeben

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The dative case form of the personal pronoun 'du' (you) is 'dir'. In the sentence, 'dir' is used as the indirect object, receiving the action of the verb. Here, the verb 'gegeben' ("given" - to give) requires an indirect object to indicate to whom the book is given. 'Du' changes to 'dir' in the dative case to reflect its role as the recipient of the action in the sentence.
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Beginner

Conjugate the modal verb "müssen" to fit the sentence

Wir müssen früh aufstehen.

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The correct form for 'müssen' in the first person plural is 'müssen'. The full translation is "We have to (must) wake up early".
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