In German

die Frau

Meaning: “die Frau” (the woman) — Akkusativ, feminine: the direct object

Example sentences

  • IchsehedieFrau.

    I see the woman.

  • ErkenntdieFrau.

    He knows the woman.

  • WirfragendieFrau.

    We ask the woman.

Grammar note

Feminine “die” doesn't change between Nominativ and Akkusativ, so the only way to tell which case “die Frau” is in is by its role in the sentence, not its spelling.

Common mistake

Don't try to spot the Akkusativ by looking at feminine articles alone — “die” looks the same whether it's the subject or the object. Check the verb and word order instead.

Quick check

In “Ich sehe die Frau”, which case is “die Frau” in?

More words on this topic

die Frau“die Frau” (the woman) — Nominativ, feminine: the subject of the sentenceder Frau“der Frau” (the woman) — Dativ, feminine: the indirect objectder Frau“der Frau” (of the woman) — Genitiv, feminine: shows possessionden Mann“den Mann” (the man) — Akkusativ, masculine: the direct object

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Frequently asked questions

Why is “die Frau” the same in Nominativ and Akkusativ?

Feminine (and neuter and plural) articles don't change in the Akkusativ — only masculine does.

So how do I know it's the object here?

“Frau” comes after the verb “sehen”, and the subject is “ich”, so “die Frau” must be the object.