In German

den Mann

Meaning: “den Mann” (the man) — Akkusativ, masculine: the direct object

Example sentences

  • IchsehedenMann.

    I see the man.

  • SiekenntdenMann.

    She knows the man.

  • WirfragendenMann.

    We ask the man.

Grammar note

Akkusativ is the case of the direct object — the person or thing the action happens to. Masculine “der” becomes “den” in the Akkusativ; feminine, neuter and plural don't change.

Common mistake

Don't leave “der” unchanged after a verb like “sehen” (to see) or “kennen” (to know) when the object is masculine. “Ich sehe der Mann” is wrong; it must be “Ich sehe den Mann”.

Quick check

In “Ich sehe den Mann”, which case is “den Mann” in?

More words on this topic

der Mann“der Mann” (the man) — Nominativ, masculine: the subject of the sentencedem Mann“dem Mann” (the man) — Dativ, masculine: the indirect objectdes Mannes“des Mannes” (of the man) — Genitiv, masculine: shows possessiondie Frau“die Frau” (the woman) — Akkusativ, feminine: the direct object

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Frequently asked questions

How do I find the Akkusativ in a sentence?

Ask “wen?” (whom?) or “was?” (what?) — the direct object answers that.

Which prepositions always trigger the Akkusativ?

“durch”, “für”, “gegen”, “ohne” and “um” always take the Akkusativ.