In German

dem Mann

Meaning: “dem Mann” (the man) — Dativ, masculine: the indirect object

Example sentences

  • IchgebedemManndasBuch.

    I give the man the book.

  • SiehilftdemMann.

    She helps the man.

  • WirdankendemMann.

    We thank the man.

Grammar note

Dativ is the case of the indirect object — usually the person something is given to, done for, or done with. Masculine and neuter both take “dem”; feminine takes “der”, and plural takes “den” with an extra “-n” on the noun.

Common mistake

Don't use “den” for the Dativ just because it looks similar to masculine Akkusativ. “Ich helfe den Mann” is wrong; “helfen” takes the Dativ, so it must be “Ich helfe dem Mann”.

Quick check

In “Ich gebe dem Mann das Buch”, which case is “dem Mann” in?

More words on this topic

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

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Frequently asked questions

How do I find the Dativ in a sentence?

Ask “wem?” (to/for whom?). The indirect object answers that.

Which verbs always take the Dativ object?

Common ones include “helfen” (to help), “danken” (to thank) and “gefallen” (to please).