In German

dem Kind

Meaning: “dem Kind” (the child) — Dativ, neuter: the indirect object

Example sentences

  • IchgebedemKinddasBuch.

    I give the child the book.

  • SiehilftdemKind.

    She helps the child.

  • WirdankendemKind.

    We thank the child.

Grammar note

Neuter takes “dem” in the Dativ, the same as masculine — the only gender pair that shares a Dativ article. Feminine is the odd one out with “der”.

Common mistake

Don't assume “dem” tells you the noun is masculine. “Dem” marks the Dativ for both masculine and neuter, so check the noun itself (“Kind” is neuter) to know the gender.

Quick check

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

More words on this topic

das Kind“das Kind” (the child) — Nominativ, neuter: the subject of the sentencedas Kind“das Kind” (the child) — Akkusativ, neuter: the direct objectdes Kindes“des Kindes” (of the child) — Genitiv, neuter: shows possessiondem Mann“dem Mann” (the man) — Dativ, masculine: the indirect object

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Frequently asked questions

Which genders share the Dativ article “dem”?

Masculine and neuter both use “dem” in the Dativ.

Does the noun itself change in the Dativ?

Often not for a simple noun like “Kind”, though some nouns add “-n” or “-e” in the Dativ, especially in the plural.