In German

des Kindes

Meaning: “des Kindes” (of the child) — Genitiv, neuter: shows possession

Example sentences

  • DasSpielzeugdesKindesistneu.

    The child's toy is new.

  • DerNamedesKindesistMax.

    The child's name is Max.

  • DieTaschedesKindesistklein.

    The child's bag is small.

Grammar note

Neuter follows the same pattern as masculine in the Genitiv: “das” becomes “des”, and the noun adds “-s” or “-es” (“Kind” → “Kindes”). Masculine and neuter are the two genders that change the noun itself.

Common mistake

Don't leave “Kind” unchanged after “des” — the Genitiv needs “des Kindes”, with the “-es” ending, just like masculine nouns take one.

Quick check

In “Das Spielzeug des Kindes ist neu”, which case is “des Kindes” 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 objectdem Kind“dem Kind” (the child) — Dativ, neuter: the indirect objectdes Mannes“des Mannes” (of the man) — Genitiv, masculine: shows possession

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Frequently asked questions

Do neuter and masculine nouns take the same Genitiv ending?

Both usually add “-s” or “-es”, and both use “des” as the article — the two genders behave the same way in the Genitiv.

Across all four cases, which gender changes the most?

Masculine: “der/den/dem/des” all look different. Neuter only changes in the Genitiv (“das” → “des” plus “-es” on the noun).