In German

der Mann

Meaning: “der Mann” (the man) — Nominativ, masculine: the subject of the sentence

Example sentences

  • DerMannistmüde.

    The man is tired.

  • DerMannkommtausBerlin.

    The man comes from Berlin.

  • DerMannheißtPeter.

    The man is called Peter.

Grammar note

Nominativ is the case of the subject — whoever or whatever does the action. Masculine nouns take “der” in the Nominativ. Ask “wer?” (who?) or “was?” (what?) to find it: “Wer ist müde?” → “der Mann”.

Common mistake

Don't confuse the subject with the object. In “Der Mann sieht den Hund” (the man sees the dog), “der Mann” is Nominativ because he's doing the seeing, even though “Hund” comes right after the verb.

Quick check

In “Der Mann ist müde”, which case is “der Mann” in?

More words on this topic

den Mann“den Mann” (the man) — Akkusativ, masculine: the direct objectdem 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) — Nominativ, feminine: the subject of the sentence
This same word as an everyday vocabulary page: “man”.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I find the Nominativ in a German sentence?

Ask “wer?” or “was?” (who/what). Whatever answers that question is the Nominativ.

Does the Nominativ ever change form?

No — Nominativ is the base, dictionary form of the article and noun.