Adjektivdeklination (Adjective Endings)

Adjective endings depend on three things: case, gender, and which article (if any) comes before the adjective.

There are three declension patterns: weak (after definite article), mixed (after indefinite article), and strong (no article).

Which Ending Do I Use?

Three steps to choose the right ending:

1. Definite article before the adjective? (der/die/das/die, dieser, jeder) → Weak endings (-e or -en)
2. Indefinite article or possessive? (ein/eine, mein/dein/sein...) → Mixed endings
3. No article at all? → Strong endings (mirror the definite article)

All Endings at a Glance

Every adjective ending in one place — color-coded by suffix. Read across a row to compare genders; read down a case-block to compare what comes before the adjective.

The Pattern at a Glance

In Context — All Three Systems

Weak (after definite article):

• Ich sehe den alten Mann. (Akk. mask.)
• Die neue Lehrerin ist sehr nett. (Nom. fem.)
• Das kleine Kind schläft. (Nom. neut.)

Mixed (after indefinite article / possessive):

• Er hat ein altes Auto. (Nom./Akk. neut. — strong marker)
• Das ist eine schwierige Frage. (Nom. fem.)
• Ich sehe meinen alten Freund. (Akk. mask.)

Strong (no article):

• Ich trinke kalten Kaffee. (Akk. mask. — strong)
• Sie kauft frisches Brot. (Akk. neut.)
• Mit gutem Wein schmeckt alles besser. (Dat. mask.)

Common Mistakes