Weak Masculine Nouns

Level 2

The n-Deklination (Weak Masculine Nouns) is a special group of masculine nouns that take an -(e)n ending whenever they are NOT the subject (Nominative) of the sentence.

How It Works

In German, most nouns are 'strong,' meaning they don't change much in the singular. However, a specific group of masculine nouns follows the n-Deklination.

1. The Rule:
Add -n (if the noun ends in -e) or -en (if it ends in a consonant) in the Accusative, Dative, and Genitive singular. The Nominative singular remains the base form.
Note: High-frequency nouns like der Herr, der Nachbar, and der Bauer only add -n in the singular (e.g., den Herrn), even though they end in a consonant.

2. Which nouns are 'weak'?

  • Masculine nouns ending in -e describing people or animals: der Junge, der Löwe, der Hase, der Kollege, der Kunde.
  • Masculine nouns with foreign suffixes (usually stressed): -ent (Student), -ant (Elefant), -ist (Polizist), -at (Soldat), -oge (Biologe), -ad (Kamerad), -ot (Idiot), -af (Fotograf).
  • A specific list of common nouns: der Mensch, der Herr, der Nachbar, der Held, der Bär.
  • Important: Masculine occupations ending in -er (like der Lehrer or der Fahrer) are not weak nouns and do not take these endings.

3. Special Cases:

  • The 'Name' Group: A few nouns like der Name, der Gedanke, and der Wille follow this rule but add an extra -s in the Genitive (e.g., des Namens).
  • The Neuter Exception: Das Herz is the only neuter noun in this group. It takes -en in the Dative and Genitive (dem Herzen, des Herzens), but unlike masculine weak nouns, it remains unchanged in the Accusative (das Herz).

4. Usage Note:
The singular inflected form (Accusative/Dative/Genitive) of these nouns is almost always identical to their plural form. While casual speakers sometimes omit these endings, becoming proficient in using them is essential for reaching an intermediate level.

Examples (5)

  1. Der Student lernt viel.

    The student studies a lot.

    Word by Word: The student studies much.

    Here, 'Student' is the subject (Nominative), so there is no extra ending.

  2. Ich sehe den Studenten.

    I see the student.

    Word by Word: I see the student.

    'Student' is the direct object (Accusative), so it must take the -en ending.

  3. Ich helfe dem Jungen.

    I am helping the boy.

    Word by Word: I help the boy.

    'Junge' ends in -e, so we add -n in the Dative case.

  4. Das ist das Auto meines Kollegen.

    That is my colleague's car.

    Word by Word: That is the car of my colleague.

    'Kollege' is in the Genitive case, so it takes the -n ending instead of the usual -s.

  5. Haben Sie mit Herrn Müller gesprochen?

    Have you spoken with Mr. Müller?

    Word by Word: Have you with Mr. Müller spoken?

    'Herr' is a weak noun. After 'mit' (Dative), it becomes 'Herrn'.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting the ending in the Accusative or Dative case.

    Ich kenne den Polizist.
    Ich kenne den Polizisten.

    Because 'Polizist' is a weak masculine noun, it must have the -en ending when it is the object of the sentence.

  • Adding an -s in the Genitive case for weak nouns.

    Die Tasche des Students.
    Die Tasche des Studenten.

    Weak nouns do not take the standard -s ending in the Genitive; they use the same -(e)n ending as the other cases.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Weak Masculine NounsLevel 2

Learn This First

To understand n-declination (weak masculine nouns), you first need a solid grasp of the German case system, as these nouns change their endings in every case except the nominative singular. Since this rule only affects masculine nouns, you must also understand noun gender. Familiarity with the -(e)n plural ending is helpful because the weak declension endings follow the same pattern.

Words in This Pattern

-en-n