1) A nouns gender determines its definite article.
Explanation: In German, nouns are either masculine, feminine or neuter. In addition, their definite and indefinite articles (the, a/an) depend on their case.
Example with explanation: Der Hund ist braun. (The dog is brown.)
As Hund is a masculine noun and the subject of this sentence, it has to take der (the).
2) Adjective Endings Must Agree with a Noun’s Gender and Case
Example with explanation: Der schwarze Hund hat Hunger. (The black dog is hungry.)
As dog is masculine and in the nominative case we need to add an -e to the end of schwarz (black) when it follows a definite article.
3) All nouns are capitalized
4) Verbs (Usually) Come Second in a Sentence
Example with explanation: Ich sehe den Hund. (I see the dog.)
This shows the classic verb placement. In all main clauses the verb—in this case sehen (to see)—takes second place after the subject.
5) Plurals Are Formed in Various Ways
Explanation: In English, virtually all plurals are formed by adding an “s” to the end of the original word. In German, instead of an -s, plurals are formed in various ways.
One fairly common way is by adding an -e. However, just like in English, there are plenty of exceptions to this rule (just think of “fish” and “sheep” in English).
Examples with explanation: der Hund (dog) → die Hunde (dogs)
It’s also important to note that all plural nouns take die as their definite article.
die Banane (the banana) → die Bananen (bananas)
If a word already ends in -e, then the plural usually just involves adding an –n.
6) “You” Is Either Formal or Informal
Explanation: There are two different forms of “you” in German. If you’re speaking to a relative, friend or child, you will use the informal du form. If you’re speaking or writing to someone who you don’t know, or to a colleague at work, you will use Sie, the formal form of “you.”
Example with explanation:
Ich liebe dich. (I love you.)
Dich is the informal accusative form of du.
Geben Sie mir bitte das Essen. (Please give me the food.)
Sie is the formal “you.”
