Grammar: Describing Things

Understanding the Concept

German grammar structures with adjectives are essential in describing things, people, and events.
Adjectives change their ending, a process known as declension, depending on the gender, case and number of the noun they refer to.
Predicative adjectives describe a certain state or characteristic and are used after the verb, while attributive adjectives describe characteristics directly before the noun.

Using Attributive Adjectives

Attributive adjectives are placed directly before the noun they describe and adjust their ending to the noun’s gender, case and number.
For example, in the sentence ‘Das ist ein alter Mann’, ‘alter’ is an attributive adjective that modifies ‘Mann’.
The adjective ending can be -er, -e, -es for nominative singular and other forms for different cases and plurals.

Using Predicative Adjectives

Predicative adjectives, used after the verb, do not change their endings based on the noun they follow.
For example, in the sentence ‘Er ist glücklich’, ‘glücklich’ remains in its base form after the verb ‘ist’.
Predicative adjectives are also common with verbs like ‘bleiben’ (to stay), ‘werden’ (to become) and ‘scheinen’ (to seem).

The Intersection between Descriptions and Cases

Descriptions and cases intersect when embodying attributive adjectives. Noun-adjective combinations change depending on case, number and gender.
Remember that case might change based on verb and preposition use in the sentence, leading to a change in adjective endings.

Utilising Comparison and Superlatives

German adjectives and adverbs can be used in comparisons by using ‘-er’ (bigger) and ‘am meisten’ (most) for more and most respectively.
Usage is similar to English: ‘Ich bin älter als du’ (I am older than you) or ‘Er ist am größten’ (He is the tallest).

Descriptions and Prepositions

Some adjectives require specific prepositions to convey a particular meaning. These prepositions can demand different cases.
For example, ‘Ich bin stolz auf meine Arbeit’ (I am proud of my work). The adjective ‘stolz’ is connected to ‘meine Arbeit’ with the preposition ‘auf’ that always takes the accusative case.

Avoiding Description Mistakes

Always remember that attributive adjectives change their endings based on gender, case and number. Overlooking this can lead to grammatical errors.
Prepositions associated with adjectives determine the case of the noun. Accurately understanding this relationship can enhance your German grammar usage.
Regularly practice using attributive and predicative adjectives, understanding their differences, and correct usage can help avoid mistakes.