Adjective endings after definite articles
Describe known nouns accurately.
The rule
After a definite article, adjectives usually take -en. Use -e in nominative singular and in feminine or neuter accusative singular.
der gute Mann · die gute Frau · das gute Kind · die guten Leute · den guten Mann
Identify case, gender, and number from the noun phrase, then let the definite article carry the strong signal.
Use -e after nominative singular der, die, das and accusative singular die, das. Use -en in plural and in all dative forms, plus masculine accusative.
Every adjective in a coordinated series receives an ending: der neue rote Mantel. The ending repeats because each adjective modifies the noun.
Core forms and structures
Use this table as a reference, then retrieve the forms without looking.
| Case / gender | German phrase | Ending | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| nom. masc. | der gute Mann | -e | the good man |
| nom. fem./neut. | die gute Frau / das gute Kind | -e | the good woman/child |
| acc. masc. | den guten Mann | -en | the good man |
| plural | die guten Leute | -en | the good people |
| dative | dem guten Mann | -en | to the good man |
German examples with English meanings
Der neue Kurs beginnt heute.
The new course begins today.
Nominative masculine after der takes -e.
Die rote Tasche ist teuer.
The red bag is expensive.
Nominative feminine after die takes -e.
Das kleine Kind schläft.
The small child is sleeping.
Nominative neuter after das takes -e.
Ich sehe den alten Mann.
I see the old man.
Masculine accusative after den takes -en.
Wir kaufen die frische Milch.
We buy the fresh milk.
Feminine accusative after die takes -e.
Sie besucht das neue Museum.
She visits the new museum.
Die neuen Nachbarn sind nett.
The new neighbours are nice.
Ich spreche mit dem freundlichen Arzt.
I speak with the friendly doctor.
Sie hilft der kranken Frau.
She helps the sick woman.
Wir wohnen in den alten Häusern.
We live in the old houses.
Common mistakes
Incorrect: Sie besucht das neuen Museum.
Correct: Sie besucht das neue Museum.
Neuter accusative after das takes -e.
Incorrect: Die neue Nachbarn sind nett.
Correct: Die neuen Nachbarn sind nett.
All plural forms after a definite article take -en.
Incorrect: Ich spreche mit dem freundliche Arzt.
Correct: Ich spreche mit dem freundlichen Arzt.
All dative definite phrases take -en.
Incorrect: Sie hilft der kranke Frau.
Correct: Sie hilft der kranken Frau.
Dative feminine after der takes -en.
Incorrect: Wir wohnen in den alte Häuser.
Correct: Wir wohnen in den alten Häusern.
Dative plural adjective takes -en; noun also receives -n where possible.
Details and useful distinctions
Use the 'five -e boxes' shortcut only after understanding the table; check all remaining cells as -en at A2.
Practise this grammar
After der-words, remember five -e cells: nominative singular and feminine/neuter accusative. Use -en everywhere else.
Open Adjective endings after definite articles exercises →
For source references and editorial level notes, see the grammar reference. You can report a correction if an explanation or example seems wrong.