German grammar can sometimes be really confusing – which article to use, how does the article change in the accusative case, when to use a capital letter, and so on. Although I personally find it easier to speak casually when I’m not actively thinking about grammar, it is always good to have a refresher on some of the rules.

When do I use a capital letter?

Here is a super easy rule – if it is an object or noun, you use a capital letter. So for example der Stuhl (the chair) would have a capital letter and of course if it was a name like Susie you would also have a capital letter (just like in any other language).

 

Where do the verbs go in a sentence?

A general rule is that the verb usually comes second in a sentence:

Ich sehe einen Berg (I see a mountain)

Ich laufe nach Hause (I run home)

Ich bin Krank (I am sick)

When you use the word “weil” (because), it always sends the verb to the end of the sentence:

Ich kann nicht, weil ich Krank bin (I can’t because I am ill)

Ich habe eine gute Ausdauer, weil ich jeden Tag nach Hause laufe

(I have a good stamina, because I run home every day)

 

Which article do I use?

The three definite articles are der, die das. Although this does vary on what you say, you can easily remember that if the noun is plural, then the article will always be “die” (in the nominative case). For example:

der Tisch (the table)                die Tische (the tables)

das Fenster (the window)      die Fenster (the windows)

There are only a few exceptions, for example:

das Geld (the money)

 

I hope this post helps you remember a few grammar rules without overloading you with too much information! I always find grammar is best when it is in small, easy to understand pieces of information. If you have any questions then drop me a comment below!

Thanks,

Larissa