Introduction
German adjective declension does not only apply to definite or indefinite articles. It also appears after possessive pronouns such as mein (my), dein (your), sein (his), ihr (her), and so on. In this article, we focus on how adjectives behave after possessive pronouns and show you how these endings compare to other article types.
For a broader perspective, you can explore:
- German adjective declension with definite articles
- German adjective declension with indefinite Articles
- German adjective endings (overview)
- German cases
Table of German Adjective Endings with Possessive Pronouns
Below is a chart displaying the adjective klug (clever) alongside the pronoun dein (your). Note that other possessive pronouns (mein, sein, ihr) follow the same pattern. Observe how these endings vary by gender (masculine, feminine, neuter), number (singular vs. plural), and case. Each bold element (-e, -es, -er, -en) indicates the adjective ending.
| Masculine (dein kluger Mann) |
Feminine (deine kluge Frau) |
Neuter (dein kluges Kind) |
Plural (deine klugen Kinder) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | dein kluger Mann | deine kluge Frau | dein kluges Kind | deine klugen Kinder |
| Genitive | deines klugen Mannes | deiner klugen Frau | deines klugen Kindes | deiner klugen Kinder |
| Dative | deinem klugen Mann | deiner klugen Frau | deinem klugen Kind | deinen klugen Kindern |
| Accusative | deinen klugen Mann | deine kluge Frau | dein kluges Kind | deine klugen Kinder |
Notice that the plural endings match those used with definite articles (e.g., die klugen Kinder). In singular, the endings mirror indefinite article usage (e.g., ein kluger Mann). The same applies to pronouns like mein, sein, or kein.
Example Sentences with Adjective Endings and Possessive Pronouns
Here are examples using different cases, pronouns, and adjectives:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Mein netter Bruder kauft ein Geschenk. | My kind brother is buying a present. |
| Wir helfen unserer hilfsbereiten Nachbarin. | We help our helpful neighbor. |
| Hat sein neues Handy genug Speicherplatz? | Does his new phone have enough storage? |
| Sie spricht von ihrer spannenden Reise. | She talks about her exciting trip. |
| Eure neugierigen Kinder stellen viele Fragen. | Your curious children ask many questions. |
| Hast du dein altes Auto verkauft? | Have you sold your old car? |
Difference of Adjective Endings with Indefinite Articles vs. Possessive Pronouns
The adjective endings for mein, dein, sein, ihr, unser, euer, etc. follow the same singular pattern as indefinite articles. In other words, the endings in masculine/feminine/neuter singular are identical to ein, eine usage. Meanwhile, for plural forms, possessive pronouns behave like definite articles (e.g., deine klugen Kinder vs. die klugen Kinder).
- Singular: Adjective endings match indefinite article forms (ein kluger Mann → dein kluger Mann).
- Plural: Adjective endings follow definite article patterns (die klugen Kinder → deine klugen Kinder).
- Kein follows the same rule: “Kein” acts like a possessive pronoun for adjective endings (singular = indefinite, plural = definite endings).
Adjective Endings Quizzes Practice
A focused learner improving skills with a German Articles Quiz at a café.
Test your skills with these free quizzes:
Tips and Tricks
- Learn Patterns by Category: Group singular forms (masculine, feminine, neuter) together, then memorize the plural endings, which mirror definite articles.
- Combine with Noun Genders: Always learn nouns with their gender to speed up selecting the correct pronoun and adjective ending.
- Use “Kein” Wisely: “Kein” is simply the negative form of indefinite/possessive usage. It copies the same adjective ending pattern.
Conclusion
Mastering adjective declension with possessive pronouns is simpler once you see it parallels ein-type (indefinite) endings in the singular and die-type (definite) endings in the plural. Keep practicing to recognize these patterns automatically.
For a bigger picture of adjective endings, visit German adjective endings or check out how these forms differ with definite articles vs. indefinite articles. Consistency and frequent exposure in conversation or reading will help you refine these essential grammar skills.
FAQ
1. Are endings always the same for all possessive pronouns?
Yes. Whether mein, dein, sein, ihr, or another, the adjective endings follow the same ein-type pattern.
2. What happens in plural forms with “mein” or “dein”?
Plural follows the same endings as if you had die, meaning the definite article pattern (e.g., meine klugen Kinder follows the same structure like die kleinen Kinder).
3. Does “kein” also follow these rules?
Yes. “Kein” is treated like a possessive pronoun for adjective endings, matching indefinite patterns in singular and definite patterns in plural.
4. How do I know if a noun is masculine, feminine, or neuter?
Regularly memorize each noun with its article and notice common suffixes or patterns to help recall the gender quickly. You can get more information: here.
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