Demonstrative Pronouns
Demonstrative pronouns point out specific people or things. They emphasize and draw attention to particular nouns.
In German, demonstrative pronouns decline like definite articles and must match the gender, number, and case of the noun they refer to.
This lesson covers the main demonstrative pronouns and how to use them correctly in German sentences.
Explanation
The most common demonstrative pronouns are 'dieser' (this), 'jener' (that), and 'derselbe' (the same).
'Dieser' is used for things close to the speaker, while 'jener' is used for things farther away (though 'der/die/das' is often used instead of 'jener').
Demonstrative pronouns decline exactly like the definite article 'der', 'die', 'das' in all cases.
Demonstrative pronouns can stand alone as pronouns or be used as determiners before nouns.
Demonstrative Pronouns - Nominativ
| Gender | This (dieser) | That (jener) |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine | dieser | jener |
| Feminine | diese | jene |
| Neuter | dieses | jenes |
| Plural | diese | jene |
Demonstrative Pronouns - Akkusativ
In the accusative case, demonstrative pronouns change form for masculine nouns.
| Gender | This (dieser) | That (jener) |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine | diesen | jenen |
| Feminine | diese | jene |
| Neuter | dieses | jenes |
| Plural | diese | jene |
Ich kaufe diesen Apfel.
I buy this apple.
Sie mag jenes Buch.
She likes that book.
Demonstrative Pronouns - Dativ
In the dative case, demonstrative pronouns change form for all genders.
| Gender | This (dieser) | That (jener) |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine | diesem | jenem |
| Feminine | dieser | jener |
| Neuter | diesem | jenem |
| Plural | diesen | jenen |
Ich helfe diesem Mann.
I help this man.
Er gibt jener Frau das Buch.
He gives that woman the book.
Examples
Dieser Mann ist mein Freund.
This man is my friend.
Diese Frau arbeitet hier.
This woman works here.
Dieses Buch ist interessant.
This book is interesting.
Jener Tag war schön.
That day was beautiful.
Ich kenne diesen Studenten.
I know this student.
Er hilft dieser Frau.
He helps this woman.
Wir sprechen mit diesen Leuten.
We speak with these people.
Common Mistakes
Dieser Buch
Dieses Buch
'Buch' is neuter, so use 'dieses', not 'dieser'.
Ich sehe dieser Mann
Ich sehe diesen Mann
In the accusative case, masculine nouns require 'diesen', not 'dieser'.
Mit dieser Männer
Mit diesen Männern
In the dative plural, use 'diesen' and the noun takes the dative plural ending.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with interactive exercises. Practice makes perfect!
Start Exercises →Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which article to use?
German articles (der, die, das) depend on the gender of the noun. While there are some patterns, many nouns must be memorized. Practice and exposure to German will help you learn them naturally.
What's the difference between definite and indefinite articles?
Definite articles (der, die, das) mean 'the' and refer to specific things. Indefinite articles (ein, eine) mean 'a/an' and refer to non-specific things. Both must match the noun's gender: use 'ein' for masculine/neuter and 'eine' for feminine.
Are there rules for determining noun gender?
While there are some helpful patterns (e.g., words ending in -ung are usually feminine), there are many exceptions. The best approach is to learn nouns with their articles from the beginning.
What happens if I use the wrong article?
While using the wrong article is a common mistake, native speakers will usually still understand you. However, using the correct article is important for sounding natural and fluent in German.