Dative phrases in German

In German, dative phrases play an important role in expressing the indirect object or recipient of an action. The dative case is used to indicate to whom or for whom something is being done. Understanding dative phrases is essential for building grammatically correct sentences and communicating effectively in German.

Here are a few key points to remember when dealing with dative phrases:

  1. Dative Prepositions: Certain prepositions in German always govern the dative case. Some common dative prepositions include “mit” (with), “nach” (after/to), “von” (from/of), “bei” (at/with), and “zu” (to). When these prepositions are used, the noun following them takes the dative case.
  2. Dative Verbs: Some verbs in German are used with indirect objects and require the dative case. These verbs include “helfen” (to help), “geben” (to give), “antworten” (to answer), and “sagen” (to say/tell).
  3. Dative Articles and Pronouns: In the dative case, definite articles change form. For masculine and neuter nouns, “der” changes to “dem,” and “das” changes to “dem.” Feminine and plural nouns remain the same as in the nominative case. Additionally, pronouns also change in the dative case.
  4. Dative Word Order: In German sentences with dative phrases, the word order changes. The dative noun or pronoun usually comes before the accusative object, and both precede the verb.
English German
I’m giving the book to you. Ich gebe dir das Buch.
She is helping the children. Sie hilft den Kindern.
We are talking to the teacher. Wir sprechen mit dem Lehrer.
He is writing a letter to his friend. Er schreibt seinem Freund einen Brief.
They are bringing flowers for their grandmother. Sie bringen ihrer Oma Blumen.
Can you pass me the salt? Kannst du mir das Salz geben?
I’m going to the store with my sister. Ich gehe mit meiner Schwester zum Geschäft.
The dog is following the man. Der Hund folgt dem Mann.
We are going to the park with our friends. Wir gehen mit unseren Freunden in den Park.
She is singing a song for her parents. Sie singt ihren Eltern ein Lied.
He is buying a gift for his girlfriend. Er kauft seiner Freundin ein Geschenk.
Can you lend me your pen? Kannst du mir deinen Stift leihen?
We are showing the photos to our grandparents. Wir zeigen unseren Großeltern die Fotos.
The teacher is explaining the lesson to the students. Der Lehrer erklärt den Schülern die Lektion.
He is playing soccer with his teammates. Er spielt mit seinen Mannschaftskameraden Fußball.
She is offering a drink to the guests. Sie bietet den Gästen ein Getränk an.
I’m telling my friend a secret. Ich erzähle meinem Freund ein Geheimnis.
They are buying presents for their children. Sie kaufen ihren Kindern Geschenke.
The doctor is prescribing medication for the patient. Der Arzt verschreibt dem Patienten Medikamente.
We are sending a postcard to our relatives. Wir schicken unseren Verwandten eine Postkarte.