adjective
das Adjektiv, die Adjektive
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adjective
A part of speech in grammar that describes a quality or characteristic of a noun. It is also called an Eigenschaftswort (describing word) or Wiewort (how-word).
In der Wendung „ein schöner Tag“ ist „schöner“ das Adjektiv.
In the phrase “a beautiful day,” “beautiful” is the adjective.
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Adjektive |
| genitive | des Adjektivs |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Adjektiv | die Adjektive |
| accusative | das Adjektiv | die Adjektive |
| dative | dem Adjektiv | den Adjektiven |
| genitive | des Adjektivs | der Adjektive |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
In German, adjectives are also called “Eigenschaftswörter” (describing words). This name helps with understanding: it is a word that describes the quality of a person or thing.
Das Wort „groß“ ist ein Eigenschaftswort.
The word “groß” (big) is a describing word.
An adjective can be used in three ways: attributively (before a noun), predicatively (with verbs like “sein” (to be) or “werden” (to become)), or adverbially (to describe a verb).
Das ist ein schnelles Auto. (attributiv)
That is a fast car. (attributive)
In grammar lessons, “Adjektiv” (adjective) is often combined with certain verbs. You can “deklinieren” (decline) an adjective, meaning adjust its ending, or “steigern” (compare) it, e.g. schön, schöner, am schönsten (beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful).
Im Deutschen muss man Adjektive vor einem Nomen deklinieren.
In German, you have to decline adjectives before a noun.
attribute
The adjective refers to a part of speech, whereas the Attribut refers to the function of an expression that further defines a noun or pronoun. An adjective can be used as an Attribut, but not every Attribut is an adjective. Use Adjektiv for the part of speech and Attribut for the function.
Das Wort „rotes“ ist in der Formulierung „ein rotes Auto“ ein Adjektiv.
The word “rotes” is an adjective in the phrase “ein rotes Auto.”
Das Wort „rotes“ dient in der Formulierung „ein rotes Auto“ als Attribut.
The word “rotes” functions as an attribute in the phrase “ein rotes Auto.”
