01
das
the
Definite article that accompanies a neuter noun in the singular nominative or accusative.
example
Das Kind liest das Buch.
The child is reading the book.
das
the / that
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Common mistake: das/dass
A common mistake is confusing 'das' (the/that/which) and 'dass' (that). A simple rule: if you can replace 'das' with 'dieses' (this) or 'welches' (which), it is written with one 's'. If not, it is the conjunction 'dass'.
EXAMPLE
Das Haus, das dort steht, ist alt.
The house that stands there is old.
Same in nominative and accusative
The article 'das' (the) for neuter nouns has the same form in the nominative and accusative. You do not need to change the article in these two cases.
EXAMPLE
Das Auto ist neu.
The car is new.
Referring to whole sentences
As a demonstrative pronoun, 'das' (that) can refer to an entire situation or to the content of a previous sentence. It summarizes the idea.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat die Prüfung bestanden. Das freut mich sehr für sie.
She passed the exam. I am very happy about that for her.
Word order in relative clauses
When 'das' (that/which) introduces a relative clause for a neuter noun, the conjugated verb always comes at the end of the clause.
EXAMPLE
Ich lese gerade das Buch, das du mir empfohlen hast.
I am currently reading the book that you recommended to me.
Colloquial usage
Using 'das' instead of the conjunction 'dass' (that) is purely colloquial. In written texts and in formal situations, this is a mistake.
EXAMPLE
Er sagt, das er später kommt.
He says that he is coming later.
Compare with
das vs der
the
'der' and 'das' can both appear before a noun or be used as pronouns. The difference is mainly grammatical gender. In the nominative, 'der' goes with masculine nouns, for example 'der Plan' (the plan). 'das' goes with neuter nouns, for example 'das Buch' (the book). Both can also be relative pronouns: 'der' then refers to a masculine noun, while 'das' refers to a neuter noun. They are easy to confuse if you are not yet sure of the noun's gender. A practical tip: it is best to always learn the noun together with its article.
das
Das Fahrrad ist heute zu teuer, deshalb kauft er es nicht.
The bicycle is too expensive today, so he is not buying it.
der
Der Plan für den Ausflug liegt schon auf dem Tisch.
The plan for the trip is already on the table.
In real life
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