01
die Grammatik
grammar
The rule system of a language that describes how words are combined into sentences.
example
Die deutsche Grammatik ist für viele Lernende eine Herausforderung.
German grammar is a challenge for many learners.
die Grammatik
grammar
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Context clue
You can often distinguish the two meanings by the article and the verb. 'Die Grammatik' (the grammar, with the definite article) usually means the rule system. 'Eine Grammatik' (a grammar book, with the indefinite article) or verbs like 'kaufen' (to buy) or 'nachschlagen' (to look up) point to the textbook.
EXAMPLE
Die Grammatik dieser Sprache ist sehr logisch aufgebaut.
The grammar of this language is structured very logically.
Word family
The word family includes the adjective 'grammatisch' (grammatical) or 'grammatikalisch' (grammatical). It is used to refer to the rules of grammar.
EXAMPLE
Der Satz ist zwar verständlich, aber er enthält einen grammatischen Fehler.
The sentence is understandable, but it contains a grammatical error.
Typical collocations
When referring to the rule system, 'Grammatik' (grammar) is often combined with verbs such as 'lernen' (to learn), 'üben' (to practice), 'verstehen' (to understand), or 'erklären' (to explain). People also speak of 'deutsche/englische/… Grammatik' (German/English/... grammar).
EXAMPLE
Im Sprachkurs üben wir heute die Grammatik zum Thema Konjunktiv II.
In the language course, we are practicing grammar on the topic of the subjunctive II today.
Compare with
Grammatik vs Lehrbuch
textbook
'die Grammatik' and 'das Lehrbuch' can both mean a book for learning. That is why they can be confused. However, 'die Grammatik' often first means the rules of a language, such as word order, cases, or tenses. In addition, 'eine Grammatik' can also be a grammar book that explains exactly these rules. 'das Lehrbuch' is more general: it can be for German, mathematics, history, or many other subjects. When you are talking about language rules themselves, 'Grammatik' fits. When you are talking about a learning book for a subject, 'Lehrbuch' fits.
Grammatik
Für die Prüfung wiederholt sie die Grammatik der deutschen Nebensätze.
For the exam, she reviews the grammar of German subordinate clauses.
Lehrbuch
Am Morgen lesen wir im Lehrbuch ein neues Kapitel über die deutsche Geschichte.
In the morning, we read a new chapter about German history in the textbook.
In real life
Loading video examples...