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
die Grammatik
grammar book
A textbook that explains and presents the grammatical rules of a language.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mir eine neue Grammatik gekauft, um mein Spanisch zu verbessern.
I bought myself a new grammar book to improve my Spanish.
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 Syntax
syntax
Grammatik refers to the rule system of a language for forming correct sentences. Syntax focuses more specifically on the structure of sentences and phrases and on how words are connected. Syntax is therefore more precise when referring to specific sentence structures.
Grammatik
Im Sprachkurs lernen wir die Grammatik für den Bau korrekter deutscher Sätze.
In the language course, we are learning the grammar needed to construct correct German sentences.
Syntax
Heute untersuchen wir in der Syntax die Stellung des Verbs im deutschen Satz.
Today in syntax, we are examining the position of the verb in a German sentence.
In real life
Loading video examples...