Besondere maskuline Nomen: Die N-Deklination

Q: How do I recognise when to add -n to a weak masculine noun?

Weak masculine nouns typically add -n or -en in all cases except the nominative singular. These nouns are often animate masculine nouns, such as professions or nationalities. Examples include der Student → den Studenten and der Däne → den Dänen .

At CEFR level A1, learners encounter a special group of masculine nouns called the N-Deklination (weak masculine declension). These nouns add an ending -n or -en in all cases except the nominative singular, affecting how you form direct objects and use prepositions.

Kernregel: Weak masculine nouns keep their base form only in the nominative singular. All other forms (accusative, dative, genitive) require the ending -n or -en. Example: der Kollege (nominative) becomes den Kollegen (accusative).

Warum ist das wichtig?

A few masculine nouns behave differently: they add an extra -n (or -en) in every case except the nominative singular. Understanding this pattern helps you keep subject forms (Nominativ) and direct-object forms (Akkusativ) accurate in simple sentences.

Merke: Memorize these nouns together with their special endings. Think "der Kollege – ich treffe den Kollegen". The article changes, and the noun receives -n.

Formen im Überblick

The table highlights the two cases you use most in A1 conversations.

N-Deklination: Kasusformen des schwachen Maskulinums am Beispiel "der Kollege"
Kasus	Singular (Maskulin)	Plural
Nominativ	der Kollege	die Kollegen
Akkusativ	den Kollegen	die Kollegen
Dativ	dem Kollegen	den Kollegen
Genitiv	des Kollegen	der Kollegen

Notice how only the nominative singular keeps the "base" form. All other boxes show the -n ending. When you switch from subject to object, add -n automatically.

Welche Wörter gehören dazu?

Nomen auf -e

Many masculine nouns ending in -e follow this pattern.

der Kollege → ich sehe den Kollegen
der Junge → du kennst den Jungen
der Kunde → wir beraten den Kunden

Nationalitäten

Most masculine nationality words ending in -e or -er also add -n.

der Däne → ich grüße den Dänen
der Chinese → sie trifft den Chinesen
der Portugiese → wir besuchen den Portugiesen

Endungen -ant / -ent / -ist

These endings signal n-declension, even if the noun does not end in -e.

der Praktikant → die Chefin lobt den Praktikanten
der Patient → der Arzt untersucht den Patienten
der Journalist → ich lese den Journalisten

Beispiele Nominativ vs. Akkusativ

Compare how the role in the sentence changes the form of the noun.

Nominativ (Subjekt)

Der Praktikant hilft heute im Labor.
Der Däne wohnt in Berlin.
Der Journalist schreibt einen Artikel.

Akkusativ (direktes Objekt)

Die Ärztin begrüßt den Praktikanten.
Ich besuche den Dänen am Wochenende.
Wir hören den Journalisten im Podcast.

Tip: Say the sentence aloud. If you feel the noun receiving the action, add -n.

Häufig gestellte Fragen – FAQ

What is the N-Deklination in German?

The N-Deklination in German refers to a group of masculine nouns that add an -n or -en ending in all cases except the nominative singular. These nouns are often animate masculine nouns, such as der Student → den Studenten.

Which nouns follow the N-Deklination?

Nouns that follow the N-Deklination are typically masculine and often animate, such as professions or nationalities. Examples include der Student → den Studenten and der Däne → den Dänen.

How do I recognise when to add -n to a weak masculine noun?

Weak masculine nouns typically add -n or -en in all cases except the nominative singular. These nouns are often animate masculine nouns, such as professions or nationalities. Examples include der Student → den Studenten and der Däne → den Dänen.