Adjective endings after definite articles

In brief

When an adjective comes between a definite article and a noun, it takes an ending: der rote Mantel, not der rot Mantel. The article already signals much of the noun’s gender and case, so the adjective usually ends in -e or -en.

Form

Definite article + adjective ending + noun. Singular: nominative -e (der rote, die rote, das rote); accusative -en for masculine (den roten), -e for feminine and neuter (die rote, das rote). Dative and genitive: -en for every gender. Plural: -en in every case (die alten, den alten).

Usage

• Use -e in the singular nominative: das kleine Kind.
• Use -en after den in the masculine accusative: den großen Hund.
• Use -en in the dative and with plural nouns: der netten Nachbarin, die alten Bücher.

Examples

• Das kleine Kind spielt im Garten. — The little child is playing in the garden.
• Ich sehe den großen Hund. — I see the big dog.
• Sie hilft der netten Nachbarin. — She helps the nice neighbor.
• Die alten Bücher liegen auf dem Tisch. — The old books are on the table.

Common mistake

❌ Ich sehe den große Hund.

✅ Ich sehe den großen Hund.

After den, the masculine accusative adjective takes -en, even though the article already has an ending.

Remember

After a definite article, use -e only in the singular nominative and in the feminine or neuter accusative. In the other forms, use -en.