Grammar · Verb complements

The accusative complement

Many German verbs require a direct object in the accusative. Ask Wen oder was? to identify it.

Level A1–A28 minutesSelf-test included

Wen oder was?

The direct object

  • Lea kauft einen Mantel. → Was kauft Lea?
  • Wir besuchen unsere Freunde. → Wen besuchen wir?
  • Der Schüler liest das Buch. → Was liest der Schüler?

Recognising the forms

Articles in the accusative

Only masculine articles show a clear change from nominative to accusative.

GenderDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
masculinedeneinenkeinen
femininedieeinekeine
neuterdaseinkein
pluraldiekeine

Core vocabulary

Common accusative verbs

haben, brauchen, kaufen, sehen, hören, lesen, essen, trinken, besuchen, fragen, lieben, suchen, finden

Learning tip

Learn each verb together with its case and one short example sentence.

Replacing nouns

Accusative personal pronouns

NominativeAccusative
ichmich
dudich
er / sie / esihn / sie / es
wiruns
ihreuch
sie / Siesie / Sie

Quick check

Mini self-test

Insert the correct accusative article.