German Dative Verbs

Overview

A German dative verb is one that normally takes an object in the dative case—usually without any other object. Yes, there are more lists to memorize, but the concept is a very simple one to master...

Word verb made from square letter tiles against black background.

June 28, 2023

stephen

In German there are a number of verbs that require dative case objects (typically pronouns). These verbs do not need accusative objects. Here is a partial list of such verbs:

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Beispiele:

Ich danke dir! I thank you!

Eine Lampe fehlt mir im Wohnzimmer. I am missing a lamp in my living room.

Die neue Wohnung gefällt uns. We like the new apartment.

Sein Arm tut ihm weh. His arm hurts.

Die Bluse steht ihr gut. The blouse suits her well / looks good on her.

Sie sind ihnen im Fussballstadion begegnet. They ran into them at the soccer stadium.

Herr Krauss, ich stimme Ihnen zu! Mr. Krauss, I agree with you!

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German Accusative and Dative Prepositions

When we talk about movement, from point A to B, we apply the Accusative case. Here’s an easy way to remember: ACtive -> ACcusative

Always ask the question, “Wohin” (where to?), when considering the accusative with these prepositions.

The difference with Dative is that we’re talking about a static situation. The question to ask here is “Wo?” (where?).

Soccer player in action on the soccer stadium

German Review of all Tenses

There are 6 basic tenses in German. The two ‘simple’ tenses are present and simple past. They use just one, conjugated verb. The four ‘compound’ tenses are present perfect, past perfect, future, and future perfect.

German Idioms

Not only will learning idioms improve your German comprehension, but it’ll also give you insight into German culture and history. Here are some of the most common German idioms.

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The CEFR is an international standard used to describe language ability. Here are specific details of the CEFR for this topic.

General Explanation:

Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Specific Capabilities at this Level

Writing:

I can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings. I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form.

Spoken Production:

I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and people I know.

Spoken Interaction:

I can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I’m trying to say. I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.

Reading:

I can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues.

Listening:

I can recognize familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly.

German Dative Verbs

Overview

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Additional Topics

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

General Explanation:

Specific Capabilities at this Level

Writing:

Spoken Production:

Spoken Interaction:

Reading:

Listening:

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