Weak Masculine Nouns (N-Declension)
Most German nouns do not change their spelling when they become the object of a sentence. However, a special group of masculine nouns—often called "weak" nouns—must add an -n or -en to the end of the word in every case except the nominative (the subject). This pattern is known as N-Declension.
These nouns typically describe people, professions, titles, or nationalities.
Adding an Ending: "der Herr"
A very common word in this group is der Herr (the gentleman / Mr.). In the accusative (direct object) and dative (indirect object) cases, it adds an -n.
| I know the gentleman. | Ich kenne den Herrn. |
| We are speaking with the gentleman. | Wir sprechen mit dem Herrn. |
Professions and Titles (-en)
Many masculine nouns describing people that end in foreign suffixes like -ent, -ant, -ist, or -graf add -en. Common examples include der Student, der Polizist, and der Fotograf.
| The teacher is helping the student. | Der Lehrer hilft dem Studenten. |
| Are you waiting for the student? | Wartest du auf den Studenten? |
| Did you ask the police officer? | Hast du den Polizisten gefragt? |
| The car belongs to the police officer. | Das Auto gehört dem Polizisten. |
Nouns Ending in "-e" (-n)
Masculine nouns that end in -e simply add an -n in the accusative and dative cases. This includes words like der Kunde (the customer), der Franzose (the Frenchman), and der Neffe (the nephew).
| The boss is calling the customer. | Der Chef ruft den Kunden an. |
| I answered the customer. | Ich habe dem Kunden geantwortet. |
This rule applies consistently to nationalities and people described with an -e ending:
| I am inviting the Frenchman. | Ich lade den Franzosen ein. |
| I am thinking about my nephew. | Ich denke an meinen Neffen. |
