Breakdown of Ist dieses Kunstwerk eine Fälschung?
sein
to be
ein
a, an (eine)
dieser
this / that (fem.: diese, neut.: dieses)
das Kunstwerk
the artwork
die Fälschung
the forgery
Questions & Answers about Ist dieses Kunstwerk eine Fälschung?
Why do we use dieses instead of diesen or diese?
Kunstwerk is a neuter noun (das Kunstwerk), combining die Kunst (art) and das Werk (work or creation). Because it is the subject of the sentence (nominative case), the demonstrative pronoun takes the neuter nominative ending, becoming dieses.
Why is eine Fälschung in the nominative case, even though it comes after the verb?
The verb sein (here as ist) is a linking verb. It acts like an equals sign between the subject (dieses Kunstwerk) and what it is being called (eine Fälschung). Because of this, both parts stay in the nominative case instead of triggering the accusative.
How does the word Fälschung relate to other German words?
It comes from the verb fälschen (to forge, falsify, or fake). By adding the suffix -ung, it turns into a noun. Remember that German nouns ending in -ung are always feminine, which is why it uses eine.
How would I turn this sentence into an unfulfilled wish using the grammar from this lesson?
To say 'If only this artwork were not a forgery!', you would use the Konjunktiv II and a particle like doch or nur: Wäre dieses Kunstwerk doch keine Fälschung! You start with the verb in Konjunktiv II (wäre), add the subject, and include the particle for emphasis.
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