Learn Hardcore German: Elternteil liebt das Kind.

Elternteil literally means “parent.” Even though its root, Eltern, is plural (“parents”), the compound Elternteil is singular and refers to one parent.

Why is Elternteil used without an article, while das Kind includes the definite article das?

In German, articles can sometimes be omitted for stylistic or generic statements—especially in headlines or proverbs. Here, Elternteil appears without an article to express a general truth, while das Kind uses the article to define the specific noun. It also reflects that while the child is treated as a particular entity in this sentence, the focus is on the fact that “a parent loves the child” in a general sense.

How does the verb liebt agree with the subject Elternteil in this sentence?

The verb liebt is the third person singular form of lieben. Even though Elternteil incorporates the plural Eltern as its root, the compound itself is singular (referring to one parent), so the verb correctly appears as liebt.

What case is das Kind in, and how can you tell?

Das Kind is in the accusative case because it is the direct object of the verb liebt. In German, neuter nouns like Kind have the form das in both the nominative and accusative, so context—the role of receiving the action—indicates its accusative function.

Why are the nouns Elternteil and Kind capitalized in the sentence?

German orthographic rules require that all nouns be capitalized, regardless of their position in a sentence. This is why both Elternteil and Kind begin with capital letters.

Does the term Elternteil imply a specific gender, such as indicating a father or a mother?

No, Elternteil is gender-neutral. Despite being grammatically neuter, it simply means “parent” and does not specify whether it refers to a mother or a father.