Learn Hardcore German: Das Rezept ist einfach.

In German, adjectives used predicatively (i.e. after a linking verb like ist) remain in their base, uninflected form. Only attributive adjectives—that is, those directly preceding a noun—take case, gender, and number endings.

How would I use einfach attributively to say a simple recipe in German?

Attributive adjectives must be declined. Rezept is neuter singular nominative, so with the indefinite article you say ein einfaches Rezept. Here -es is the proper ending for a neuter nominative attributive adjective.

Why is das used in Das Rezept ist einfach?

Das is the definite article for neuter nouns in the nominative case. Since Rezept is neuter and we’re talking about a specific recipe—the recipe—you use das. If you meant a recipe, you’d use ein Rezept instead.

How do I know that Rezept is neuter?

German noun genders often have to be memorized, but there are patterns: many nouns ending in -et are neuter. Ultimately, it’s safest to check a dictionary entry, which will list das Rezept.

How do I pronounce Rezept and einfach?

Rezept: [ʁeˈt͡sɛpt], stress on the second syllable. The z sounds like ts in cats.
Einfach: [ˈaɪ̯nfax] (sometimes transcribed [ˈaɪ̯nˌfax]), stress on the first syllable; the ch is the voiceless velar fricative like Scottish loch.

Why is ist in the second position in the sentence?

German main clauses follow the V2 (verb-second) rule: the finite verb must occupy the second slot. Here Das Rezept is the first element, so ist appears immediately after it.

How do I form a yes/no question from Das Rezept ist einfach?

Invert the subject and verb: Ist das Rezept einfach? With a verb-first word order, you turn the statement into the question “Is the recipe simple?”

Where do I place nicht when negating Das Rezept ist einfach?

To negate the adjective, place nicht directly before it: Das Rezept ist nicht einfach. This means “The recipe is not simple.” If you wanted to negate the noun (i.e. “This is not a recipe”), use kein instead.

Is einfach the same as leicht, or is there a nuance difference?

Both can translate as simple/easy, but there’s a subtle distinction. Einfach stresses simplicity or straightforwardness (e.g. plain design or clear steps), while leicht emphasizes ease or lack of effort. Often you can swap them—Das Rezept ist leicht works—but leicht can also mean lightweight, which einfach cannot.