Learn Hardcore German: Wir können diese Herausforderung gemeinsam meistern.

In German main verbs go to the end when you use a modal verb. Here können is the modal (conjugated: wir können), so the main verb meistern moves to the final position.

What case is diese Herausforderung, and how do I know?

Herausforderung is feminine (die Herausforderung). It’s the direct object of meistern, so it takes the accusative case. The accusative feminine article/demonstrative is diese (singular), matching diese Herausforderung.

Why is diese used instead of die?

Diese is a demonstrative determiner (“this/these”) emphasizing this particular challenge. Die alone would mean simply “the challenge.” Using diese highlights that specific challenge you’re talking about.

What does gemeinsam mean, and where can I place it in the sentence?

Gemeinsam means “together” or “jointly.” It’s an adverb here, modifying meistern. You can say:

Wir können diese Herausforderung gemeinsam meistern.
Wir können gemeinsam diese Herausforderung meistern.
Both are correct; only the emphasis shifts slightly.

Could I use zusammen instead of gemeinsam?

Yes. Zusammen also means “together.” The sentence becomes: Wir können diese Herausforderung zusammen meistern. There’s virtually no difference in everyday usage.

Why do we say wir instead of uns at the beginning?

Wir is the subject pronoun “we.” Uns is the accusative or dative object pronoun “us.” Since “we” are performing the action of mastering, we need the subject form wir.

Can I drop diese and still be correct?

Yes, you can say Wir können die Herausforderung gemeinsam meistern. That’s “We can master the challenge together.” You lose the “this/particular” emphasis but the grammar remains perfect.