Die Terrasse hinter dem Haus ist groß und ruhig.

to be

Breakdown of Die Terrasse hinter dem Haus ist groß und ruhig.

• und: and
• dem: the; (masculine or neuter, dative)
• das Haus: the house

Questions & Answers about Die Terrasse hinter dem Haus ist groß und ruhig.

Why is it "dem Haus" and not "das Haus" or "den Haus"?

Because hinter is a two-way preposition. With location (no movement), it takes the dative: dem. Haus is neuter (das Haus), and its dative singular is dem: hinter dem Haus. If there were movement to a position behind the house, you'd use the accusative: hinter das Haus (e.g., Er geht hinter das Haus).

Why do "groß" and "ruhig" have no adjective endings here?

They’re predicate adjectives after the verb ist. Predicate adjectives in German are not declined: Die Terrasse ist groß und ruhig. If the adjectives came before the noun, they would take endings: die große, ruhige Terrasse.

What gender is "Terrasse," and how does that affect the article?

Terrasse is feminine. In the nominative singular you use die Terrasse. Other common forms:

• Accusative: die Terrasse
• Dative: der Terrasse (e.g., auf der Terrasse)
• Genitive: der Terrasse

Can I move "hinter dem Haus" to a different position in the sentence?