Learn Hardcore German: Peters Bleistift liegt im Becher, aber der Deckel fehlt. - Peter’s pencil is in the cup, but the lid is missing.

In German, the possessive of a proper name is formed by simply adding -s without an apostrophe: Peters Bleistift. You use an apostrophe only if the name already ends in an s-like sound: Hans’ Auto, Alex’ Buch, Max’ Tasche.

Is Peters Bleistift the genitive? Could I also say der Bleistift von Peter?

Yes. The -s on Peters is a genitive attribute. Der Bleistift von Peter is equally correct and common. The s‑genitive with names (Peters Bleistift) is compact and neutral; von Peter can feel a bit more explanatory or colloquial.

What does im mean exactly?

Im is the contraction of in dem. So im Becher = in dem Becher.

Which case does in take here, and why?

Dative, because it describes location (where something is): im (in dem) Becher. With motion toward a place, in takes the accusative: Peter legt den Bleistift in den Becher.

What gender are Becher and Deckel, and what are their articles?

Both are masculine: der Becher, der Deckel. Hence dative singular dem: im (in dem) Becher.

Why use liegt and not just ist?

German often prefers posture verbs to describe location: liegen (lying), stehen (standing), hängen (hanging), sitzen (sitting). Der Bleistift liegt im Becher is more specific; Der Bleistift ist im Becher is correct but less descriptive.

Should it be steht instead of liegt for a pencil in a cup?

It depends on orientation. Upright in the cup: Der Bleistift steht im Becher. Horizontal at the bottom: liegt. If orientation doesn’t matter, ist is fine.

What does fehlt mean here? How else is fehlen used?

Der Deckel fehlt = “The lid is missing.” With fehlen, the missing thing is the subject. You can add who lacks it with a dative: Mir fehlt der Deckel (“I’m missing the lid”). Contrast: Ich vermisse dich (“I miss you”) vs Du fehlst mir.

Why is there a comma before aber?

It separates two independent main clauses. With coordinating conjunctions like aber, German requires a comma in this use.

Does aber change word order?

No. As a coordinating conjunction, it doesn’t affect verb position. The second clause stays verb‑second: ..., aber der Deckel fehlt. Not ..., aber fehlt der Deckel.

Could I use sondern instead of aber?

Only after a negation to mean “but rather.” Example: Der Bleistift liegt nicht im Becher, sondern auf dem Tisch. Without a prior negation, use aber.

Why use the definite article der Deckel even though it wasn’t mentioned before?

German often uses the definite article for items identifiable from context (“bridging”). If there’s a cup, a lid is the natural associated item, so der Deckel is understood. You can make it explicit: ..., aber der Deckel des Bechers fehlt.

Does Deckel also mean a pen cap?

For containers, it’s Deckel (lid). For pens, the usual word is Kappe (Stiftkappe/Kugelschreiberkappe). People may say Stiftdeckel colloquially, but Kappe is the safe choice. Pencils (Bleistifte) normally don’t have caps.

What’s the difference between Becher, Tasse, and Glas?

Becher: cup/tumbler, usually tall, without a handle; often plastic/paper.
Tasse: cup with a handle, typically for coffee/tea.
Glas: made of glass; a drinking glass.

Is the sentence in the present tense? How would it look in the past?

Yes: liegt, fehlt are present. Simple past: Peters Bleistift lag im Becher, aber der Deckel fehlte.