Unser Modell wirkt realistisch.

our

Breakdown of Unser Modell wirkt realistisch.

• wirken: to seem
• realistisch: realistic
• das Modell: the model

Questions & Answers about Unser Modell wirkt realistisch.

Why is it Unser Modell and not Unsere Modell or Unserem Modell?

Unser is the possessive determiner for a neuter noun in the nominative case.

• Modell has the article das → it’s a neuter noun.
• In this sentence, Modell is the subject → nominative case.
• The nominative neuter form of unser- is unser (no ending).

Compare:

• Das ist unser Modell. – That is our model. (neuter, nominative → unser)
• Ich sehe unser Modell. – I see our model. (neuter, accusative → also unser)
• mit unserem Modell – with our model. (neuter, dative → unserem)
• wegen unseres Modells – because of our model. (neuter, genitive → unseres)

What gender is Modell, and how do I know?

Modell is neuter: das Modell.

You generally have to learn the gender with the noun. There is no reliable rule here, but a few hints:

• Many technical, abstract, or foreign-origin words ending in -ell can be neuter, e.g. das Modell, das Hotel, das Niveau.
• However, gender in German is largely arbitrary; dictionary entries and vocabulary lists usually include the article:
  • das Modell (n.) – the model

What case is Modell in, and how can I tell?