Questions & Answers about In jedem Zimmer steht ein Stuhl.
Why is it jedem Zimmer and not jeder Zimmer or jedes Zimmer?
Because in here takes the dative case (it describes a location, not movement), and Zimmer is neuter singular.
The determiner jeder (= every) is declined:
- Neuter singular:
- Nominative: jedes Zimmer
- Accusative: jedes Zimmer
- Dative: jedem Zimmer
So in the dative, neuter → jedem.
That’s why it must be in jedem Zimmer.
Why does in take the dative here and not the accusative?
The preposition in can take dative or accusative, depending on the meaning:
- Dative: location (where something is) → static position
- In jedem Zimmer steht ein Stuhl. = A chair is standing in every room. (Where?)
- Accusative: direction (where something is going) → movement into
- In jedes Zimmer bringt er einen Stuhl. = He brings a chair into every room. (Where to?)
In your sentence, the chair is simply located in the room, not moving into it, so dative (jedem) is required.
Why is the word order In jedem Zimmer steht ein Stuhl and not Ein Stuhl steht in jedem Zimmer?