Grammar: Adjectives

Adjectives in German are words that describe nouns, such as 'groß' (big), 'klein' (small), or 'schön' (beautiful). Unlike in English, German adjectives change their endings depending on the gender, case, and number of the noun they modify, as well as the type of article (definite, indefinite, or no article) that precedes them. This system, known as adjective declension, is a fundamental aspect of German grammar that affects both written and spoken communication. Mastering it is essential for achieving accuracy in A-Level German, as it directly impacts your ability to construct grammatically correct sentences and convey precise meanings.

The topic of adjectives in German is not just about memorising endings; it also involves understanding the three declension patterns: strong, weak, and mixed. These patterns are determined by the presence and type of determiner (article or pronoun) before the adjective. For example, after a definite article ('der', 'die', 'das'), adjectives follow the weak declension, while after an indefinite article ('ein', 'eine') or possessive pronouns, they follow the mixed declension. When no article is used, the strong declension applies. This system allows for flexibility in expression but requires careful attention to detail, as errors in adjective endings can change the meaning of a sentence or make it ungrammatical.

In the WJEC A-Level German course, adjectives are tested across all four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. You will encounter them in texts, need to use them accurately in essays and translations, and apply them in oral discussions. A strong grasp of adjective declension not only helps you avoid common mistakes but also enables you to use more sophisticated structures, such as comparative and superlative forms, and to describe things with greater nuance. This topic builds on your knowledge of noun genders and cases, so it is crucial to have a solid foundation in those areas before diving into adjective endings.