Kannst du (Dativ) deine Nummer (Akkusativ) zeigen? (Can you show me your number?) The Pronoun Exception
Before diving into the list, let’s clarify the logic. Most verbs are (about 90% of German verbs). However, a smaller but critical group of verbs are always dative .
Answers the question Wen? (Whom?) or Was? (What?). It receives the direct action of the verb.
The best way to learn these Verbs is by practicing. Try making your own Sentences. Read and Listen to German Content. Try to make Sentences on your own and get them checked. Thats it. All the best.
(to believe) – Ich glaube ihm nicht. (I don't believe him.)
Accusative=The Thing (Direct Object)Accusative equals The Thing (Direct Object) Common Dual-Object Verbs (to give) zeigen (to show) bringen (to bring) schreiben (to write) kaufen (to buy) schicken (to send) empfehlen (to recommend) erklären (to explain) Examples in Sentences
Some verbs can take both an accusative and a dative object.
(to need): Wir brauchen einen neuen Plan. (We need a new plan.)
Keep this quick reference guide in mind when writing or speaking. It highlights how definite and indefinite articles shift based on the verb's case requirement. die / eine Accusative den / einen die / eine Dative dem / einem der / einer dem / einem den / --n (add -n to noun) How to Save This Guide as a PDF To turn this list into a portable PDF study guide: Press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Cmd + P (Mac) on your keyboard. Change the printer destination to "Save as PDF" .
| Verb | Meaning | Example | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | to order | Er bestellt einen Kaffee. (He orders a coffee.) | | bezahlen | to pay | Ich bezahle das Bier. (I pay for the beer.) | | bekommen | to get, receive | Wo bekommt man einen neuen Impfausweis? (Where can I get a new vaccination card?) | | besuchen | to visit | Besuchst du oft deine Eltern? (Do you often visit your parents?) | | brauchen | to need | Ich brauche deine Hilfe. (I need your help.) | | essen | to eat | Vegetarier essen kein Fleisch. (Vegetarians eat no meat.) | | kennen | to know (a person/place) | Kennst du ihn? (Do you know him?) | | kochen | to cook | Kochst du (mir) mein Lieblingsessen? (Do you cook (for me) my favorite meal?) | | lernen | to learn | Ich lerne Deutsch. (I am learning German.) | | sehen | to see | Ich sehe dich. (I see you.) | | verkaufen | to sell | Ich verkaufe meine Wohnung. (I’m selling my apartment.) | | verstehen | to understand | Ich verstehe dich nicht. (I don’t understand you.) |
Roughly 95% of German verbs fall into this category, representing the direct recipient of an action. essen / trinken : to eat / drink hören / sehen : to hear / see : to know (someone) : to do / make : to look for : to understand 3. Verbs with Both Accusative & Dative
Some verbs change their case based on whether they describe or location . These are closely tied to two-way prepositions (
These verbs require the dative case for their object, regardless of what seems natural in English. antworten (to answer) - Ich antworte dir. danken (to thank) - Ich danke dir. gefallen (to please/like) - Das gefällt mir. gehören (to belong to) - Das Buch gehört mir. helfen (to help) - Er hilft mir. schmecken (to taste) - Das schmeckt dem Kind. vertrauen (to trust) - Ich vertraue dir. zuhören (to listen to) - Ich höre dir zu. gratulieren (to congratulate) - Ich gratuliere dir. folgen (to follow) - Ich folge Ihnen. Source: Scribd Dative Verbs List (PDF) 3. List of Common Accusative Verbs (Verben mit Akkusativ)
(to trust) – Sie vertraut ihrer besten Freundin. (She trusts her best friend.) 3. Verbs with Both Accusative and Dative Objects
(to drink) – Ich trinke einen Kaffee. (I am drinking a coffee.)
A separate but related category involves verbs tied to specific prepositions, which then force a case. You cannot learn these without memorizing the preposition + case combination.
liegen (to lie/be situated - Static = Dative): Das Buch liegt auf dem Tisch.
A specialized list covering rare, two-accusative object verbs (like abfragen or nennen ). 6. Pro-Tip for Memorization
