Core rule

Every noun is masculine, feminine, or neuter.

• der Mann (m)
• die Frau (f)
• das Kind (n)

Tip

Memorize article + noun as one unit — not the noun alone.

Practical Examples

Der Mann ist groß. The man is tall. Usage note: "Mann" is a masculine noun, so it takes the definite article "der".

Die Frau ist nett. The woman is nice. Usage note: "Frau" is a feminine noun, so it takes the definite article "die".

Das Kind spielt. The child plays. Usage note: "Kind" is a neuter noun, so it takes the definite article "das".

Ist der Tisch frei? Is the table free? Usage note: "Tisch" is a masculine noun, requiring "der". Questions also use definite articles for specific nouns.

Wo ist die Katze? Where is the cat? Usage note: "Katze" is a feminine noun, requiring "die".

Wie heißt das Buch? What is the name of the book? (Literally: How is the book called?) Usage note: "Buch" is a neuter noun, requiring "das".

Das ist nicht der Stuhl. That is not the chair. Usage note: "Stuhl" is a masculine noun, requiring "der". Negations still use the correct definite article.

Sie mag nicht die Musik. She doesn't like the music. Usage note: "Musik" is a feminine noun, requiring "die".

Er kauft nicht das Auto. He is not buying the car. Usage note: "Auto" is a neuter noun, requiring "das".

Der Apfel ist rot. The apple is red. Usage note: "Apfel" is a masculine noun, requiring "der".

Die Blume ist schön. The flower is beautiful. Usage note: "Blume" is a feminine noun, requiring "die".

Das Haus ist alt. The house is old. Usage note: "Haus" is a neuter noun, requiring "das".

Ist der Kaffee heiß? Is the coffee hot? Usage note: "Kaffee" is a masculine noun, requiring "der".

Ich sehe die Sonne. I see the sun. Usage note: "Sonne" is a feminine noun, requiring "die".

Wo ist das Geld? Where is the money? Usage note: "Geld" is a neuter noun, requiring "das".