B1 · GRAMMAR
N-Declension (n-Deklination)
Certain masculine nouns take -n or -en in all cases except the nominative singular: der Kunde, but den Kunden, dem Kunden, des Kunden. This is a small group of nouns, but they are used very frequently (Kollege, Kunde, Student, Nachbar, Herr). Leaving out the ending is considered a mistake in writing and exams.
In this lesson
1. Rule
Everywhere except the nominative singular, add -(e)n.
Ich frage den Kollegen.
I am asking the colleague.
2. Masculine nouns ending in -e
der Kunde, Kollege, Junge, Neffe, Türke, Deutsche...
Ich helfe dem Kunden.
I am helping the customer.
3. -ent, -ant, -ist
der Student, Präsident, Praktikant, Polizist, Tourist, Journalist.
4. Others
der Mensch, Nachbar, Herr (→ Herrn), Bär, Name (→ des Namens).
💡 Quick test: If a masculine noun ends in -e and refers to a person/animal, or if it ends in -ent / -ist, it is very likely part of the n-declension.