Whether you are starting to learn German for the very first time, brushing up on topics you have studied in class, or revising for your GCSE exams, the Easy Learning German Grammar is here to help. This easy-to-use guide takes you through all the basics you will need to speak and understand modern, everyday German.
Newcomers can sometimes struggle with the technical terms they come across when they start to explore the grammar of a new language. The Easy Learning German Grammar explains how to get to grips with all the parts of speech you will need to know, using simple language and cutting out jargon.
The text is divided into sections, each dealing with a particular area of grammar. Each section can be studied individually, as numerous cross-references in the text point you to relevant points in other sections of the book for further information.
Every major section begins with an explanation of the area of grammar covered on the following pages. For quick reference, these definitions are also collected together on pages x–xiv in a glossary of essential grammar terms.
What is a verb?
A verb is a ‘doing’ word which describes what someone or something does, what someone or something is, or what happens to them, for example, be, sing, live.
Each grammar point in the text is followed by simple examples of real German, complete with English translations, helping you understand the rules. Underlining has been used in examples throughout the text to highlight the grammatical point being explained.
If you are talking about a part of your body, you usually use a word like my or his in English, but in German you usually use the definite article.
| Er hat sich das Bein gebrochen. | He’s broken his leg. |
| Sie hat sich die Hände schon | She’s already washed her |
| gewaschen. | hands. |
In German, as with any foreign language, there are certain pitfalls which have to be avoided. Tips and Information notes throughout the text are useful reminders of the things that often trip learners up.
Key points sum up all the important facts about a particular area of grammar, to save you time when you are revising and help you focus on the main grammatical points.
Key points
With masculine singular nouns in the nominative 
use ein.
With feminine singular nouns in the nominative use eine.
With plural nouns use die, der or den, depending on the case.
The indefinite article is not usually used when you say what jobs people do.
If you think you would like to continue with your German studies to a higher level, check out the Grammar Extra sections. These are intended for advanced students who are interested in knowing a little more about the structures they will come across beyond GCSE.
Grammar Extra!
Some German adjectives are used as feminine nouns. They have feminine adjective endings which change according to the article which comes before them.
| eine Deutsche | a German woman |
| die Abgeordnete | the female MP |
For more information on Adjectives which can be used as nouns and for Feminine adjective endings, see pages 50 and 42.
Finally, the supplement at the end of the book contains Verb Tables, where 97 important German verbs are conjugated in full. Examples show you how to use these verbs in your own work. If you are unsure of how a verb conjugates in German, you can look up the Verb Index on pages 99–103 to find either the conjugation of the verb itself, or a cross-reference to a model verb, which will show you the pattern that verb follows.
We hope that you will enjoy using the Easy Learning German Grammar and find it useful in the course of your studies.