Why does the noun Dampf have the article der?

This noun follows no general suffix rule — its gender is part of the core vocabulary you simply learn alongside the word.

Declension table for German noun Dampf

How it changes across the four cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativder Dampfein Dampfkein Dampf
Akkusativden Dampfeinen Dampfkeinen Dampf
Dativdem Dampfeinem Dampfkeinem Dampf
Genitivdes Dampfeseines Dampfeskeines Dampfes

Examples in context

Real sentences using Dampf in different cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativ
Der heiße Dampf steigt auf.The hot steam rises.
Ein starker Dampf kommt heraus.A strong steam comes out.
Kein Dampf ist mehr zu sehen.No steam is visible anymore.
Akkusativ
Ich sehe den weißen Dampf.I see the white steam.
Er riecht einen seltsamen Dampf.He smells a strange steam.
Wir haben keinen Dampf bemerkt.We noticed no steam.
Dativ
Mit dem heißen Dampf koche ich.I cook with the hot steam.
Ich arbeite mit einem starken Dampf.I work with a strong steam.
Mit keinem Dampf ist das möglich.This is possible with no steam.
Genitiv
Die Kraft des Dampfes ist groß.The power of the steam is great.
Der Geruch eines starken Dampfes ist intensiv.The smell of a strong steam is intense.
Die Gefahr keines Dampfes ist gering.The danger of no steam is low.

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you might wonder about der, die, das — and the Der Artikel app.

Is it der, die, or das Dampf?

It is der Dampf. In German, every noun has a grammatical gender, and Dampf is masculine. You should always learn the article together with the noun to ensure your German grammar is correct.

What is the plural of der Dampf?

The plural form of der Dampf is die Dämpfe. In German, regardless of the singular gender, all plural nouns use the definite article “die.”

What does der Dampf mean in English?

The German word der Dampf translates to “steam/vapor” in English.

How do you decline der Dampf?

Like all German nouns, Dampf changes its article depending on the case. In the singular, the forms are:
  • Nominativ: der Dampf
  • Akkusativ: den Dampf
  • Dativ: dem Dampf
  • Genitiv: des Dampfes

These changes are necessary because German uses cases to indicate the noun’s role in a sentence (such as the subject or object). Knowing these forms allows you to build grammatically correct sentences.