Why does the noun Dasein have the article das?
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 Dasein
How it changes across the four cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | das Dasein | ein Dasein | kein Dasein |
| Akkusativ | das Dasein | ein Dasein | kein Dasein |
| Dativ | dem Dasein | einem Dasein | keinem Dasein |
| Genitiv | des Daseins | eines Daseins | keines Daseins |
Examples in context
Real sentences using Dasein in different cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | Das menschliche Dasein ist kurz.Human existence is short. | Ein freies Dasein ist mein Wunsch.A free existence is my wish. | Kein einsames Dasein ist gut.No lonely existence is good. |
| Akkusativ | Ich liebe das einfache Dasein.I love the simple existence. | Er sucht ein besseres Dasein.He seeks a better existence. | Ich will kein trauriges Dasein nicht.I don't want a sad existence. |
| Dativ | Er denkt über dem menschlichen Dasein nach.He thinks about human existence. | Ich träume von einem freien Dasein.I dream of a free existence. | Ich lebe in keinem einsamen Dasein nicht.I don't live in a lonely existence. |
| Genitiv | Der Sinn des menschlichen Daseins ist tief.The meaning of human existence is deep. | Die Freude eines freien Daseins ist groß.The joy of a free existence is great. | Die Last keines einsamen Daseins ist leicht.The burden of no lonely existence is light. |
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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 Dasein?
It is das Dasein. In German, every noun has a grammatical gender, and Dasein is neuter. You should always learn the article together with the noun to ensure your German grammar is correct.
What is the plural of das Dasein?
The noun Dasein is typically used in the singular form (Singularetantum) or has a plural form identical to the singular.
What does das Dasein mean in English?
The German word das Dasein translates to “existence, being” in English.
How do you decline das Dasein?
Like all German nouns, Dasein changes its article depending on the case. In the singular, the forms are:
- Nominativ: das Dasein
- Akkusativ: das Dasein
- Dativ: dem Dasein
- Genitiv: des Daseins
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.
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