Why does the noun Elend 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 Elend
How it changes across the four cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | das Elend | ein Elend | kein Elend |
| Akkusativ | das Elend | ein Elend | kein Elend |
| Dativ | dem Elend | einem Elend | keinem Elend |
| Genitiv | des Elend | eines Elend | keines Elend |
Examples in context
Real sentences using Elend in different cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | Das menschliche Elend ist groß.The human misery is great. | Ein tiefes Elend ist schlimm.A deep misery is bad. | Kein großes Elend ist hier.No great misery is here. |
| Akkusativ | Wir sehen das große Elend.We see the great misery. | Er erlebt ein tiefes Elend.He experiences a deep misery. | Ich kenne kein solches Elend.I don't know such misery. |
| Dativ | Er hilft dem großen Elend.He helps the great misery. | Mit einem tiefen Elend lebt man schlecht.With a deep misery, one lives badly. | Er kämpft trotz keinem großen Elend weiter.He continues to fight despite no great misery. |
| Genitiv | Die Ursache des menschlichen Elend ist komplex.The cause of human misery is complex. | Die Tiefe eines eines großen Elend ist unermesslich.The depth of a great misery is immeasurable. | Die Wirkung keines keines kleinen Elend ist spürbar.The effect of no small misery is noticeable. |
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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 Elend?
It is das Elend. In German, every noun has a grammatical gender, and Elend 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 Elend?
The noun Elend is typically used in the singular form (Singularetantum) or has a plural form identical to the singular.
What does das Elend mean in English?
The German word das Elend translates to “misery, poverty” in English.
How do you decline das Elend?
Like all German nouns, Elend changes its article depending on the case. In the singular, the forms are:
- Nominativ: das Elend
- Akkusativ: das Elend
- Dativ: dem Elend
- Genitiv: des Elend
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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