Why does the noun Knopf 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 Knopf

How it changes across the four cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativder Knopfein Knopfkein Knopf
Akkusativden Knopfeinen Knopfkeinen Knopf
Dativdem Knopfeinem Knopfkeinem Knopf
Genitivdes Knopfseines Knopfskeines Knopfs

Examples in context

Real sentences using Knopf in different cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativ
Der kleine Knopf ist lose.The small button is loose.
Ein neuer Knopf fehlt hier.A new button is missing here.
Kein alter Knopf ist fest.No old button is firm.
Akkusativ
Ich nähe den losen Knopf an.I sew on the loose button.
Sie braucht einen neuen Knopf.She needs a new button.
Er hat keinen kleinen Knopf.He has no small button.
Dativ
Ich gebe dem kleinen Knopf eine Farbe.I give the small button a color.
Er spielt mit einem neuen Knopf.He plays with a new button.
Ich vertraue keinem alten Knopf.I trust no old button.
Genitiv
Die Farbe des kleinen Knopfs ist schwarz.The color of the small button is black.
Der Preis eines eines neuen Knopfs ist hoch.The price of a new button is high.
Die Qualität keines keines alten Knopfs ist gut.The quality of no old button is good.

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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 Knopf?

It is der Knopf. In German, every noun has a grammatical gender, and Knopf 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 Knopf?

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

What does der Knopf mean in English?

The German word der Knopf translates to “button” in English.

How do you decline der Knopf?

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

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.