Why does the noun Know-how 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 Know-how

How it changes across the four cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativdas Know-howein Know-howkein Know-how
Akkusativdas Know-howein Know-howkein Know-how
Dativdem Know-howeinem Know-howkeinem Know-how
Genitivdes Know-howseines Know-howskeines Know-hows

Examples in context

Real sentences using Know-how in different cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativ
Das neue Know-how ist wichtig.The new know-how is important.
Ein neues Know-how hat Wert.A new know-how has value.
Kein neues Know-how ist nutzlos.No new know-how is useless.
Akkusativ
Wir brauchen das neue Know-how.We need the new know-how.
Er sucht ein neues Know-how.He is looking for a new know-how.
Sie haben kein neues Know-how.They have no new know-how.
Dativ
Er hilft mit dem neuen Know-how.He helps with the new know-how.
Sie arbeitet an einem neuen Know-how.She is working on a new know-how.
Er vertraut keinem neuen Know-how.He trusts no new know-how.
Genitiv
Der Wert des neuen Know-hows ist hoch.The value of the new know-how is high.
Die Entwicklung eines eines neuen Know-hows ist teuer.The development of a new know-how is expensive.
Die Qualität keines keines neuen Know-hows ist schlecht.The quality of no new know-how is bad.

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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 Know-how?

It is das Know-how. In German, every noun has a grammatical gender, and Know-how 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 Know-how?

The noun Know-how is typically used in the singular form (Singularetantum) or has a plural form identical to the singular.

What does das Know-how mean in English?

The German word das Know-how translates to “know-how, expertise” in English.

How do you decline das Know-how?

Like all German nouns, Know-how changes its article depending on the case. In the singular, the forms are:
  • Nominativ: das Know-how
  • Akkusativ: das Know-how
  • Dativ: dem Know-how
  • Genitiv: des Know-hows

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.