Why does the noun Loch 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 Loch

How it changes across the four cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativdas Lochein Lochkein Loch
Akkusativdas Lochein Lochkein Loch
Dativdem Locheinem Lochkeinem Loch
Genitivdes Locheseines Locheskeines Loches

Examples in context

Real sentences using Loch in different cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativ
Das große Loch ist tief.The large hole is deep.
Ein kleines Loch ist gefährlich.A small hole is dangerous.
Kein neues Loch stört uns.No new hole bothers us.
Akkusativ
Ich sehe das tiefe Loch.I see the deep hole.
Er findet ein kleines Loch.He finds a small hole.
Wir haben kein neues Loch.We have no new hole.
Dativ
Er steht an dem tiefen Loch.He stands at the deep hole.
Mit einem kleinen Loch ist es schwer.It is difficult with a small hole.
Mit keinem neuen Loch geht es.It works with no new hole.
Genitiv
Die Tiefe des großen Loches ist bekannt.The depth of the large hole is known.
Der Rand eines kleinen Loches ist scharf.The edge of a small hole is sharp.
Die Gefahr keines neuen Loches ist groß.The danger of no new hole is great.

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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 Loch?

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

What CEFR level is the word Loch?

The German noun Loch is categorized as Beginner (A1) vocabulary. It is considered an essential word for learners at this level.

What is the plural of das Loch?

The plural form of das Loch is die Löcher. In German, regardless of the singular gender, all plural nouns use the definite article “die.”

What does das Loch mean in English?

The German word das Loch translates to “hole” in English.

How do you decline das Loch?

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

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.