Why does the noun Niedergang 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 Niedergang

How it changes across the four cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativder Niedergangein Niedergangkein Niedergang
Akkusativden Niedergangeinen Niedergangkeinen Niedergang
Dativdem Niedergangeinem Niedergangkeinem Niedergang
Genitivdes Niedergangseines Niedergangskeines Niedergangs

Examples in context

Real sentences using Niedergang in different cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativ
Der schnelle Niedergang ist traurig.The rapid decline is sad.
Ein langsamer Niedergang beginnt.A slow decline begins.
Kein Niedergang ist unvermeidlich.No decline is unavoidable.
Akkusativ
Wir sehen den schnellen Niedergang.We see the rapid decline.
Er bemerkt einen langsamen Niedergang.He notices a slow decline.
Ich will keinen Niedergang sehen.I don't want to see any decline.
Dativ
Ich helfe dem schnellen Niedergang nicht.I don't help the rapid decline.
Sie widersteht einem langsamen Niedergang.She resists a slow decline.
Er stimmt keinem Niedergang zu.He agrees to no decline.
Genitiv
Die Ursache des schnellen Niedergangs ist klar.The cause of the rapid decline is clear.
Der Beginn eines langsamen Niedergangs ist sichtbar.The beginning of a slow decline is visible.
Die Folge keines Niedergangs ist besser.The consequence of no decline is better.

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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 Niedergang?

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

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

What does der Niedergang mean in English?

The German word der Niedergang translates to “decline, downfall” in English.

How do you decline der Niedergang?

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

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.