Why does the noun Regel have the article die?
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 Regel
How it changes across the four cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | die Regel | eine Regel | keine Regel |
| Akkusativ | die Regel | eine Regel | keine Regel |
| Dativ | der Regel | einer Regel | keiner Regel |
| Genitiv | der Regel | einer Regel | keiner Regel |
| Nominativ | die Regeln | Regeln | keine Regeln |
| Akkusativ | die Regeln | Regeln | keine Regeln |
| Dativ | den Regeln | Regeln | keinen Regeln |
| Genitiv | der Regeln | Regeln | keiner Regeln |
Examples in context
Real sentences using Regel in different cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | Die neue Regel ist sehr einfach.The new rule is very simple. | Das ist eine wichtige Regel.That is an important rule. | Keine alte Regel ist hier gültig.No old rule is valid here. |
| Akkusativ | Ich verstehe die neue Regel nicht.I don't understand the new rule. | Er hat eine wichtige Regel gebrochen.He broke an important rule. | Wir haben keine feste Regel dafür.We have no fixed rule for that. |
| Dativ | Wir folgen der goldenen Regel.We follow the golden rule. | Das widerspricht einer logischen Regel.That contradicts a logical rule. | Er widerspricht keiner festen Regel.He contradicts no fixed rule. |
| Genitiv | Das ist das Prinzip der neuen Regel.That is the principle of the new rule. | Die Anwendung einer wichtigen Regel ist schwer.The application of an important rule is difficult. | Trotz keiner schriftlichen Regel war es klar.Despite no written rule, it was clear. |
| Nominativ | Die neuen Regeln sind für alle gleich.The new rules are the same for everyone. | Hier gelten besondere Regeln.Special rules apply here. | Es gibt keine einfachen Regeln.There are no simple rules. |
| Akkusativ | Bitte lesen Sie die allgemeinen Regeln.Please read the general rules. | Der Lehrer erklärt neue Regeln.The teacher explains new rules. | Ich kenne keine besonderen Regeln dafür.I know no special rules for that. |
| Dativ | Nach den neuen Regeln ist das verboten.According to the new rules, that is forbidden. | Man muss mit fairen Regeln spielen.One must play with fair rules. | Mit keinen strengen Regeln sind wir einverstanden.We do not agree with any strict rules. |
| Genitiv | Das ist die Liste der wichtigen Regeln.This is the list of the important rules. | Das Verständnis neuer Regeln ist wichtig.The understanding of new rules is important. | Aufgrund keiner klaren Regeln gab es Chaos.Due to no clear rules, there was chaos. |
GET THE APP
Practice die Regel in the app
Master die Regel (and 5,000+ other German nouns) with quizzes, smart review, and instant grammar tips.
- 5,000+ nouns with translations in 11 languages
- Quizzes by level, category, or your weakest words
- Snap a photo of any German text — extract nouns instantly
Frequently asked questions
Everything you might wonder about der, die, das — and the Der Artikel app.
Is it der, die, or das Regel?
It is die Regel. In German, every noun has a grammatical gender, and Regel is feminine. You should always learn the article together with the noun to ensure your German grammar is correct.
What CEFR level is the word Regel?
The German noun Regel is categorized as Elementary (A2) vocabulary. It is considered an essential word for learners at this level.
What is the plural of die Regel?
The plural form of die Regel is die Regeln. In German, regardless of the singular gender, all plural nouns use the definite article “die.”
What does die Regel mean in English?
The German word die Regel translates to “rule” in English.
How do you decline die Regel?
Like all German nouns, Regel changes its article depending on the case. In the singular, the forms are:
- Nominativ: die Regel
- Akkusativ: die Regel
- Dativ: der Regel
- Genitiv: der Regel
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.
Browse by level
A2 Elementary — daily life vocabulary
Explore →
Browse by topic
Abstract Concepts
Explore →
BROWSE BY GENDER
Feminine nouns
Explore →
Browse by declension
Strong Standard declension — no extra -(e)n. The 96% majority.
Explore →