Why does the noun Reich 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 Reich

How it changes across the four cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativdas Reichein Reichkein Reich
Akkusativdas Reichein Reichkein Reich
Dativdem Reicheinem Reichkeinem Reich
Genitivdes Reicheseines Reicheskeines Reiches

Examples in context

Real sentences using Reich in different cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativ
Das alte Reich ist gefallen.The old empire has fallen.
Ein großes Reich entsteht hier.A great empire arises here.
Kein neues Reich ist sicher.No new empire is safe.
Akkusativ
Wir besuchen das alte Reich.We visit the old empire.
Ich sehe ein großes Reich.I see a great empire.
Er kennt kein neues Reich.He knows no new empire.
Dativ
Er dient dem alten Reich.He serves the old empire.
Ich helfe einem großen Reich.I help a great empire.
Sie gehört keinem neuen Reich an.She belongs to no new empire.
Genitiv
Die Geschichte des alten Reiches ist lang.The history of the old empire is long.
Der Fall eines großen Reiches war traurig.The fall of a great empire was sad.
Ich kenne die Gesetze keines neuen Reiches.I know the laws of no new empire.

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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 Reich?

It is das Reich. In German, every noun has a grammatical gender, and Reich 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 Reich?

The German noun Reich is categorized as Upper-Intermediate (B2) vocabulary. It is considered an essential word for learners at this level.

What is the plural of das Reich?

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

What does das Reich mean in English?

The German word das Reich translates to “empire, kingdom” in English.

How do you decline das Reich?

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

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.