Why does the noun Schadenersatz 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 Schadenersatz

How it changes across the four cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativder Schadenersatzein Schadenersatzkein Schadenersatz
Akkusativden Schadenersatzeinen Schadenersatzkeinen Schadenersatz
Genitivdes Schadenersatzeseines Schadenersatzeskeines Schadenersatzes

Examples in context

Real sentences using Schadenersatz in different cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativ
Der hoche Schadenersatz ist fällig.The high compensation is due.
Ein kleiner Schadenersatz hilft oft.A small compensation often helps.
Kein Schadenersatz ist hier möglich.No compensation is possible here.
Akkusativ
Ich erhalte den hochen Schadenersatz.I receive the high compensation.
Er fordert einen kleinen Schadenersatz.He demands a small compensation.
Wir wollen keinen Schadenersatz zahlen.We don't want to pay any compensation.
Genitiv
Die Höhe des hochen Schadenersatzes ist klar.The amount of the high compensation is clear.
Der Zweck eines kleinen Schadenersatzes ist unklar.The purpose of a small compensation is unclear.
Der Grund keines Schadenersatzes ist bekannt.The reason for no compensation is known.

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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 Schadenersatz?

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

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

What does der Schadenersatz mean in English?

The German word der Schadenersatz translates to “compensation” in English.

How do you decline der Schadenersatz?

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

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.