Why does the noun Schwamm 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 Schwamm

How it changes across the four cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativder Schwammein Schwammkein Schwamm
Akkusativden Schwammeinen Schwammkeinen Schwamm
Dativdem Schwammeinem Schwammkeinem Schwamm
Genitivdes Schwammeines Schwammkeines Schwamm

Examples in context

Real sentences using Schwamm in different cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativ
Der neue Schwamm ist weich.The new sponge is soft.
Ein neuer Schwamm liegt dort.A new sponge lies there.
Kein neuer Schwamm ist hier.No new sponge is here.
Akkusativ
Ich brauche den neuen Schwamm.I need the new sponge.
Ich suche einen neuen Schwamm.I am looking for a new sponge.
Ich finde keinen neuen Schwamm.I find no new sponge.
Dativ
Ich wische mit dem neuen Schwamm.I wipe with the new sponge.
Er putzt mit einem neuen Schwamm.He cleans with a new sponge.
Sie arbeitet mit keinem neuen Schwamm.She works with no new sponge.
Genitiv
Die Form des neuen Schwamms ist rund.The shape of the new sponge is round.
Der Stoff eines eines neuen Schwamms ist weich.The fabric of a new sponge is soft.
Ich kenne den Hersteller keines keines neuen Schwamms.I know the manufacturer of no new sponge.

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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 Schwamm?

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

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

What does der Schwamm mean in English?

The German word der Schwamm translates to “sponge” in English.

How do you decline der Schwamm?

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

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.