Why does the noun Sterben 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 Sterben
How it changes across the four cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | das Sterben | ein Sterben | kein Sterben |
| Akkusativ | das Sterben | ein Sterben | kein Sterben |
| Dativ | dem Sterben | einem Sterben | keinem Sterben |
| Genitiv | des Sterbens | eines Sterbens | keines Sterbens |
Examples in context
Real sentences using Sterben in different cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | Das langsame Sterben ist traurig.The slow dying is sad. | Ein frühes Sterben ist tragisch.An early dying is tragic. | Kein unnötiges Sterben ist gut.No unnecessary dying is good. |
| Akkusativ | Wir sehen das langsame Sterben.We see the slow dying. | Wir erleben ein frühes Sterben.We experience an early dying. | Wir wollen kein unnötiges Sterben.We don't want any unnecessary dying. |
| Dativ | Nach dem langsamen Sterben kommt Ruhe.After the slow dying comes peace. | Nach einem frühen Sterben trauern wir.After an early dying, we mourn. | Nach keinem unnötigen Sterben ist Frieden.After no unnecessary dying, there is peace. |
| Genitiv | Die Angst des langsamen Sterbens ist groß.The fear of slow dying is great. | Die Ursache eines eines frühen Sterbens ist unklar.The cause of an early dying is unclear. | Die Vermeidung keines keines unnötigen Sterbens ist wichtig.The avoidance of no unnecessary dying is important. |
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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 Sterben?
It is das Sterben. In German, every noun has a grammatical gender, and Sterben is neuter. You should always learn the article together with the noun to ensure your German grammar is correct.
What is the plural of das Sterben?
The noun Sterben is typically used in the singular form (Singularetantum) or has a plural form identical to the singular.
What does das Sterben mean in English?
The German word das Sterben translates to “dying, death” in English.
How do you decline das Sterben?
Like all German nouns, Sterben changes its article depending on the case. In the singular, the forms are:
- Nominativ: das Sterben
- Akkusativ: das Sterben
- Dativ: dem Sterben
- Genitiv: des Sterbens
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.
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