Why does the noun Sumpf 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 Sumpf

How it changes across the four cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativder Sumpfein Sumpfkein Sumpf
Akkusativden Sumpfeinen Sumpfkeinen Sumpf
Dativdem Sumpfeinem Sumpfkeinem Sumpf
Genitivdes Sumpfeseines Sumpfeskeines Sumpfes

Examples in context

Real sentences using Sumpf in different cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativ
Der tiefe Sumpf ist gefährlich.The deep swamp is dangerous.
Ein großer Sumpf ist hier.A large swamp is here.
Kein kleiner Sumpf ist in Sicht.No small swamp is in sight.
Akkusativ
Ich sehe den tiefen Sumpf dort.I see the deep swamp there.
Wir suchen einen großen Sumpf zum Erkunden.We are looking for a large swamp to explore.
Er findet keinen kleinen Sumpf im Wald.He finds no small swamp in the forest.
Dativ
Ich stehe vor dem tiefen Sumpf jetzt.I am standing in front of the deep swamp now.
Er träumt von einem großen Sumpf im Süden.He dreams of a large swamp in the south.
Sie geht zu keinem kleinen Sumpf heute.She is not going to any small swamp today.
Genitiv
Die Gefahr des tiefen Sumpfes ist real.The danger of the deep swamp is real.
Der Rand eines großen Sumpfes ist nass.The edge of a large swamp is wet.
Die Tiefe keines kleinen Sumpfes ist bekannt.The depth of no small swamp 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 Sumpf?

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

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

What does der Sumpf mean in English?

The German word der Sumpf translates to “swamp” in English.

How do you decline der Sumpf?

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

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.