Why does the noun Virus 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 Virus
How it changes across the four cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | das Virus | ein Virus | kein Virus |
| Nominativ | die Viren | Viren | keine Viren |
Examples in context
Real sentences using Virus in different cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | Das neue Virus ist gefährlich.The new virus is dangerous. | Ein neues Virus erscheint oft.A new virus often appears. | Kein Virus ist hier bekannt.No virus is known here. |
| Nominativ | Die neuen Viren sind gefährlich.The new viruses are dangerous. | Gefährliche Viren erscheinen oft.Dangerous viruses often appear. | Keine Viren sind hier bekannt.No viruses are known here. |
Frequently asked questions
Everything you might wonder about der, die, das — and the Der Artikel app.
Is it der, die, or das Virus?
It is das Virus. In German, every noun has a grammatical gender, and Virus 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 Virus?
The German noun Virus is categorized as Upper-Intermediate (B2) vocabulary. It is considered an essential word for learners at this level.
What is the plural of das Virus?
The plural form of das Virus is die Viren. In German, regardless of the singular gender, all plural nouns use the definite article “die.”
What does das Virus mean in English?
The German word das Virus translates to “virus” in English.
How do you decline das Virus?
Like all German nouns, Virus changes its article depending on the case. In the singular, the forms are:
- Nominativ: das Virus
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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Neuter nouns
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Strong Standard declension — no extra -(e)n. The 96% majority.
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