Why does the noun Werk 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 Werk
How it changes across the four cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | das Werk | ein Werk | kein Werk |
| Akkusativ | das Werk | ein Werk | kein Werk |
| Dativ | dem Werk | einem Werk | keinem Werk |
| Genitiv | des Werkes | eines Werkes | keines Werkes |
| Nominativ | die Werke | Werke | keine Werke |
| Akkusativ | die Werke | Werke | keine Werke |
| Dativ | den Werken | Werken | keinen Werken |
| Genitiv | der Werke | Werke | keiner Werke |
Examples in context
Real sentences using Werk in different cases.
| Case | Definite | Indefinite | Negative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | Das neue Werk wurde gestern eröffnet.The new factory was opened yesterday. | Ein großes Werk steht zum Verkauf.A large factory is for sale. | Kein einziges Werk hat die Produktion gestoppt.Not a single factory has stopped production. |
| Akkusativ | Ich besuche das berühmte Werk.I am visiting the famous factory. | Er schreibt ein literarisches Werk.He is writing a literary work. | Sie hat kein einziges Werk vollendet.She has not completed a single work. |
| Dativ | Er arbeitet in dem neuen Werk.He works in the new factory. | Sie hilft bei einem sozialen Werk.She helps with a social project. | Er ist mit keinem einzigen Werk zufrieden.He is not satisfied with a single work. |
| Genitiv | Der Direktor des großen Werkes ist neu.The director of the large factory is new. | Die Analyse eines literarischen Werkes dauert lange.The analysis of a literary work takes a long time. | Trotz keines vollendeten Werkes gab es Applaus.Despite no completed work, there was applause. |
| Nominativ | Die alten Werke gehören dem Konzern.The old factories belong to the corporation. | Neue Werke wurden hier gebaut.New factories were built here. | Keine alten Werke sind mehr in Betrieb.No old factories are in operation anymore. |
| Akkusativ | Wir modernisieren die bestehenden Werke.We are modernizing the existing factories. | Die Firma plant neue Werke.The company is planning new factories. | Ich kenne keine weiteren Werke.I don't know any other works by him. |
| Dativ | In den alten Werken gibt es Probleme.There are problems in the old factories. | Er ist von guten Werken umgeben.He is surrounded by good works. | Mit keinen berühmten Werken kann er prahlen.He can't boast of any famous works. |
| Genitiv | Die Geschichte der hiesigen Werke ist lang.The history of the local factories is long. | Die Bedeutung früher Werke ist unklar.The meaning of early works is unclear. | Die Qualität keiner neuen Werke überzeugt.The quality of no new works is convincing. |
GET THE APP
Practice das Werk in the app
Master das Werk (and 5,000+ other German nouns) with quizzes, smart review, and instant grammar tips.
- 5,000+ nouns with translations in 11 languages
- Quizzes by level, category, or your weakest words
- Snap a photo of any German text — extract nouns instantly
Frequently asked questions
Everything you might wonder about der, die, das — and the Der Artikel app.
Is it der, die, or das Werk?
It is das Werk. In German, every noun has a grammatical gender, and Werk 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 Werk?
The German noun Werk is categorized as Intermediate (B1) vocabulary. It is considered an essential word for learners at this level.
What is the plural of das Werk?
The plural form of das Werk is die Werke. In German, regardless of the singular gender, all plural nouns use the definite article “die.”
What does das Werk mean in English?
The German word das Werk translates to “work” in English.
How do you decline das Werk?
Like all German nouns, Werk changes its article depending on the case. In the singular, the forms are:
- Nominativ: das Werk
- Akkusativ: das Werk
- Dativ: dem Werk
- Genitiv: des Werkes
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.
Browse by level
B1 Intermediate — broader topics & abstract terms
Explore →
Browse by topic
Work & Business
Explore →
BROWSE BY GENDER
Neuter nouns
Explore →
Browse by declension
Strong Standard declension — no extra -(e)n. The 96% majority.
Explore →