Why does the noun Zeug 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 Zeug

How it changes across the four cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativdas Zeugein Zeugkein Zeug
Akkusativdas Zeugein Zeugkein Zeug
Dativdem Zeugeinem Zeugkeinem Zeug
Genitivdes Zeugseines Zeugskeines Zeugs

Examples in context

Real sentences using Zeug in different cases.

CaseDefiniteIndefiniteNegative
Nominativ
Das alte Zeug ist neu.The old stuff is new.
Ein gutes Zeug liegt hier.Some good stuff is here.
Kein schlechtes Zeug ist nötig.No bad stuff is necessary.
Akkusativ
Ich brauche das neue Zeug.I need the new stuff.
Er kauft ein gutes Zeug.He buys some good stuff.
Sie will kein schlechtes Zeug.She doesn't want any bad stuff.
Dativ
Ich arbeite mit dem alten Zeug.I work with the old stuff.
Er hilft mit einem guten Zeug.He helps with some good stuff.
Sie spielt mit keinem schlechten Zeug.She doesn't play with any bad stuff.
Genitiv
Der Wert des alten Zeugs ist hoch.The value of the old stuff is high.
Der Preis eines eines guten Zeugs ist fair.The price of some good stuff is fair.
Die Herkunft keines keines schlechten Zeugs ist klar.The origin of no bad stuff is clear.

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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 Zeug?

It is das Zeug. In German, every noun has a grammatical gender, and Zeug 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 Zeug?

The plural form of das Zeug is die Zeuge. In German, regardless of the singular gender, all plural nouns use the definite article “die.”

What does das Zeug mean in English?

The German word das Zeug translates to “stuff” in English.

How do you decline das Zeug?

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

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.