Learn how to correctly order Dativ and Akkusativ objects in German sentences, using examples like 'dem Gast' (dative) and 'den Schlüssel' (accusative), plus the key verb 'geben'.
  1. Some verbs always require a dative + accusative, e.g. geben
  2. Word order: The dative object usually comes before the accusative object.
Regel (Rule)Beispiel (Example)
Dativ vor Akkusativ (Dative before accusative)Ich gebe dem Gast den Schlüssel.
Akkusativ-Pronomen vor Dativ (Accusative pronoun before dative)Ich gebe ihn dem Gast.

Exceptions!

  1. With pronouns: the accusative comes before the dative, e.g. 'Ich gebe es dir.'

Exercise 1: Sätze mit zwei Objekten (Dativ + Akkusativ)

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

etwas, das Handtuch, die Bar, uns, mir, euch, den Regenschirm, die Reinigung, ein Taxi, Ihnen, dir, den Schlüssel, ein Handtuch

1.
Ich gebe ... ... an der Rezeption.
(I will give you the key at the reception.)
2.
Wir schicken ... ... zum Hotel.
(We are sending you a taxi to the hotel.)
3.
Er verspricht ... ... sofort.
(He promises me a towel immediately.)
4.
Die Rezeption gibt ... ....
(The reception gives you the umbrella.)
5.
Ich danke ... für ....
(Thank you for the cleaning.)
6.
Die Rezeptionistin zeigt ... ... im Hotel.
(The receptionist shows you the bar in the hotel.)
7.
Kannst du ... bitte ... bringen?
(Can you please bring me the towel?)
8.
Sie fragt ... ... zum Zimmer.
(She asks us something about the room.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct sentence with dative and accusative objects in each block. Pay special attention to the correct order and the use of pronouns to identify typical errors with dative and accusative objects.

1.
Incorrect word order: The dative comes after the accusative here, which is unusual in German.
Incorrect case use: 'dem Schlüssel' is in dative instead of accusative, and 'den Gast' should be dative.
2.
Incorrect word order: The dative object 'dir' should come before the accusative.
Unnatural placement of the dative object at the end of the sentence; in German, the dative usually precedes the accusative.
3.
Incorrect article and case in the accusative object: 'es Zimmer' instead of the correct 'das Zimmer'.
Incorrect word order: The dative 'Ihnen' should come before the accusative 'das Zimmer'.
4.
Incorrect order with pronouns: The accusative pronoun 'es' must come before the dative pronoun 'dir'.
Error with the pronoun form: After the verb, the dative 'dir' must appear, not the nominative 'du'.

Understanding Sentences with Two Objects in German: Dative and Accusative

This lesson focuses on sentences that contain two objects: one in the dative case and one in the accusative case. These sentences often use verbs like "geben" (to give), which require both a direct and an indirect object.

Key Grammar Points

  • Dative before Accusative: In German, the dative object usually comes before the accusative object. For example: Ich gebe dem Gast den Schlüssel.
  • Pronoun Word Order Exception: When both objects are pronouns, the accusative pronoun typically goes before the dative pronoun, e.g., Ich gebe es dir.
  • Objects Explained: The accusative object is usually the direct object receiving the action (e.g., Buch – book), while the dative is the indirect object (e.g., dir – to you).

Common Verbs with Dative + Accusative

Some verbs always take both a dative and an accusative object, such as:

  • geben (to give)
  • bringen (to bring)
  • zeigen (to show)

Typical Sentence Construction

The standard word order places the dative object before the accusative object:

Ich gebe dem Gast den Schlüssel. (I give the guest the key.)

When pronouns are involved, the order switches:

Ich gebe es dir. (I give it to you.)

Useful Words and Expressions

  • dem Gast – to the guest (dative)
  • den Schlüssel – the key (accusative)
  • dir – to you (dative pronoun)
  • es – it (accusative pronoun)

Important Differences Compared to English

Unlike English, which uses word order and prepositions to show the indirect and direct objects, German uses cases to indicate their roles. The dative case usually marks the indirect object (to whom something is given), and the accusative case marks the direct object (what is given). In English, word order is fixed: "I give the guest the key." German relies on the dative preceding the accusative for clarity, except when both are pronouns, then the accusative comes first. Understanding and mastering this word order pattern is essential for proper sentence construction.

Examples:

  • English: "I give you the book." – German: Ich gebe dir das Buch.
  • English uses prepositions like "to" for the indirect object; in German, the dative case replaces the need for prepositions.

Written by

This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage

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Louis Fernando Hess

Bachelor of Science - Intercultural Business Psychology

Hamm-Lippstadt University of Applied Sciences

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Germany


Last Updated:

Wednesday, 15/10/2025 13:46