Possessivartikel im Nominativ (my, your, his …)
A1 German grammar — Family. **Possessives** behave like *ein/eine*: they take **endings** that show gender/case. In the **nominative** (subject): *m…
Rule explained
**Possessives** behave like *ein/eine*: they take **endings** that show gender/case. In the **nominative** (subject): *mein Vater*, *meine Mutter*, *mein Kind*, *meine Eltern* (pl.). *sein/ihr* match **he/she/it** (*sein Sohn*, *ihre Tochter*). **Ambiguity of *ihr***: lowercase *ihr/ihre* can mean *her*, *their*, or *your* (informal plural). *Ihr/Ihre* capitalised = *your* formal (*Sie*). Context and capitals disambiguate in writing.
Examples
Use these mini-pairs as templates:
- Das ist meine Schwester. — That is my sister.
- Sein Bruder studiert in Leipzig. — His brother studies in Leipzig.
- Ihre Eltern wohnen in Wien. — Her parents live in Vienna. / Your (formal) parents live in Vienna.
Common mistakes
Watch out for these learner errors:
- *ihr* lowercase = her or their; *Ihr* capitalised = your (formal plural *Sie*).
- Ending *-e* on *meine* before feminine/plural nouns in nominative.
- *unser* often adds *-e* linking syllable before endings: *unsere Familie*.