Verbs that often take a single Akkusativ object (A1)
A1 German grammar — Grammar. These verbs typically introduce **one direct object** in the accusative when you name what is bought, eaten, seen, etc.:…
Rule explained
These verbs typically introduce **one direct object** in the accusative when you name what is bought, eaten, seen, etc.: **haben**, **kaufen**, **essen**, **trinken**, **mögen**, **lieben**, **brauchen**, **suchen**, **finden**, **sehen**, **kennen**, **lesen**, **schreiben**, **bezahlen**. **Mögen** + accusative: *Ich mag den Winter*. **Gefallen** is different (uses dative person + nominative thing): *Der Film gefällt mir* — do not mix these patterns. Reflexive purchases (*sich etwas kaufen*) come later; at A1 use *Ich kaufe ein Buch*. **Prepositions** that always take accusative exist (*für*, *durch*, *ohne*, *gegen*, *um*) — a separate lesson often covers „Wechselpräpositionen“; here remember: after those prepositions, articles follow accusative rules (*für den Mann*, *ohne ein Ticket*).
Examples
Use these mini-pairs as templates:
- Wir kaufen Obst und Gemüse. — We're buying fruit and vegetables.
- Ich sehe den Preis an der Kasse. — I see the price at the checkout.
- Er bezahlt den Kaffee bar. — He pays for the coffee in cash.
- Sie lesen die Speisekarte. — They are reading the menu.
Common mistakes
Watch out for these learner errors:
- *helfen* takes **dative** (*Ich helfe dem Kind*) — not accusative.
- *antworten* + dative (*Ich antworte dem Freund*).
- Do not assume every English direct object is accusative in German without checking — but for shopping/eating verbs, it usually is.