Masculine & Neuter Genitive. When to add an 'e'?

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#1

There are several examples in the coursework about how to modify words for the Genitive, but they are not completely consistent. (to me anyway)

For example:

From the main Grammar page:

der → (masculine) Das Auto des Vaters. (des + s)
das → (neuter) Das Fahrrad des Kindes." (des + es)

However in the exercise: “Paul ist gestresst: A1 ▹ Unit 26”

“der Mann” becomes “des Mannes” <- masculine but unlike the grammar page there is an added “e”.

Also, these examples show “das Kind” becoming “des Kindes”, however other places “das Hotel” becomes “des Hotels” <- neuter, but no added “e”.

Any help? The differences here are not explained anywhere I can find so far.

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#2

Ok so I think I found the answer elsewhere. Please correct me if I am wrong.

" Masculine and neuter nouns change forms in the genitive case. The noun endings –s or –es are added (-s for polysyllabic nouns, –es for monosyllabic)."

So if a word is a single syllable, use “-es”. If not, use “-s”.

“der Vater” (2 syllables) -> “des Vaters”.
“das Kind” (1 syllable) -> “des Kindes”.

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#3

@kthxbye The answer is: Jein :wink:
If a word ends with -s, -z or -tz, the es-ending is mandatory.

Here you see some examples:

  • das Haus --> Die Tür des Hauses.
  • der Satz --> Das Ende des Satzes.

If a word ends with -n, -m, -l or -r, you just have to add an s.

Here are some examples:

  • Das Kind des Vaters.
  • Die Tür des Gartens.

If a word ends with another letter, you can generally use -s or -es.

Here are some examples:

  • Das Auto meines Freunds. / Das Auto meines Freundes.
  • Die Tiere des Walds. / Die Tiere des Waldes.

The Duden gives a detailed explanation here:

I hope, this answered your question :+1:t4:

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#4

Thanks much. This is very helpful.

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