C2 Advanced Syntax 13 min read Medium

The Absolute Accusative (Writing with Style)

Ditch the preposition mit and use the Accusative to describe accompanying circumstances with high-level stylistic elegance.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use the accusative case without a preposition to define specific durations or points in time, adding professional flair to your German.

  • Use it for specific time points: 'Ich arbeite {den|m} ganzen Tag.'
  • Use it for recurring time: 'Jeden Montag gehe ich schwimmen.'
  • Use it for measurements: 'Der Tisch ist einen Meter lang.'
Time/Measure (Accusative) + Verb + Subject

Overview

The absoluter Akkusativ (Absolute Accusative) is a sophisticated syntactic construction primarily found in written German and elevated speech. It allows a writer to describe a state, posture, or attendant circumstance connected to the main action of a sentence without using a preposition (like mit) or a subordinate clause (like während). Its function is to provide a vivid, concise snapshot that adds detail and texture to the main clause.

Think of it as a grammatical zoom lens, focusing on a specific detail of the scene—a hand gesture, an item of clothing, a look in the eyes—while the main action continues.

This construction is called "absolute" because it stands grammatically free or independent from the main clause's core structure. It is not a direct object, an indirect object, or a prepositional object governed by the verb. Instead, it functions as a type of adverbial phrase, modifying the entire clause by describing the conditions under which the action occurs.

At the C2 level, mastering the absolute accusative is a hallmark of stylistic maturity, demonstrating an ability to move beyond more straightforward sentence structures and employ the concise, noun-heavy syntax typical of formal German prose. It compresses what could be a whole clause (während er einen Hut aufhatte) into a tight, elegant phrase: Den(m) Hut auf dem(m) Kopf.

Its linguistic purpose is efficiency and visual impact. By stripping away connecting words, the construction presents the accompanying detail with immediacy. Consider the difference: Er lief die Straße entlang und trug dabei eine schwere Tasche (He walked along the street, carrying a heavy bag) versus Eine schwere Tasche in der Hand, lief er die Straße entlang (A heavy bag in hand, he walked along the street).

The second version is more direct, painting the image of the bag and the action of walking as a single, unified picture. This technique is a favorite of novelists and journalists for creating a literary and descriptive tone.

How This Grammar Works

The core principle of the absoluter Akkusativ is syntactic compression. It takes a complete idea that would normally require a clause or a prepositional phrase and reduces it to a nominal (noun-based) phrase. This phrase, consisting of a noun and its modifiers, is then placed in the accusative case by convention.
This is not an accusative case governed by a verb or a two-way preposition; it is a fixed, idiomatic requirement of the construction itself, similar to how temporal expressions like jeden(m) Tag or letzten(m) Montag use the accusative to denote time without an explicit preposition.
The construction's "absolute" nature means it doesn't fill a necessary slot in the sentence's grammar. The main clause is already grammatically complete without it. For example, in the sentence Den(m) Blick starr geradeaus gerichtet, saß sie im Wartezimmer (Her gaze fixed straight ahead, she sat in the waiting room), the main clause ...saß sie im Wartezimmer is a perfectly valid sentence.
The absolute accusative phrase simply adds a layer of descriptive detail about how she was sitting. It’s an optional, stylistic addition.
This construction is implicitly linked to the subject of the main clause. In the previous example, it is her gaze that is fixed ahead. The absolute accusative almost always describes a body part, an article of clothing, or an object held or possessed by the subject.
This implicit link is what makes the construction coherent. Without it, the sentence would feel disjointed. For instance, Den(m) Regen gegen die Scheibe prasselnd, las er ein Buch (The rain pattering against the window, he read a book) is a correct usage because the rain is an attendant circumstance of the scene, even if not physically part of the subject.

Formation Pattern

1
The structure of the absoluter Akkusativ is consistent and can be broken down into a clear formula. The key is to remember that the entire noun phrase—including the article and any adjectives—must be in the accusative case.
2
The basic formula is: Noun Phrase (Accusative) + Modifier
3
This pattern typically appears in one of three common variations, depending on the type of modifier used to describe the noun. Below is a table detailing these patterns.
4
| Pattern | Formula | Example | Translation |
5
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
6
| 1. Noun + Prepositional Phrase | Den(m)/Die/Das Noun(Acc) + Prepositional Phrase | Den(m) Aktenkoffer in der linken Hand, öffnete er die Tür. | The briefcase in his left hand, he opened the door. |
7
| 2. Noun + Past Participle | Den(m)/Die/Das Noun(Acc) + ... + Partizip II | Die Augen fest geschlossen, lauschte sie der Musik. | Her eyes tightly closed, she listened to the music. |
8
| 3. Noun + Adjective | Den(m)/Die/Das Noun(Acc) + Adjective(Acc) + ... | Den(m) Kopf hoch erhoben, verließ sie den(m) Raum. | Her head held high, she left the room. |
9
Crucially, you must correctly mark the accusative case. While this is not visible for feminine, neuter, or plural nouns with a definite article, it is unmistakable for masculine nouns and for all nouns when using indefinite articles or adjectives.
10
Let's observe the case marking in action:
11
Masculine: Er stand da, einen Arm lässig auf die Theke gestützt. (He stood there, one arm casually propped on the counter.) The nominative ein Arm would be a significant error.
12
Feminine: Sie betrat das Podium, die Rede bereits in der Hand. (She entered the podium, the speech already in her hand.) The accusative die looks the same as the nominative die, but it is indeed accusative.
13
Neuter: Das Gesicht zur Wand gewandt, weigerte er sich zu antworten. (His face turned to the wall, he refused to answer.) Again, accusative das is identical to nominative das.
14
Adjective declension must also follow the rules for the accusative case. Notice the -en ending in this example with a masculine noun: Er wartete, einen schweren Rucksack zu seinen Füßen. (He waited, a heavy backpack at his feet.)

When To Use It

The absoluter Akkusativ is a feature of a high register. Its use is largely confined to contexts where stylistic flair and dense information packaging are valued. Using it outside of these contexts can sound unnatural or pretentious.
  • Literary and Narrative Texts: This is the construction's natural habitat. Novelists use it constantly to create vivid character portraits and dynamic scenes without cluttering their prose with conjunctions. It is a fundamental tool for showing, not telling. 'Den(m) Revolver im Gürtel, trat der Fremde in den(m) Saloon.' (The revolver in his belt, the stranger stepped into the saloon.)
  • High-Quality Journalism: You will frequently encounter this in the feature sections (Feuilleton) of major German newspapers like Die Zeit, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, or Süddeutsche Zeitung. Journalists use it to paint a scene or describe a subject with literary sophistication. 'Den(m) Blick auf das Manuskript geheftet, begann der Autor die Lesung.' (His gaze fixed on the manuscript, the author began the reading.)
  • Formal and Academic Writing: In academic prose, the absolute accusative can be a tool for elegant conciseness. It allows a writer to state an accompanying condition or premise without a full clause. 'Den(m) Fokus auf die sozioökonomischen Auswirkungen gelegt, analysiert die Studie...' (The focus placed on the socio-economic impacts, the study analyzes...)
  • Prepared Speeches and Presentations: In a formal speech, using an absolute accusative can lend weight and rhetorical power to a statement. It signals a well-considered, deliberate mode of expression. 'Dieses(n) Ziel klar vor Augen, werden wir unsere Strategie umsetzen.' (This goal clearly before our eyes, we will implement our strategy.)
Conversely, it is highly uncommon in spontaneous, everyday conversation. While a German speaker would understand Den(m) Schlüssel in der Hand, kam ich nach Hause, they would almost certainly say Ich hatte den(m) Schlüssel in der Hand, als ich nach Hause kam or simply Ich kam mit dem(m) Schlüssel in der Hand nach Hause. Using it in a casual setting might mark you as a non-native speaker who is over-applying a formal rule.

Common Mistakes

As a C2-level construction, the absoluter Akkusativ has several pitfalls that can quickly reveal a learner's uncertainty. Avoiding these common errors is key to using the structure effectively.
  1. 1Using the Nominative Case: This is by far the most frequent mistake. Because the phrase often appears at the beginning of a sentence where a subject would be, learners instinctively use the nominative. This is incorrect, as the construction idiomatically demands the accusative.
  • Wrong: Der Hut *tief ins Gesicht gezogen, betrat er die Bar.
  • Right: Den Hut tief ins Gesicht gezogen, betrat er die Bar.
To avoid this, train yourself to see the phrase not as a subject, but as a detached descriptive block that, by rule, takes the accusative.
  1. 1Incorrect Adjective Endings: If the noun phrase includes an adjective, it must also take the correct accusative ending. This often gets overlooked, especially when the article itself doesn't change form (e.g., with neuter or feminine nouns).
  • Wrong: Sie hörte zu, offenes Haar *über ihre Schultern fallend. (Incorrect adjective ending for neuter accusative after zero article)
  • Right: Sie hörte zu, offenes Haar über ihre Schultern fallend. (Okay, this example for neuter is identical. Let's use masculine.)
  • Wrong: Er trug ein schwerer Koffer in der linken Hand.
  • Right: Er trug einen schweren Koffer in der linken Hand.
  1. 1Overuse: The absoluter Akkusativ is a stylistic spice. A little adds flavor and sophistication; too much ruins the dish. Sentences peppered with this construction sound artificial and overwrought. A good writer might use it once or twice on a page to create a specific effect, but not in every other sentence. Reserve it for moments that warrant a special descriptive focus.
  1. 1Semantic Disconnect: The absolute accusative must have a logical connection to the main clause, typically by describing the state of the subject or the immediate environment. Using it for a completely unrelated idea creates confusion.
  • Awkward: Das Auto draußen geparkt, kochte sie eine Suppe. (The car parked outside, she cooked a soup.)
  • Better: While grammatically possible, the connection is weak. A more natural sentence would connect the action and the state more directly: Die Schürze umgebunden, kochte sie eine Suppe.

Real Conversations

While you won't hear the absoluter Akkusativ while ordering a coffee, it does appear in modern, high-level communication. Here’s where you can realistically expect to encounter and use it today.

- Curated Social Media Posts: On platforms like Instagram, where captions are often crafted for literary effect, this construction is used to create a sophisticated or pensive mood. It's the linguistic equivalent of a high-quality photo filter.

- Instagram Caption: Den Blick in die Ferne gerichtet, den(m) Kaffee in der Hand. Nachdenkliche Momente am Sonntagmorgen. (Gaze fixed on the distance, coffee in hand. Pensive moments on a Sunday morning.)

- Modern Literature: Contemporary German authors continue to use this tool, just as their predecessors did. It remains a staple of literary prose.

- From a novel: Er stand auf, das leere Glas noch in der Hand, und ging zur Tür. (He stood up, the empty glass still in his hand, and walked to the door.)

- Business and Formal Presentations: In a professional context, it conveys precision and authority.

- Manager presenting a report: Diese Zahlen vor uns, müssen wir unsere nächsten Schritte sorgfältig planen. (These numbers before us, we must plan our next steps carefully.)

- Voiceover and Narration: In documentaries or audiobooks, the absolute accusative provides an elegant way to layer description over an image or action.

- Documentary narration: Den Kopf geneigt, beobachtet das Raubtier seine Beute. (Its head tilted, the predator observes its prey.)

In essence, think of this construction as part of your formal writing and speaking toolkit. It's not for chatting with friends, but for moments when you want your language to be deliberate, descriptive, and impactful.

Quick FAQ

Q: Can the absoluter Akkusativ appear in the middle or at the end of a sentence?

Yes, absolutely. Its position is flexible and affects the sentence's rhythm and focus. Placing it at the end often creates a dramatic or reflective pause.

  • End: Er saß am Fenster, den Blick auf die belebte Straße gerichtet. (He sat at the window, his gaze fixed on the busy street.)
  • Middle (as a parenthetical): Der Kanzler betrat, ein Lächeln im Gesicht, das Podium. (The chancellor, a smile on his face, stepped onto the podium.)
Q: Is this the same as the adverbial genitive (adverbialer Genitiv)?

They are stylistic cousins but are not the same. The adverbial genitive (e.g., erhobenen Hauptes, schweren Herzens) also describes the manner of an action but uses a different case and often has a more idiomatic, fixed quality. The absolute accusative is more flexible and descriptive of a physical state, while the adverbial genitive often describes an inner or abstract manner. Er verließ erhobenen Hauptes den(m) Raum (genitive) vs. Er verließ den Kopf hoch erhoben den(m) Raum (accusative).

Q: How is it different from the accusative of time (Akkusativ der Zeit)?

Both are instances of the accusative case being used without a governing verb or preposition. However, they serve different functions. The accusative of time (jeden Tag, nächsten Monat) answers the question "When?" or "For how long?". The absolute accusative answers the question "In what state?" or "With what feature?".

Q: Will Germans understand me if I get the case wrong?

They will almost certainly understand your meaning from context, but using the nominative instead of the accusative is a clear grammatical error. For a C2 learner, it would signal that you haven't fully mastered this particular formal structure, much like saying "He I saw" instead of "Him I saw" in a similar English construction.

Q: Can I use it with any noun?

In theory, yes, but it is most natural and common with nouns that are closely associated with the subject: body parts, clothing, handheld objects, or tools. Using it with a detached object can sometimes work if the object is part of the immediate scene (Den Regen an der Scheibe...), but it can quickly become awkward if the connection is too remote.

Absolute Accusative Forms

Noun Gender Article/Adjective Example
Masculine
{den|m} / jeden
{den|m} ganzen Tag
Feminine
{die|f} / jede
{die|f} ganze Nacht
Neuter
{das|n} / jedes
{das|n} ganze Wochenende

Meanings

The absolute accusative functions as an adverbial phrase to express duration, frequency, or measurement without requiring a preposition.

1

Temporal Duration

Expressing how long an action lasts.

“Ich warte {den|m} ganzen Tag.”

“Sie hat {die|f} ganze Nacht gelernt.”

2

Frequency

Expressing how often something occurs.

“Jeden Tag gehe ich joggen.”

“Jeden Monat zahle ich Miete.”

3

Measurement

Expressing dimensions or weight.

“Der Graben ist einen Meter tief.”

“Das Paket wiegt ein Kilo.”

Reference Table

Reference table for The Absolute Accusative (Writing with Style)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Accusative Noun + Verb
Jeden Tag lerne ich.
Negative
Accusative Noun + nicht + Verb
Jeden Tag arbeite ich nicht.
Question
Verb + Accusative Noun
Lernst du jeden Tag?
Measurement
Subject + sein + Accusative Measure
Der Weg ist einen Kilometer lang.
Duration
Subject + Verb + Accusative Duration
Wir reisten {die|f} ganze Woche.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Ich habe {den|m} ganzen Tag gearbeitet.

Ich habe {den|m} ganzen Tag gearbeitet. (Work report)

Neutral
Ich habe {den|m} ganzen Tag gearbeitet.

Ich habe {den|m} ganzen Tag gearbeitet. (Work report)

Informal
Ich hab {den|m} ganzen Tag gearbeitet.

Ich hab {den|m} ganzen Tag gearbeitet. (Work report)

Slang
Hab den ganzen Tag geschuftet.

Hab den ganzen Tag geschuftet. (Work report)

Absolute Accusative Uses

Absolute Accusative

Time

  • Jeden Tag Every day

Duration

  • {den|m} ganzen Tag The whole day

Measure

  • einen Meter one meter
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Examples by Level

1

Jeden Tag lerne ich.

Every day I learn.

1

Ich warte {den|m} ganzen Tag.

I wait the whole day.

1

Jeden Monat zahle ich Miete.

Every month I pay rent.

1

Der Tisch ist einen Meter lang.

The table is one meter long.

1

{Den|m} ganzen Abend haben wir debattiert.

The whole evening we debated.

1

Er lief {die|f} ganze Strecke barfuß.

He ran the whole distance barefoot.

Easily Confused

The Absolute Accusative (Writing with Style) vs Accusative Object vs. Absolute Accusative

Learners confuse required objects with optional adverbials.

The Absolute Accusative (Writing with Style) vs Dative Time vs. Accusative Time

Dative is for points in time (an dem Tag), Accusative for duration (den Tag).

The Absolute Accusative (Writing with Style) vs Prepositional Accusative vs. Absolute Accusative

Learners add 'für' unnecessarily.

Common Mistakes

✗

für jeden Tag

✓

jeden Tag

No preposition needed.
✗

in den Tag

✓

den Tag

Absolute accusative replaces 'in'.
✗

dem Tag

✓

den Tag

Dative is wrong here.
✗

einen Tag lang

✓

den ganzen Tag

Use 'ganz' for duration.
✗

an jeden Tag

✓

jeden Tag

Preposition is redundant.
✗

für eine Stunde

✓

eine Stunde

Absolute accusative is better.
✗

mit einen Meter

✓

einen Meter

No preposition.
✗

während den Tag

✓

den ganzen Tag

Wrong conjunction.
✗

in der Nacht

✓

die ganze Nacht

Different meaning.
✗

für den Monat

✓

den Monat

Redundant preposition.
✗

an den ganzen Abend

✓

den ganzen Abend

Preposition is incorrect.
✗

mit den ganzen Tag

✓

den ganzen Tag

Incorrect case/preposition.
✗

zu den ganzen Tag

✓

den ganzen Tag

Wrong preposition.
✗

durch den Tag

✓

den ganzen Tag

Stylistically poor.

Sentence Patterns

___ Tag lerne ich Deutsch.

Ich habe ___ ganzen Abend gewartet.

Der Tisch ist ___ Meter lang.

___ ganze Woche habe ich nicht geschlafen.

Real World Usage

Work Email very common

Ich habe {den|m} ganzen Vormittag an dem Projekt gearbeitet.

Texting constant

Jeden Tag neue Probleme!

Social Media very common

Jeden Abend ein neues Foto.

Job Interview common

Ich habe {die|f} ganze Zeit meine Fähigkeiten verbessert.

Travel occasional

Wir sind {die|f} ganze Strecke gelaufen.

Food Delivery occasional

Jeden Tag Pizza.

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🎯

The 'Masculine Test'

If you're unsure if it's working, try a masculine noun like 'Schlüssel'. If it sounds right as '{den|m} Schlüssel', you've nailed the Absolute Accusative!
⚠️

Avoid Clutter

Only use one absolute construction per sentence. Using multiple makes the text hard to read and overly dramatic.
💬

Instagram German

Modern German influencers often use this for captions to sound 'deep' and aesthetic. Try it on your next travel photo!

Smart Tips

Drop the 'für' and use the accusative.

Ich habe für den ganzen Tag gearbeitet. → Ich habe den ganzen Tag gearbeitet.

Use 'jeden' + time noun.

An jedem Tag gehe ich laufen. → Jeden Tag gehe ich laufen.

Use the accusative for the measurement.

Der Tisch hat eine Länge von zwei Metern. → Der Tisch ist zwei Meter lang.

Move the accusative phrase to position 1.

Wir haben den ganzen Abend diskutiert. → Den ganzen Abend haben wir diskutiert.

Pronunciation

JEDEN Tag...

Emphasis

When fronting the absolute accusative, place stress on the first word.

Declarative

Jeden Tag ↘ lerne ich.

Standard statement.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think 'Accusative is the Time-Keeper'. If it measures time or space, put it in the accusative case.

Visual Association

Imagine a clock face where every hour is marked with a blue '{den|m}' sticker, showing that time is 'captured' by the accusative.

Rhyme

For time and space, keep the pace, put the noun in the accusative case.

Story

Hans wanted to measure his garden. He didn't use a ruler; he used his steps. He walked '{den|m} ganzen Garten' and realized it was 'einen Kilometer' long. He did this '{jeden|m} Tag' to be sure.

Word Web

jeden{den|m}ganzlangweittief

Challenge

Write three sentences about your day using the absolute accusative for time and distance.

Cultural Notes

Used frequently in business to denote duration of tasks.

Often combined with local particles.

Similar usage, often more concise.

Derived from the Proto-Germanic accusative case used for temporal extent.

Conversation Starters

“

Wie lange hast du heute gearbeitet?

“

Wie oft gehst du ins Fitnessstudio?

“

Wie lang ist die Strecke, die du läufst?

“

Wie hast du {die|f} ganze Zeit überlebt?

Journal Prompts

Describe your daily routine.
Write about a long project you finished.
Describe a hike you took.
Reflect on a challenging week.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the correct article.

___ ganzen Tag habe ich gelernt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {den|m}
Accusative is required for duration.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Jeden Tag lerne ich.
No preposition needed.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich warte für die ganze Stunde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich warte die ganze Stunde.
Absolute accusative for duration.
Transform to absolute accusative. Sentence Transformation

Ich arbeite für den ganzen Monat.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich arbeite den ganzen Monat.
Remove preposition.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

ganzen / den / wir / Abend / haben / diskutiert

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wir haben den ganzen Abend diskutiert.
Correct word order.
Match the phrase to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Every day
Jeden Tag = Every day.
Conjugate the article. Conjugation Drill

___ ganze Woche.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {die|f}
Feminine accusative is the same as nominative.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

The absolute accusative can be used for any noun.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Only for time, frequency, or measurement.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the correct article.

___ ganzen Tag habe ich gelernt.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {den|m}
Accusative is required for duration.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Jeden Tag lerne ich.
No preposition needed.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ich warte für die ganze Stunde.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich warte die ganze Stunde.
Absolute accusative for duration.
Transform to absolute accusative. Sentence Transformation

Ich arbeite für den ganzen Monat.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ich arbeite den ganzen Monat.
Remove preposition.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

ganzen / den / wir / Abend / haben / diskutiert

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Wir haben den ganzen Abend diskutiert.
Correct word order.
Match the phrase to its meaning. Match Pairs

Jeden Tag

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Every day
Jeden Tag = Every day.
Conjugate the article. Conjugation Drill

___ ganze Woche.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {die|f}
Feminine accusative is the same as nominative.
Is this rule true? True False Rule

The absolute accusative can be used for any noun.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
Only for time, frequency, or measurement.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank: ___ (der Hut) tief im Gesicht, erkannte ihn niemand. Fill in the Blank

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Den Hut
Reorder the words to form a correct absolute accusative sentence. Sentence Reorder

Hand / das / in / Handy / der / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {Das|n} Handy in {der|f} Hand.
Translate to German using the Absolute Accusative: 'Gaze fixed on the future...' Translation

Gaze fixed on the future...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {Den|m} Blick auf {die|f} Zukunft gerichtet...
Fix the case: 'Ein schwerer Koffer in der Hand, kam er an.' Error Correction

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {Einen|m} schweren Koffer in {der|f} Hand, kam er an.
Match the noun to the logical absolute accusative ending. Match Pairs

1. {Den|m} Kopf ... / 2. {Die|f} Arme ... / 3. {Das|n} Buch ...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-gesenkt, 2-verschränkt, 3-aufgeschlagen
Select the sentence that sounds most like a professional news report. Multiple Choice

Reporting on a successful negotiation:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {Den|m} Vertrag bereits in {der|f} Tasche, kehrten {die|f} Diplomaten zurück.
___ (Die Hände) vor Kälte zitternd, versuchte er {das|n} Feuer zu entfachen. Fill in the Blank

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Die Hände
Place the absolute accusative at the END of the sentence. Sentence Reorder

Er / da / saß / . / gesenkt / den / Kopf /

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Er saß da, {den|m} Kopf gesenkt.
Identify the error: '{Den|m} Fokus auf {dem|m} Ziel, lief er los.' Error Correction

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No error.
Translate: 'One hand on his heart...' Translation

One hand on his heart...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {Die|f} eine Hand auf {dem|m} Herzen...

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

Only for duration or frequency, not specific points in time (use dative for those).

It's redundant. German uses the case system to show the function.

It's used in all registers, but sounds very professional.

They look the same as nominative, but they are still in the accusative case.

Yes, for measurements like 'einen Kilometer'.

Yes, 'jeden Tag' becomes 'alle Tage'.

Extremely common.

It will sound like you are talking about a specific point in time, not a duration.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish low

Por + time

German uses no preposition.

French low

Pendant + time

German uses case marking.

Japanese low

Time + ni/de

German uses case.

Arabic high

Adverbial accusative (Tamyeez/Hal)

Arabic is more flexible.

Chinese moderate

Time + verb

German uses inflection.

English low

For + time

German uses case.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Literary Saxon Genitive: Sound Like a Poet (des Vaters Haus)
Next
German Parenthetical Clauses: Adding Side-Notes (Schaltsätze)

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