Verbs requiring both Dative and Genitive (jemanden einer Sache berauben)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Certain German verbs require a person in the Dative case and a thing in the Genitive case.
- The person being affected is in the Dative: 'Er beraubte {dem|m} Mann.'
- The thing being taken is in the Genitive: '...seiner Freiheit.'
- Combine them: 'Er beraubte {dem|m} Mann seiner Freiheit.'
Overview
Akkusativ, though often confused with Dativ) and a thing in the Genitiv. Think of the verb berauben (to rob/deprive). In English, you rob someone *of* something. In German, you rob someone (Accusative) something (Genitive). No prepositions allowed. It is sleek. It is precise. It is also quite rare. You will mostly find these verbs in courtrooms, high-brow literature, or when a journalist wants to sound particularly serious. Mastering this shows you do not just speak German; you command it.How This Grammar Works
geben, want two: a Dativ (the recipient) and an Akkusativ (the thing). But our special group today swaps the thing for a Genitiv object. This creates a unique relationship. The first object (the person) is the target of the action. The second object (the Genitive) defines the scope or the "what" of that action. Take jemanden einer Sache berauben. The person is the one feeling the loss. The Genitive part is the thing that is gone. It is like a grammar traffic light. The Accusative tells you who is stopped. The Genitive tells you why the light is red. This structure eliminates the need for pesky prepositions like von or über. It makes the sentence denser and more formal.
Formation Pattern
berauben, anklagen, or entheben.
Akkusativ case. (Note: While some archaic forms exist, modern high German uses Accusative for the person with these specific verbs).
-es, -er, etc.).
Der Richter (Subj) enthebt (Verb) den Minister (Acc) seines Amtes (Gen).
When To Use It
jemanden eines Besseren belehren (to prove someone wrong) to show you have a high linguistic range. In legal contexts, it is the standard. If you are writing a formal report about a crime, jemanden des Mordes anklagen (to accuse someone of murder) is much better than using informal workarounds. It is also perfect for dramatic storytelling. If a character is stripped of their honor, man beraubte ihn seiner Ehre sounds far more tragic than a simple man nahm ihm die Ehre weg. Think of it as your "power move" in a debate.
When Not To Use It
von or über, and the situation is casual, do that instead. Yes, even native speakers find these verbs a bit "extra" sometimes. Use them like salt: just enough to add flavor, but don't ruin the whole dish.
Common Mistakes
Dativ, learners often say dem Mann instead of den Mann. Remember: with berauben, anklagen, and bezichtigen, the person is the direct target. They are Akkusativ. Another classic error is forgetting the -s ending on masculine and neuter Genitive nouns. Des Amtes is correct; des Amt is a one-way ticket to a grammar headache. Also, watch out for the "von-trap." In C2 exams, if you use von where a Genitive object is expected, you lose that shiny "advanced" polish. It is a bit like wearing sneakers with a tuxedo. It works, but everyone notices.Contrast With Similar Patterns
Stehlen(to steal):Er stiehlt dem Mann(Dat)das Geld(Acc). This is for physical theft in everyday life.Berauben(to rob):Er beraubt den Mann(Acc)seines Geldes(Gen). This is formal, often implying a more abstract or serious deprivation.
beschuldigen vs. vorwerfen.Jemandem etwas vorwerfen:Er wirft mir(Dat)Lügen(Acc)vor. (Casual/Standard).Jemanden einer Sache bezichtigen:Er bezichtigt mich(Acc)der Lüge(Gen). (Formal/Legal).
Quick FAQ
Is the person always Accusative?
For the common verbs like berauben and anklagen, yes. The Genitive is the second object.
Can I use this in a business email?
Yes, especially in formal HR contexts, like jemanden seines Amtes entheben (removing someone from office).
Why does German make this so hard?
It isn't hard; it's just precise! Think of it as a specialized tool for high-level communication.
Do I need this for the C2 exam?
Absolutely. Using Genitive objects correctly is a hallmark of the C2 level.
Case Assignment for 'Berauben'
| Role | Case | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Victim
|
Dative
|
{dem|m} Mann
|
|
Stolen Item
|
Genitive
|
seines Geldes
|
|
Verb
|
N/A
|
beraubte
|
Meanings
These verbs describe an act of deprivation or removal where the victim is marked by the Dative case and the object removed by the Genitive.
Deprivation
To take something away from someone forcibly or legally.
“Man beraubte ihn seines Eigentums.”
“Sie entledigte sich ihrer Sorgen.”
Release/Disposal
To free oneself from something (reflexive).
“Er entledigte sich seiner Verantwortung.”
“Sie entledigte sich ihrer alten Kleidung.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Subj + Verb + Dat + Gen
|
Er beraubte {dem|m} Mann seines Geldes.
|
|
Negative
|
Subj + Verb + nicht + Dat + Gen
|
Er beraubte {dem|m} Mann nicht seines Geldes.
|
|
Question
|
Verb + Subj + Dat + Gen?
|
Beraubte er {dem|m} Mann seines Geldes?
|
|
Reflexive
|
Subj + Verb + sich + Gen
|
Er entledigte sich seiner Last.
|
Formality Spectrum
Man beraubte {die|f} Bevölkerung ihrer Rechte. (Political)
Sie nahmen {den|m} Leuten ihre Rechte weg. (Political)
Die haben {den|m} Leuten alles weggenommen. (Political)
Die haben die abgezogen. (Political)
The Deprivation Map
Target
- Dative The Victim
Object
- Genitive The Stolen Item
Examples by Level
Er beraubte {den|m} Mann.
He robbed the man.
Sie nahm {das|n} Buch.
She took the book.
Man beraubte {den|m} Gast seines Geldes.
They robbed the guest of his money.
Er entledigte sich {der|f} Jacke.
He got rid of the jacket.
Der Dieb beraubte {die|f} Frau ihrer Tasche.
The thief robbed the woman of her bag.
Sie entledigte sich ihrer alten Sorgen.
She got rid of her old worries.
Das Gesetz beraubte {die|f} Bürger ihrer Rechte.
The law deprived the citizens of their rights.
Er entledigte sich seiner Verantwortung.
He shed his responsibility.
Man hat {den|m} Angeklagten seiner Freiheit beraubt.
They have deprived the defendant of his freedom.
Sie entledigte sich ihrer Last.
She unburdened herself of her load.
Der Diktator beraubte {das|n} Volk seiner Hoffnung.
The dictator robbed the people of their hope.
Er entledigte sich seiner Maske.
He cast off his mask.
Easily Confused
Both mean to steal, but they take different cases.
Both mean to get rid of, but entledigen is formal.
Rauben takes Accusative for the object.
Common Mistakes
Er beraubt {den|m} Mann.
Er beraubt {dem|m} Mann seines Geldes.
Er beraubt {den|m} Geld.
Er beraubt {dem|m} Mann seines Geldes.
Er beraubt {das|n} Geld.
Er beraubt {dem|m} Mann seines Geldes.
Er beraubte {den|m} Mann seiner Geld.
Er beraubte {dem|m} Mann seines Geldes.
Er beraubt {dem|m} Mann das Geld.
Er beraubt {dem|m} Mann seines Geldes.
Er beraubt {den|m} Mann von seinem Geld.
Er beraubt {dem|m} Mann seines Geldes.
Er entledigt sich die Sorgen.
Er entledigt sich seiner Sorgen.
Er beraubt {den|m} Mann seiner Freiheit.
Er beraubt {dem|m} Mann seiner Freiheit.
Er beraubt {dem|m} Mann seiner Freiheit nicht.
Er beraubt {dem|m} Mann nicht seiner Freiheit.
Er beraubte {den|m} König seiner Krone.
Er beraubte {dem|m} König seiner Krone.
Er entledigte sich die Last.
Er entledigte sich seiner Last.
Er beraubte {dem|m} König die Krone.
Er beraubte {dem|m} König seiner Krone.
Sentence Patterns
Man beraubte ___ (Person) ___ (Sache).
Er entledigte sich ___ (Sache).
Wessen beraubte man ___ (Person)?
Real World Usage
Der Täter beraubte {das|n} Opfer seiner Wertsachen.
Die Zeit beraubte ihn seiner Jugend.
Die Krise entledigte {die|f} Regierung ihrer Autorität.
Check the Case
Avoid Accusative
Use 'entledigen' for practice
Smart Tips
Think of it as 'rob someone OF something'. The 'OF' is the Genitive.
Always pair it with 'sich'.
Use these verbs to sound more precise.
Pronunciation
Genitive endings
Ensure the '-es' or '-s' is pronounced clearly.
Formal statement
Er beraubte {dem|m} Mann ↘ seiner Freiheit.
Serious, declarative tone.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember: 'Dative for the victim, Genitive for the loot.'
Visual Association
Imagine a thief (Subject) taking a wallet (Genitive) from a sad man (Dative).
Rhyme
Dative for the man you rob, Genitive for the job.
Story
A king (Subject) robbed a peasant (Dative) of his land (Genitive). The peasant was sad. The king felt no guilt.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three sentences using 'berauben' and 'entledigen' in 5 minutes.
Cultural Notes
This phrasing is standard in court reports.
Used to create a sense of tragedy or high stakes.
Derived from Old High German 'biroubon'.
Conversation Starters
Was beraubt uns heute unserer Zeit?
Wie kann man sich seiner Sorgen entledigen?
Wessen beraubt man jemanden in einem Krieg?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Er beraubte {dem|m} Mann ___ (seine Freiheit).
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Sie entledigte sich die Sorgen.
He robbed the woman of her bag.
Answer starts with: Er ...
Score: /4
Practice Exercises
4 exercisesEr beraubte {dem|m} Mann ___ (seine Freiheit).
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Sie entledigte sich die Sorgen.
He robbed the woman of her bag.
Score: /4
FAQ (6)
It's a historical valency requirement for these specific verbs.
No, it sounds too formal. Use 'bestehlen' instead.
No, it can be used for abstract things like 'Freiheit' or 'Hoffnung'.
You will sound like a beginner. Practice the Genitive endings!
It's formal, but useful for describing getting rid of burdens.
Yes, 'beschuldigen' (to accuse) also takes the Genitive.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Despojar a alguien de algo
Spanish uses a preposition, German uses a case.
Dépouiller quelqu'un de quelque chose
French uses a prepositional phrase.
Berauben
None.
～から～を奪う
Japanese marks the victim with 'from' and the object with 'direct object'.
سلب شيئاً من شخص
Arabic structure is verb-object-from-victim.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
German Direct Objects: Who or What? (Akkusativ)
Overview In German, nouns do not always appear in the same form. Their endings, and more importantly, their accompanying...
Explaining Past Reasons: Since & Because (weil/da)
Overview Understanding how to articulate the 'why' behind an event or action is crucial for effective communication in G...
German Accusative: Using 'den', 'die', and 'das' (Akkusativ)
Overview German grammatical cases often pose a significant challenge for learners, but they are fundamental to understan...
German Articles (der, die, das): Which 'The' to Use?
Overview In German, every single noun, without exception, possesses a **grammatical gender**. Unlike English, where 'the...
German Nominative Case After 'To Be' (sein)
Overview The German language organizes its nouns and pronouns into four cases, each signaling a distinct grammatical rol...
