Nominativ
/ˈnoːminaˌtiːf/masculine
The English phrase 'nominative case' in German is Nominativ. If unsure, use Nominativ. It is also spelled Wer-Fall. Wiktionary also lists Werfall.
Meaning: case used to indicate the subject (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Nominativ | /ˈnoːminaˌtiːf/ | masculine |
| Werfall | /ˈveːɐfal/ | masculine |
| Wer-Fall | masculine, alternative form |
The nominative case is used to indicate the subject (noun). To identify the subject in the nominative case, one uses the question Wer oder was? (Who or what?).
What does it mean word for word?
The term Wer-Fall is a literal description of the nominative case, meaning 'who-case', derived from the question word wer (who).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnoːminaˌtiːf/
Did you know?
- While English uses word order to show a noun is the subject, German can move the subject to almost any position in a sentence because the Nominativ case marks it clearly.
- The question used to find the nominative subject, Wer oder was?, is so fundamental that it is often taught as a rhythmic chant in German primary schools.
- In German, the word Fall used in Nominativ-Fall refers to a grammatical case, but in everyday speech it most commonly means a 'case' of illness or a 'fall' from a height.
Examples in context
- Der Hund bellt laut.The dog barks loudly.
- Er ist glücklich.He is happy.
- Ein Nomen im Nominativ ist das Subjekt.A noun in the nominative case is the subject.
- Benutzt du den Nominativ für das Subjekt?Do you use the nominative case for the subject?
Example conversation
Laura and Maximilian are studying German grammar together.
- LauraWas ist das Subjekt im Satz?What is the subject in the sentence?
- MaximilianDas Subjekt steht immer im Nominativ.The subject is always in the nominative case.
- LauraIst das in diesem Beispiel richtig?Is that correct in this example?
- MaximilianJa, Maximilian hat recht.Yes, Maximilian is right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nominative case” translations and entries Nominativ, Werfall, Wer-Fall, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
