10 Common German language Grammar Mistakes

Learning German language and grammar can be challenging for many students. Even advanced learners often struggle with some aspects of German grammar. Here we highlight 10 of the most common German grammar mistakes along with examples and tips for avoiding them.

1. Incorrect word order

German language is an inflected language, meaning word order plays a very important role in conveying meaning. One of the most common mistakes is using the incorrect word order in a sentence. For example:

Incorrect: Ich gemocht habe dieser Film nicht.

Correct: Ich habe diesen Film nicht gemocht.

The conjugated verb must always be in the second position in a main clause sentence. Keeping verbs in the right place takes practice, but is key for constructing understandable sentences.

2. Mixing up der/die/das

German has three definite articles (der, die, das) that correspond to masculine, feminine and neuter nouns. The proper article must always be used. Here are some examples of incorrect uses:

Incorrect: Ich lese das Buch.

Correct: Ich lese das Buch.

Mixing up der/die/das is common when first learning new vocabulary. With time and exposure, the proper article will become more intuitive.

3. Ending sentences with prepositions

In German language, sentences cannot end with prepositions. For example:

Incorrect: Ich freue mich auf dich zu sehen.

Correct: Ich freue mich darauf, dich zu sehen.

The preposition (auf) needs to be at the end of the clause, not the whole sentence. This rule trips up many German learners.

4. Capitalizing nouns incorrectly

In German language, all nouns are capitalized, not just proper nouns. Failing to capitalize is a giveaway that someone is not an advanced speaker. For example:

Incorrect: ich habe einen apfel gegessen.

Correct: Ich habe einen Apfel gegessen.

Proper capitalization of nouns is essential for accurate German writing. It takes practice to remember to capitalize each noun.

5. Using the wrong case

German language has four cases – nominative, accusative, dative and genitive. Choosing the wrong case ending on articles, pronouns and adjectives is a common mistake. For example:

Incorrect: Ich gebe es meinen bruder.

Correct: Ich gebe es meinem Bruder.

Meinen is dative case, while mein is nominative/accusative. The case needs to properly convey who is receiving the object. Mastering cases is complex, but vital for precision.

6. Forming plurals incorrectly

Unlike English, German plural nouns take a variety of endings including -e, -er, -n, -s and more. Using the wrong plural is a frequent error, for example:

Incorrect: ein kinder

Correct: ein Kindern

The noun Kind takes the plural ending -er. Learning the plural forms of nouns and when to use them takes repetition.

7. Using the wrong tense

German complex tense system can pose challenges. Often the present tense is used when a past or future tense is required, or vice versa. For example:

Incorrect: Ich gehe gestern zum Markt.

Correct: Ich ging gestern zum Markt.

Here, “ging” is the proper past tense for “to go”. Avoid tense confusion by fully understanding when to use each one.

8. Misusing modal verbs

Modal verbs like können, müssen, dürfen, etc. are commonly used incorrectly in terms of placement and conjugation. For example:

Incorrect: Ich muss gehen jetzt.

Correct: Ich muss jetzt gehen.

The modal verb comes second in the sentence and is not conjugated. Modals deserve special attention to use properly.

9. Improper adjective endings

In German language, adjective endings change based on case, gender and number. Using the wrong adjective ending is a frequent mistake. For example:

Incorrect: Das ist mein kleine Hund.

Correct: Das ist mein kleiner Hund.

Kleiner is the proper ending for the masculine, singular nominative case. Adjective endings take practice to master.

10. Confusing reflexive verbs

Reflexive verbs use pronouns like mich, dich, sich. Using the wrong reflexive pronoun or conjugating the verb incorrectly is common, for example:

Incorrect: Ich wasche mich den Kopf.

Correct: Ich wasche mir den Kopf.

Here, the reflexive pronoun mir is required, not mich. Reflexive verbs require vigilance to use properly.

Mastering German language presents an ongoing challenge. However, awareness of the most common pitfalls can help learners consciously avoid them and improve their accuracy over time. Patience and persistence are key! Consistent practice and exposure to proper grammar are the best ways for German learners to conquer these mistakes.