How to use Possessive Pronouns in German Grammar
Introduction
We use possessive pronouns when we want to express ownership/belonging (mein Hund, my dog). Possessive pronouns are declined and adapt their ending to the noun (see declension).
Learn the rules for the formation and use of possessive pronouns and master this grammar topic!
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Possessive pronouns as articles - Table of Dependent Possessive Pronouns
Possessive pronouns as articles are placed in front of the noun just like an article. We therefore often call them possessive articles.
Example: Das ist mein Hund. Ich suche meinen Hund. This is my dog. I am looking for my dog.
Depending on the gender and the case, we have to add different endings to the basic form. The following overview contains the declension of the possessive pronouns as masculine, feminine, neuter, and plural in the nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative. You just have to find the right form.
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Possessive pronouns as substitute - Table of Independent Possessive Pronouns
Possessive pronouns as substitutes replace a previously mentioned noun.
Example: Wo ist mein Hund? Meiner liegt in seinem Bett, wo ist deiner? Where is my dog? Mine is in its bed, where is yours?
(instead of: Mein Hund liegt im Bett, aber dein Hund liegt nicht im Bett. My dog is in bed, but your dog is not in bed).
Independent possessive pronouns replace previously mentioned nouns, they stand on their own in a sentence i.e they are not followed by a noun. The following overview contains the declension of the possessive pronouns as substitutes for masculine, feminine, neuter, and plural in the nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative. So all you have to do is pick out the right form.
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