Adjective endings after possessives
B1 · Intermediate · Advanced Structures
The rule
Like indefinite article: mein neuer Wagen.
How it works
Possessives such as mein, dein, sein, ihr, unser and euer take the same endings as ein. Adjectives after them follow the indefinite article pattern: mein neuer Wagen, meine neue Wohnung, unser kleines Haus. Learning this pattern together with the possessive forms prevents common errors in descriptions.
When to use it
Add adjective endings after possessives (mein, dein, unser), which follow the ein-pattern.
Use cases
- Describing your own belongings: Mein altes Fahrrad ist kaputt
- Describing family members: Unsere jüngste Tochter studiert
- Introducing a new possession in conversation: Ich habe meine neue Wohnung gezeigt
Examples
- Ich liebe meine neue Wohnung – I love my new flat
- Deine neue Jacke gefällt mir. – I like your new jacket.
- Ihr großer Garten ist wunderschön. – Her big garden is beautiful.
- Unsere kleinen Kinder schlafen schon. – Our little children are already asleep.
Common mistake
Using no ending after mein: "mein neuer Wagen" is right.
Memory tip
Possessives behave like ein: mein neuer Wagen, meine neue Wohnung.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Cases Explained: Nominative, Accusative, Dative and Genitive.