Verbs taking accusative
A1 · Beginner · Basics
The rule
haben, sehen, kaufen, brauchen, essen, trinken etc. take a direct object in accusative.
How it works
Many verbs in German take a direct object in the accusative, as English does. Common examples are haben, sehen, kaufen, brauchen, essen and trinken. Learning verbs with their case as a package helps you avoid errors, especially with verbs where English uses a different structure.
When to use it
Use the accusative after verbs such as haben, sehen, kaufen, brauchen, essen and trinken, which take a direct object.
Use cases
- Describing what you eat or drink: Ich esse einen Apfel
- Shopping: Ich kaufe ein Ticket
- Talking about perception: Ich sehe den Film
Examples
- Ich kaufe einen Apfel – I buy an apple
- Wir trinken Wasser. – We drink water.
- Hast du den Schlüssel? – Do you have the key?
- Sie braucht einen Arzt. – She needs a doctor.
Common mistake
Using the nominative after these verbs, for example "Ich brauche der Stift" instead of "Ich brauche den Stift".
Memory tip
Learn the verb with its object: "kaufen + accusative" is simpler than remembering the rule later.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Cases Explained: Nominative, Accusative, Dative and Genitive.