dieser, diese, dieses / der, die, das (as demonstratives)
Demonstrative pronouns point to specific things or people, like 'this' and 'that' in English. German uses 'dieser/diese/dieses' (this/these) for nearby things, and the definite articles 'der/die/das' can also function as demonstrative pronouns meaning 'that one'.
'dieser' (this) changes its ending to match the gender and case of the noun
Masculine: dieser. Feminine: diese. Neuter: dieses. Plural: diese. These forms are for the nominative (subject) case at A1 level.
The definite articles der/die/das can be used as demonstrative pronouns meaning 'that' or 'the one'
Der ist mein Freund (That one is my friend). Die ist schön (That one is beautiful). Das ist interessant (That is interesting). When used this way, they carry stronger stress in speech.
'Das ist...' is the standard formula for identifying things and people
Das ist ein Buch (That/This is a book). Das ist meine Lehrerin (That/This is my teacher). 'Das ist' never changes, even for masculine or feminine: Das ist ein Mann / Das ist eine Frau.
| Gender | Form | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masculine (der) | dieser | dieser Mann | this man |
| Feminine (die) | diese | diese Frau | this woman |
| Neuter (das) | dieses | dieses Kind | this child |
| Plural (die) | diese | diese Kinder | these children |
Dieser Mann ist mein Lehrer.
This man is my teacher.
dieser + Mann (masculine) → dieser
Diese Tasche ist sehr schön.
This bag is very beautiful.
diese + Tasche (feminine) → diese
Dieses Buch ist sehr interessant.
This book is very interesting.
dieses + Buch (neuter) → dieses
Das ist meine Mutter.
This/That is my mother.
'Das ist' never changes — use it to introduce people and things regardless of gender.
Welches Auto gefällt dir? — Dieses hier!
Which car do you like? — This one here!
'Dieses' used alone as a pronoun (referring to 'das Auto').
Diese Jacke ist zu klein.
Tap to revealDiese Jacke ist zu klein.
This jacket is too small.
Reinforce what you learned with interactive exercises.