By the end of this lesson, I can…
- Nominalization and capitals
- Declension after a definite article
- After ein and kein
- Plural and dative forms
- Abstract nominalized adjectives
- Verbal origin and noun reference
Simple explanation
Substantivized adjectives and participles are German words that function as nouns while keeping adjective endings. They are written with capital letters and are used to describe people, groups, or abstract ideas. This B2 lesson explains their formation, usage, declension, and common mistakes.
Nominalization and capitals
An adjective or participle can function as a noun without a following head noun and takes a capital: der Kranke, die Angestellte. Die kranke Frau has an ordinary lowercase adjective. Capitalization alone is insufficient; endings and reference still matter.
Declension after a definite article
Endings follow adjective declension: der Kranke, den Kranken, dem Kranken. Feminine forms include die Kranke and mit der Kranken. Case, gender and article determine the ending; Kranken is not one invariant noun form.
After ein and kein
Masculine nominative is ein Angestellter but der Angestellte with the definite article; accusative is einen Angestellten. Final -er is not a permanent lexical noun ending here: determiner and case changes affect adjective-style inflection.
Plural and dative forms
Articleless plural Angestellte differs from definite die Angestellten. Dative plural gives mit Angestellten. Check quantifiers too: zwei Angestellte, alle Angestellten. A phrase with a different determiner may require a different ending.
Abstract nominalized adjectives
Abstract reference can use das Gute and etwas Neues. After etwas/nichts in this construction, capitalize and inflect the adjective: nichts Wichtiges. The phrase need not refer to a person; distinguish it from personal reference such as der Neue.
Verbal origin and noun reference
Die Reisenden derives from a participle but refers to people. The nominal form is not an independent perfect or continuous tense. Its actual use determines gender, number and case; interpret the underlying activity together with reference and context.
Nominalized adjectives in four cases
Endings remain adjectival; capitalization does not create an invariant noun ending.
| Case | Masculine, definite | Masculine, ein | Feminine, definite | Feminine, eine | Plural, definite / no article |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der Kranke | ein Kranker | die Kranke | eine Kranke | die Kranken / Kranke |
| Accusative | den Kranken | einen Kranken | die Kranke | eine Kranke | die Kranken / Kranke |
| Dative | dem Kranken | einem Kranken | der Kranken | einer Kranken | den Kranken / Kranken |
| Genitive | des Kranken | eines Kranken | der Kranken | einer Kranken | der Kranken / Kranker |
Grammar formula
Nominalization and capitals
substantiviertes Adjektiv/Partizip → Großschreibung + passende Adjektivendungder Kranke / die Reisenden
Declension after a definite article
bestimmter Artikel + substantiviertes Adjektiv mit schwacher Endungder Kranke / mit dem Kranken
After ein and kein
ein + substantiviertes Adjektiv mit gemischter Endungein Angestellter / einen Angestellten
Plural and dative forms
artikelloser Plural mit starker EndungAngestellte / mit Angestellten
Abstract nominalized adjectives
etwas/nichts + substantiviertes Adjektiv im Neutrumetwas Neues / nichts Wichtiges
Core rules
- 1
Nominalization and capitals
An adjective or participle can function as a noun without a following head noun and takes a capital: der Kranke, die Angestellte. Die kranke Frau has an ordinary lowercase adjective. Capitalization alone is insufficient; endings and reference still matter.
- 2
Declension after a definite article
Endings follow adjective declension: der Kranke, den Kranken, dem Kranken. Feminine forms include die Kranke and mit der Kranken. Case, gender and article determine the ending; Kranken is not one invariant noun form.
- 3
After ein and kein
Masculine nominative is ein Angestellter but der Angestellte with the definite article; accusative is einen Angestellten. Final -er is not a permanent lexical noun ending here: determiner and case changes affect adjective-style inflection.
- 4
Plural and dative forms
Articleless plural Angestellte differs from definite die Angestellten. Dative plural gives mit Angestellten. Check quantifiers too: zwei Angestellte, alle Angestellten. A phrase with a different determiner may require a different ending.
- 5
Abstract nominalized adjectives
Abstract reference can use das Gute and etwas Neues. After etwas/nichts in this construction, capitalize and inflect the adjective: nichts Wichtiges. The phrase need not refer to a person; distinguish it from personal reference such as der Neue.
- 6
Verbal origin and noun reference
Die Reisenden derives from a participle but refers to people. The nominal form is not an independent perfect or continuous tense. Its actual use determines gender, number and case; interpret the underlying activity together with reference and context.
Useful examples
Der Alte wohnt seit vielen Jahren in diesem Haus.
The old man has lived in this house for many years.
Die Junge arbeitet heute im Büro.
The young woman works in the office today.
Das Gute an dieser Idee ist ihre Einfachheit.
The good thing about this idea is its simplicity.
Die Reisenden warten auf den Zug.
The travelers are waiting for the train.
Der Verletzte wurde sofort behandelt.
The injured person was treated immediately.
Viele Deutsche sprechen mehrere Sprachen.
Many Germans speak several languages.
Ich möchte etwas Neues ausprobieren.
I would like to try something new.
Das Wichtigste ist, dass du ehrlich bist.
The most important thing is that you are honest.
Die Studierenden bereiten sich auf die Prüfung vor.
The students are preparing for the exam.
Der Arbeitslose sucht eine neue Stelle.
The unemployed person is looking for a new job.
Common mistakes
- ❌ Der Krank wartet vor der Praxis. ✅ Der Kranke wartet vor der Praxis.
- ❌ Ich helfe dem Kranke. ✅ Ich helfe dem Kranken.
- ❌ Ein Angestellte arbeitet heute länger. ✅ Ein Angestellter arbeitet heute länger.
- ❌ Zwei Angestellten arbeiten heute im Büro. ✅ Zwei Angestellte arbeiten heute im Büro.
- ❌ Ich habe etwas neu gelernt. ✅ Ich habe etwas Neues gelernt.
- ❌ Der Kranke wartet auf den Arzt. → Kranke → An abstract nominalized adjective ✅ Der Kranke wartet auf den Arzt. → Kranke → A nominalized adjective referring to a person
Learning tips
- Abstract reference can use das Gute and etwas Neues. After etwas/nichts in this construction, capitalize and inflect the adjective: nichts Wichtiges. The phrase need not refer to a person; distinguish it from personal reference such as der Neue.
- Die Reisenden derives from a participle but refers to people. The nominal form is not an independent perfect or continuous tense. Its actual use determines gender, number and case; interpret the underlying activity together with reference and context.
Use it in your own text
Write six new sentences about your life, experiences or views. Use the rules and table and check why each form fits. The models are illustrations; you need not force every form into one text. This is self-assessment; the test score is recorded separately.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Nominalization and capitals”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Declension after a definite article”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “After ein and kein”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Plural and dative forms”.
- Write a new example about a real or imagined situation using “Abstract nominalized adjectives”.
- Compare the form and meaning of two of your examples and explain the difference.
Show the model
Der Alte wohnt seit vielen Jahren in diesem Haus. Die Junge arbeitet heute im Büro. Das Gute an dieser Idee ist ihre Einfachheit. Die Reisenden warten auf den Zug. Der Verletzte wurde sofort behandelt. Viele Deutsche sprechen mehrere Sprachen.
Check your own work
- My intended meaning fits the chosen construction.
- I checked subject, verb form, case/preposition and word order.
- I adapted the models to my own context and considered the exceptions.
Put it into practice
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Related grammar
Related dictionary words
Frequently asked questions
What matters for “Nominalization and capitals”?
An adjective or participle can function as a noun without a following head noun and takes a capital: der Kranke, die Angestellte. Die kranke Frau has an ordinary lowercase adjective. Capitalization alone is insufficient; endings and reference still matter.
What matters for “Declension after a definite article”?
Endings follow adjective declension: der Kranke, den Kranken, dem Kranken. Feminine forms include die Kranke and mit der Kranken. Case, gender and article determine the ending; Kranken is not one invariant noun form.
What matters for “After ein and kein”?
Masculine nominative is ein Angestellter but der Angestellte with the definite article; accusative is einen Angestellten. Final -er is not a permanent lexical noun ending here: determiner and case changes affect adjective-style inflection.
What matters for “Plural and dative forms”?
Articleless plural Angestellte differs from definite die Angestellten. Dative plural gives mit Angestellten. Check quantifiers too: zwei Angestellte, alle Angestellten. A phrase with a different determiner may require a different ending.
What matters for “Abstract nominalized adjectives”?
Abstract reference can use das Gute and etwas Neues. After etwas/nichts in this construction, capitalize and inflect the adjective: nichts Wichtiges. The phrase need not refer to a person; distinguish it from personal reference such as der Neue.
What matters for “Verbal origin and noun reference”?
Die Reisenden derives from a participle but refers to people. The nominal form is not an independent perfect or continuous tense. Its actual use determines gender, number and case; interpret the underlying activity together with reference and context.
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