Pronouns: Declension

01

Jeder (Every, Each)

The pronoun jeder is used exclusively with singular nouns. It follows the same pattern as the definite articles. If the noun is masculine, jeder ends in -er in the nominative and changes to -en in the accusative.

• Jeder Tag ist ein neuer Anfang.

  Every day is a new beginning.

• Ich kenne jeden Nachbarn in diesem Haus.

  I know every neighbor in this house.

• Jedes Kind bekommt ein Geschenk.

  Every child receives a gift.

02

Alle (All) and Beide (Both)

These pronouns are primarily used in the plural. Because they refer to multiple items or people, they share the same plural endings.

• Nominative and Accusative: The ending is -e.
• Dative: The ending changes to -en.

• Alle Autos müssen warten.

  All cars must wait.

• Ich habe beide Hände voll.

  I have both hands full.

• Wir helfen allen Studenten.

  We are helping all students.

03

Manch (Some, Many a)

Manch indicates an indefinite quantity. It is most commonly used in the plural to mean "some" or "a few," taking the standard plural endings.

• Manche Fragen sind schwer.

  Some questions are difficult.

• Ich habe manche Filme schon gesehen.

  I have already seen some films.

It can also be used in the singular, often translating to "many a". This usage is slightly more formal or literary.

• Mancher Mann würde das nicht tun.

  Many a man would not do that.

04

Summary of Endings

When using these pronouns, apply the ending that matches the grammatical case:

• Nominative (Subject): Masculine -er, Feminine -e, Neuter -es, Plural -e.
• Accusative (Direct Object): Masculine changes to -en. Feminine, Neuter, and Plural remain the same as Nominative.
• Dative (Indirect Object): Masculine/Neuter -em, Feminine -er, Plural -en.
• Genitive (Possessive): Masculine/Neuter -es, Feminine/Plural -er.

• Mit jedem Schritt kommen wir näher.

  With every step, we get closer.

• Das ist der Wunsch aller Eltern.

  That is the wish of all parents.