Genitive with Names | A2 German Grammar
A2 Grammar / Genitiv mit Namen
Lesson 08 · A2 German Grammar

Genitive with Names

Show possession with names such as Annas Buch and Peters Auto.

GenitivePossessionNames

Explanation

With personal names, German usually adds -s. Names ending in s, ß, x or z normally take only an apostrophe.

Anna → Annas Buch · Thomas → Thomas’ Tasche.
NameGenitive formExample
AnnaAnnasAnnas Buch
PeterPetersPeters Auto
ThomasThomas’Thomas’ Tasche
KlausKlaus’Klaus’ Haus

Examples

Das ist Annas Buch.That is Anna's book.
Wir feiern Marias Geburtstag.We are celebrating Maria's birthday.
Sophies Handy liegt auf dem Tisch.Sophie's phone is on the table.

Exercises

Complete the tasks before opening the answer key.

Form the genitive: Peter → ___ Auto
Form the genitive: Maria → ___ Geburtstag
Form the genitive: Thomas → ___ Tasche
Rewrite: Das Auto gehört Peter. → ___
Rewrite: Das Buch gehört Anna. → ___
Correct: Anna's Buch

Answer Key

Show answers
  1. Peters
  2. Marias
  3. Thomas’
  4. Peters Auto
  5. Annas Buch
  6. Annas Buch
← Adjektivdeklination mit ein/eineIndefinitpronomen →

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