TOPIC · Nouns (Nomen)

Compound Nouns in German

A2B1

After this lesson, learners will be able to correctly identify and form compound nouns in German.

Introduction

In German, compound nouns are very common. They are formed by combining at least two simple words to create a new meaning. This lesson will teach you the rules for forming compound nouns in German.

Types of Compound Nouns

There are several types of combinations that form compound nouns:

Noun + Noun
Verb + Noun
Adjective + Noun
Adverb + Noun
Preposition + Noun

Noun + Noun

In this combination, the last noun typically serves as the main noun of the compound.

Example	Meaning
der Fuß + die Ball	der Fußball
die Lehrerin + das Zimmer	das Lehrerzimmer

Verb + Noun

In this instance, the noun is determined by the verb.

Example	Meaning
telefonieren + das Gespräch	das Telefongespräch
fahren + das Rad	das Fahrrad

Adjective + Noun

Here, the adjective describes the noun.

Example	Meaning
rot + die Farbe	die Rotfarbe
hoch + das Gebäude	das Hochgebäude

Adverb + Noun

In this combination, the adverb comes before the noun and provides additional information.

Example	Meaning
früh + der Morgen	der Frühmorgen
plötzlich + der Regen	der Plötzlichregen

Preposition + Noun

Here, the preposition expresses a relationship between two nouns.

Example	Meaning
über + das Wasser	der Überwasserfluss
hinter + das Haus	der Hinterhausgarten

Linking Forms

In many cases, compound nouns require linking elements such as -e, -es, -(e)n, or -er. There are no strict rules; their usage must be memorized.

-e

This ending is frequently used when the first word is a verb.

Example	Meaning
schwimmen + das Zimmer	das Schwimmbad
spielen + das Spiel	das Spielesaal

-(e)s

This ending is often used after nouns that end in -tum, -ling, and -ion.

Example	Meaning
die Zeit + der Raum	der Zeitraum
die Lösung + das Problem	die Problemlösung

-(e)n

This ending is found when the first noun is in plural form ending in -en.

Example	Meaning
die Studentin + das Buch	das Studentinnenbuch
die Blume + die Straße	die Blumenstraße

-er

This ending is used when the first noun is masculine or neutral and in plural form ending in -er.

Example	Meaning
der Lehrer + die Stunde	der Lehrerstunde
das Kind + die Großeltern	das Kindergeburtstagsfest

Conclusion

Compound nouns in the German language are versatile and widely used. Understanding the rules and practicing regularly is essential for using them correctly.