Verbs that take two Akkusativ complements

In this lesson, we will focus on verbs that require two accusative objects, an unusual feature in German grammar, typically found in only a few specific verbs. We will explore the verbs "abfragen", "angehen", " lehren/unterrichten", "nennen", and "kosten".

1. abfragen + double accusative

Example:

"Der Lehrer fragt die Schüler die Vokabeln ab."
(The teacher quizzes the students on the vocabulary.)
In this example, both "die Schüler" and "die Vokabeln" are accusative objects that the verb "abfragen" requires.

2. angehen + double accusative

Example:

"Das geht dich nichts an!"
(That doesn't concern you!)
In this case, "dich" and "nichts" act as the two accusative objects following the verb "angehen".

3. lehren / unterrichten + double accusative

Example:

"Die Lehrerin lehrt uns die deutsche Sprache."
(The teacher teaches us the German language.)
In this instance, "uns" is the indirect object required, while "die deutsche Sprache" is the direct object in the accusative case.

4. kosten + double accusative

Example:

"Der Apfel kostet mich einen Euro."
(The apple costs me one euro.)
Here, "mich" and "einen Euro" are the two necessary accusative objects.

5. nennen + double accusative

Example:

"Er nennt mich einen Idioten."
(He calls me an idiot.)
In this example, "mich" is the first accusative object (person) and "einen Idioten" is the second accusative object (thing).

To practice applying this structure, try creating your own sentences or finding examples of these verbs in everyday use.