German dative case: when to use it

Published August 30, 2026 · DeckLearn USA

The dative often marks the person or thing that receives something, and it also follows several common prepositions.

Indirect objects

Ich gebe dem Mann das Buch.
I give the man the book.

Das Buch is what is given; dem Mann is the recipient.

aus, bei, mit, nach, seit, von, zu normally take the dative.

mit dem Freund · with the friend
bei der Arbeit · at work

Article pattern: der → dem, die → der, das → dem, plural die → den.

Review nominative vs accusative first if sentence roles still feel unclear.

Build German case patterns through complete sentences.

mit ___ Freund