0

In my textbook I had to make a sentence im Präsens using the verb anfangen and mit der Arbeit. I don't understand that the textbook says it should be Ich fange mit der Arbeit an instead of Ich fange mit den Arbeit an.

Why is it der Arbeit nominative instead of accusative?

Improve this question
4
  • 3
    der Arbeit is dativ because mit etw. anfangen requires a dativ object. The preposition mit is almost always followed by dativ.
    – Deve
    Aug 15, 2015 at 9:55
  • 5
    The main point you seem to be missing is that die Arbeit is a feminine noun. Also, mit always governs dative, no exceptions here.
    – chirlu
    Aug 15, 2015 at 10:43
  • Thanks to both of you. You're right. Thought it said der arbeit in the dictionary bus it was die x)
    – jan kees
    Aug 15, 2015 at 11:20
  • @jankees Quick addition: If it were “der Arbeit” instead of “die Arbeit”, the correct sentence would be „Ich fange mit deM Arbeit an.“, and not „Ich fange mit deN Arbeit an.“ This is due to the preposition “mit”, which is followed by a dative.
    – Philipp
    Aug 16, 2015 at 10:30

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
8

The word Arbeit is female:

Nominativ: die
Genetiv:   der
Dativ:     der
Akkusativ  die

but mit requires the the 3rd case (Dativ).

Improve this answer
1
  • Gute antwort, kurz und bündig!
    – WayneEra
    Aug 17, 2015 at 15:09

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.