Adjective usage: predicative (no change) vs attributive (endings)
Adjective usage: predicative (no change) vs attributive (endings)
Can use adjectives in both predicative and attributive positions
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
De groussen Hond schléift.
The big dog is sleeping.
Si huet eng nei Tasch.
She has a new bag.
Dat ass e schéint Land.
That is a beautiful country.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Adjektiven am Lëtzebuergeschen:
Prädikativ (no Verb): keng Endung: Den Hond ass grouss.
Attributiv (virum Substantiv): mat Endung:
| Männlech | Weiblech | Neutral | Plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bestëmmt | de grousse Mann | d'grouss Fra | dat grousst Haus | d'grouss Leit |
| Onbestëmmt | e grousse Mann | eng grouss Fra | e grousst Haus | grouss Leit |
Einfach Reegel: Männlech Singular kritt -e(n). Neutral kritt -t. Weiblech an Plural: keng Endung.
Adjective endings are simpler than German but the masculine -e(n) and neuter -t are essential.
Common Error Patterns
Wrong adjective ending
Masculine: -e(n), Neuter: -t, Feminine/Plural: no ending
De groussen Hond schléift.
The big dog is sleeping.
Masculine definite: adjective gets -en ending. Hond is masculine.
Si huet eng nei Tasch.
She has a new bag.
Feminine: no adjective ending. Nei = new.
Dat ass e schéint Land.
That is a beautiful country.
Neuter: adjective gets -t ending. Schéin + t = schéint.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises