14 "Strong" adjective endings

Without a determiner

When the context does not require a determiner in the noun phrase, but an adjective is required, the adjective takes on the role of the determiner in indicating the case of the noun phrase. The following table uses schlecht, "bad", as the paradigm to indicate the endings required. This is considered to be the "strong" declension.

Adjectives: strong declension – paradigm
	Masc.	Fem.	Neut.	All Plurals
Nominative	schlechter	schlechte	schlechtes	schlechte
Accusative	schlechten	schlechte	schlechtes	schlechte
Genitive	schlechten	schlechter	schlechten	schlechter
Dative	schlechtem	schlechten	schlechtem	schlechten

Where the determiner does not indicate case

Class II determiners do not have a case ending in the masculine nominative singular, and in the neuter nominative and accusative singular. In these cases the adjective uses the strong endings, rather than the weak endings, even though there is a determiner.

This is seen in these sentences:

Morgen kriege ich mein neues Auto. I am getting my new car tomorrow.
Das Kind malt ein schönes Bild für seine Mutter. The child paints a beautiful picture for his mother.

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