seinem — meaning in English: his

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for his

ins

wasser

als

seinem

bisschen

Skip this question

🎓

Learn German for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use 'seinem' in various contexts, particularly when referring to possessions or relationships that belong to a male individual. For example, you might hear a parent saying, 'Ich gebe meinem Sohn sein Spielzeug,' which means 'I give my son his toy.' It's common in both spoken and written German, whether in casual conversations or more formal settings.

Synonyms & nuances

'Seinem' specifically denotes possession related to masculine nouns, while 'seine' is the feminine equivalent. You would choose 'seinem' when you need to refer to something belonging to a male, whereas 'seine' would be appropriate for a female subject, showcasing the gendered nature of the German language.

Culture

'Seinem' is derived from the Old High German word 'siu,' which was used to denote possession. This connection to familial or personal belongings reflects the importance of relationships in German culture. Interestingly, the use of possessive adjectives like 'seinem' can also indicate nuances in social status, as the way one addresses or refers to others often reflects respect and formality.

FAQ

Q.What does 'seinem' mean in English?

'Seinem' translates to 'his' in English, used to indicate possession by a male individual.

Q.When should I use 'seinem' in a sentence?

'Seinem' is used with masculine nouns in the dative case. For instance, you would say, 'Ich gebe meinem Freund sein Buch,' meaning 'I give my friend his book.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'seinem'?

A frequent mistake is using 'seinem' instead of 'seine' when referring to feminine nouns. Remember, 'seinem' is strictly for masculine contexts.

Learn german with Maspeak →

German 500