NounsVerbal nouns

A noun is a word used for a person, creature, place or thing. All German nouns have genders. Verbs and adjectives can become nouns too. Compound nouns are also a fun feature of the language.

Part of GermanGrammar

Verbal nouns

In German you can also turn into nouns.

A verb can be changed into a noun by adding a capital letter to the , eg

  • kochen – to cook
  • das Kochen – the cooking
  • schreiben – to write
  • das Schreiben – the writing
  • schwimmen – to swim
  • das Schwimmen – the swimming

Verbal nouns are always neuter.