Understanding the 4 German Cases

The four cases are the backbone of German grammar. Here is a simple breakdown.

Nominative (Wer/Was?)

The subject of the sentence. The person or thing doing the action.

Accusative (Wen/Was?)

The direct object. The person or thing being acted upon.

Dative (Wem?)

The indirect object. The receiver of the direct object.

Genitive (Wessen?)

Possession. Whose is it?