Hello there Rocket team I seem to have found a discrepancy in the audio lessons which is confusing me In Lesson 3.1 The following phrase is used Wir müssen sowieso die nächste Ausfahrt nehmen. In this sentence the word ‘nächste’ is preceded by ‘die’ indicating feminine However in lesson 2.1 Paul says Der Nächste, bitte! In this sentence the word Nächste is preceded by Der indicating Masculine In Lesson 3.2 The sentence is Hier geradeaus und an der nächsten Ampel links Again nächsten is preceded by der. Also indicating Masculine. Can you explain why is this so? - Also why does Paul use nächsten instead of nächste? Regards Ken.

Hi there, yes, it's confusing. The word "nächste" can be "der nächste" when used in conjunction with anything masculine, for example "Der nächste Tag" (The next day) with "Tag" being masculine. Or it can be feminine "die Nächste", when used in conjunction with anything feminine, for example "die nächste Woche" (the next week), "Woche" being feminine. It can also be neuter "das nächste Abenteuer" (the next adventure), "Abenteuer" being neuter. The ending of "nächste" changes depending on the case that is used. For more information on cases please refer to grammar chapter 6.1-6.4. In a nutshell the ending of "nächste" has to agree with with case used in the sentence. "Nächste" can also be used as a noun, for example in lesson 2.1, where Paul says: "Der Nächste bitte!" (Next one please). If you work at reception and you want the next customer to come forward you would say "Der Nächste bitte" if there is a mixed group of people waiting. If there are only woman waiting you would say "Die Nächste bitte". In German the feminine version is usually only used when there are only females, the masculine version is used for males or a mixed group.

Thanks Nathalie It seems a bit clearer now :)