Lesson 6.1 Question?

helipilot11

helipilot11

March 22, 2009

The first line states "Wir brauchen ein Geschenk fur meine Mutter" Isn't Mutter the indirect object? which would make it meiner Mutter instead of meine Mutter? I apologize if this question has already been asked but I'm still trying to grasp German word order and the use of DO's and IO's Thanks...
(deleted)

(deleted)

March 22, 2009

Hi there, thanks for asking this question. The German cases allow for so much flexibility in regards to the word order. Ein Geschenk brauchen wir für meine Mutter. Für meine Mutter brauchen wir ein Gechenk. Wir brauchen ein Geschenk für meine Mutter. If you wanted to use "meiner Mutter" you would have to change the meaning and structure like this: Meiner Mutter kaufen wir ein Geschenk - we buy a present for my mum. In your example "Mutter" is the direct object and therefore uses the Accusative case. I hope that helps. :D

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