Possessive adjective, singular 3rd person

Hello, I am confused by the possessive "its". Here's what I think I know, and my question. I think if I say[color=darkblue:9q36fgrt] Der Tempel ist alt aber sein Dach ist neu, [/color:9q36fgrt] then I use "sein" because der Temple is masc & I use it in the neuter to agree with Dach. If I say [color=darkblue:9q36fgrt]Die Kirche ist alt aber ihr Dach ist neu,[/color:9q36fgrt] then I use "ihr" because the Kirche is fem, and I use it in the neuter to agree wth Dach. Now if I say [color=darkblue:9q36fgrt]Das Haus its alt aber ??? Dach ist neu,[/color:9q36fgrt] what do I use for its? I can't find any third person singular declination of its. Hilfe, hilfe, bitte!!!!! Many thanks to anyone who can straighten me out. Caroline

Hi Caroline, For your last example (neuter) you would use "sein". "Das Haus ist alt aber sein Dach ist neu." Often the neuter and masculine form are the same, but of course, this doesn't apply to everything. However, in your examples you wouldn't necessarily use "sein" or "ihr" in spoken German. A definite article would be just fine: Der Tempel ist alt aber das Dach ist neu. Die Kirche ist alt aber das Dach ist neu. Das Haus ist alt aber das Dach ist neu. This is simply because the context is so clear that you would really have to use a possessive pronoun. I hope this helps :D

Thank you very much! I know what you mean about just using the definite article - I was just trying for a simple example of my confusion. You have put my mind at rest on this topic. Thank you. Caroline