Genitive Substitutes

In modern German, the genitive case is frequently replaced by other grammatical structures, especially in spoken language. Instead of using the genitive, speakers often prefer constructions with the dative case, prepositional phrases, or possessive expressions. These alternatives are commonly referred to as genitive substitutes.

In this guide, you will learn:

• what genitive substitutes are and why they are used

• common dative constructions that replace the genitive

• possessive structures with von and possessive pronouns

• differences between spoken and formal written German

This guide helps English-speaking learners understand when genitive substitutes are natural and acceptable, and when the genitive case is still required.