Short Answer
Complete Explanation
The German word ihm is a personal pronoun in the dative case. It is used to refer to masculine or neuter nouns and translates to English as “to him,” “to it,” or “for him.” Understanding ihm is important for correct sentence construction, especially when verbs, prepositions, or adjectives require a dative object.
- Definition:
“ihm” is the dative singular form of the third‑person pronoun that replaces masculine or neuter nouns. - Grammatical role:
It functions as an indirect object, a dative complement of certain prepositions (e.g., mit, zu), or after dative‑governing verbs (e.g., helfen, gefallen). - Declension pattern:
Nom./Acc. – er / ihn; Dative – ihm; Genitive – seiner. - Typical contexts:
Examples include Ich gebe ihm das Buch (I give him the book) and Er hilft ihm (He helps him). - Relation to other pronouns:
It contrasts with ihn (accusative) and sein (possessive) which serve different case functions.
Common Misconceptions
ihm can be used for feminine nouns.
The feminine dative pronoun is ihr, not ihm.
ihm and ihn are interchangeable.
ihm is dative; ihn is accusative. Their usage depends on the grammatical case required by the verb or preposition.
FAQ
When should I use "ihm" instead of "ihn"?
"ihm" is used when the pronoun functions as an indirect object or follows a preposition that requires the dative case. "ihn" is used as a direct object in the accusative case.
Can "ihm" refer to inanimate objects?
Yes. In German, neuter nouns are often referred to with "ihm" in the dative, just as with masculine nouns.
Is "ihm" ever used in the plural?
No. The plural dative pronoun is "ihnen". "ihm" is strictly singular.
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