Some masculine nouns require n-declension.
That means these nouns have an extra "-(e)n" ending in the singular accusative, singular dative, and singular genitive cases. → It looks like the plural form. The nominative stays the same!
All 4 criteria must be fulfilled:
Step 1: Is the noun being used in the accusative, dative, or genitive case?
„Der Franzose ist freundlich.” Nominativ ⇒ No N-Declension
„Der Deutsche gibt dem Franzosen einen Tipp.“
Step 2: Are we talking about a person or animal?
„Der Deutsche gibt dem Franzosen einen Tipp.“
„einen Tipp“: no ⇒ no n-declension
„dem Franzosen“ ⇒ yes
Step 3: Is the noun masculine and singular?
„Der Deutsche gibt dem Franzosen einen Tipp.“
„dem Franzosen“ ⇒ yes
Step 4: Does the plural form end in "-n" or "-en"?
„Der Deutsche gibt dem Franzosen einen Tipp.“
„die Franzosen“ ⇒ yes ⇒ N-Declension
You have to add an "-n" or "-en" ending when:
All 4 conditions MUST BE fulfilled.
This rule works in almost every situation, but there are some exceptions:
1. Use n-declension for these nouns (even though not all 4 rules are fulfilled):
2. Do NOT use n-declension for these nouns (even though all 4 rules are fulfilled):
3. For these nouns, the n-declension is used together with the genitive’s "-s":
Related Topics:
An introduction to German nouns and gender.
To many rules for you? Guess 75% of all article correctly with my article trick.
What articles are there in German? Articles.
How to form plural nouns in German.
How do the articles change based on the case the noun is in? More about German cases.