How to differentiate between "die" and "der" in German?

Question

I'm new to learning German...

Currently learning basic words, like "Nein", "Salat", "Katze", "Nacht", "Guten Abend", "Guten Tag", and "Guten Morgen".

I'm confused when it comes to using "die", "der", "ein", and "eine".

When do I use which word?

Is it "Die Katze" or "Der Katze"

Is it "Die Pizza" or "Der Pizza"

Is it "Ein Mann" or "Eine Mann"

Which one is correct, "Eine Frau" or "Ein Frau"??

Answer 1

When you read extensively in German, you will see the nouns repeatedly accompanied by the corresponding articles. That would develop a sense for the language called Sprachgefuehl. Nothing beats a real interaction with the language. Reading German stories are a great way to have this interaction. I too used to struggle with understanding the German language. I have read extensively in German. That has also made me a fluent speaker of the German language. Reading stored words in your memory. When you speak, your memory supplies you the words. Reading in German is a very enjoyable activity. It also puts words in your memory. You have to read at least a few hundred pages before you can see its magic.

Languages have evolved over thousands of years. Although learning rules is helpful, they do not cover everything. Bridge is masculine in Spanish but feminine in German. I don't know why. Even if there is history behind it, not knowing it will not prevent you from using these words correctly.

Also reading in German will let you see a word used in different contexts and that will help you to speak German correctly.

Answer 2

The English language is simple. There are no genders for nouns or die, das, der, and there are no cases for subject or nominative case (der Mann, die Frau, das Haus); IST= is; Der Mann ist mein Onkel. (The man is my uncle (is = predicate nominative or the subject case with the "infinitive to be." the linking verb --is (ist). Die Frau ist meine Mutter. (The woman is my Mother.) Das Kind ist mein Sohn. (The child is my son.)

However, in German, the English language does change "the" for direct objects or in the accusative case, for masculine der words go to den. But for feminine words in German there is no change for direct objects for the accusative or direct object case.

A direct object receives the action of the verb: Ich esse den Steak. (der=den in the accusative case. Ich trinke die Tasse Kaffee. (I drink the cup of coffee.) Ich hole die Rose ab. I pick up the rose.)