jeder
every, each (before a noun) · everyone, everybody (standing alone)
Jeder means 'every' or 'each' when used before a noun, and 'everyone' or 'everybody' when used alone. It changes its ending like the definite article (der, die, das). Germans use it very often in everyday speech, for example in 'auf jeden Fall' (definitely).
What jeder means
- every, each (before a noun) — Used as a determiner with a noun, e.g. jeder Tag (every day).
- everyone, everybody (standing alone) — Used as a pronoun without a noun, e.g. Jeder weiß das (Everyone knows that).
Heard in real German videos
Lines where jeder was actually spoken, from German videos watched with DeutschChat.
- Spaß auf jeden Fall.Fun for sure.
- Nein, die Show wird jeden Moment losgehen.No, the show's about to start any moment.
- Du magst jeden Fruchtgeschmack.You like every fruit flavor.
Example sentences
- Jeder Tag ist ein neuer Anfang.Every day is a new beginning.
- Jeder in der Klasse hat ein Buch.Everyone in the class has a book.
- Ich gehe jeden Morgen joggen.I go jogging every morning.
- Er kennt jeden Winkel der Stadt.He knows every corner of the city.
Grammar
| Type | Indefinite pronoun / determiner |
|---|---|
| Declension | Like definite article: jeder (masc.), jede (fem.), jedes (neut.), plural: alle |
| Case endings | Nominative: jeder/jede/jedes; Accusative: jeden/jede/jedes; Dative: jedem/jeder/jedem; Genitive: jedes/jeder/jedes |
Jeder is always singular, even when it means 'everyone'. To say 'all people' use 'alle'.
Common phrases
- auf jeden Falldefinitely, in any case
- jeden Tagevery day
- jeden Momentany moment
- jederzeitat any time
The mistake English speakers make
English speakers often forget to change the ending: they say 'jeder Frau' instead of 'jede Frau'. Remember: jeder changes like 'der, die, das'.
Don’t confuse it with
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between 'jeder' and 'alle'?
Jeder is singular and focuses on each individual, while alle is plural and refers to the whole group. Example: Jeder Schüler bekommt ein Buch (Each student gets a book) vs. Alle Schüler bekommen ein Buch (All students get a book).
How do you decline 'jeder'?
Jeder takes the same endings as the definite article: jeder (masc.), jede (fem.), jedes (neut.). In the accusative: jeden, jede, jedes. In the dative: jedem, jeder, jedem.
Can 'jeder' be used with plural nouns?
No, jeder is always singular. For plural, use 'alle'.