dem
Translation
the (dative masculine/neuter), to the, whom (relative pronoun), which (relative pronoun)
Examples
Ich gebe dem Mann das Buch.
I give the book to the man.
Ich spiele mit dem Kind.
I am playing with the child.
Der Mann, dem ich helfe, ist alt.
The man whom I am helping is old.
Grammar Patterns
((dem)) + Noun (masc./neut., Dative) the (to the) I'm helping the old man.
Similar Words
diesem (this one), jenem (that one), einem (a/an)
Etymology
From Old High German 'demu', the dative form of 'der' and 'das'.
Memory Tips
Remember 'dem' is for dative masculine and neuter nouns. Think of the 'm' in 'dem' for 'masculine' and 'mitte' (middle/neuter).