The noun (Substantiv/Nomen) Harz is neutral in German. Therefore, the correct definite article in the nominative singular is das. So, you say: das Harz.
(resin)
Eine klebrige, oft durchsichtige Substanz, die von Bäumen, besonders Nadelbäumen, abgesondert wird.
A sticky, often transparent substance secreted by trees, especially conifers.
Das Harz klebte an seinen Händen.
The resin was sticking to his hands.
German grammatical gender can be tricky at first, as it doesn't always seem logical - like with the neuter 'das Mädchen' (the girl). But here's the good news: Even though you won't find a rule for every word and some things just need to be memorized, there are quite a few helpful patterns and rules! These are real guideposts and can make your life significantly easier. So it's definitely worth knowing them!
Nouns ending in -chen are always neuter. This diminutive suffix makes things small or cute
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Nouns ending in -lein are always neuter. This diminutive suffix makes things small or cute
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Nouns ending in -icht are usually neuter. Found in abstract or collective nouns
Nouns ending in -il are usually neuter. Found in technical or scientific terms
Nouns ending in -it are usually neuter. Found in technical or scientific terms
Nouns ending in -ma are usually neuter. Found in abstract or technical terms
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Nouns ending in -ment are usually neuter. Found in abstract or technical terms
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Nouns ending in -tel are usually neuter. Found in fractional or diminutive terms
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Nouns ending in -tum are usually neuter. Found in abstract or collective nouns
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Nouns ending in -um are usually neuter. Found in abstract or technical terms
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Words with Ge- prefix: Often neuter, especially in collective or abstract nouns
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Exceptions:
Nouns ending with -nis and -sal: About 70% are neuter, often abstract or collective
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Foreign Loan Words (-al, -an, -ar, -är, -at, -ent, -ett, -ier, -iv, -o, -on): Often neuter, especially in technical or abstract terms
Alphabet Letters and Music Notes: Always neuter in German
Continents, Cities, Provinces, and Countries: Typically neuter, except for specific exceptions
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Gerunds and Parts of Speech as Nouns: Always neuter in German
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Hospitality Establishments: Names of hotels, restaurants, and cinemas are neuter
Nouns ending in -gut are usually neuter. Often describing goods or assets
The noun (Substantiv/Nomen) Harz is masculine in German. Therefore, the correct definite article in the nominative singular is der. So, you say: der Harz.
(Harz)
Ein deutsches Mittelgebirge.
A German mountain range.
Wir wandern im Harz.
We are hiking in the Harz mountains.
German grammatical gender can be tricky at first, as it doesn't always seem logical - like with the neuter 'das Mädchen' (the girl). But here's the good news: Even though you won't find a rule for every word and some things just need to be memorized, there are quite a few helpful patterns and rules! These are real guideposts and can make your life significantly easier. So it's definitely worth knowing them!
Nouns ending in -ant are usually masculine. Common in words of Latin/French origin, often describing people or technical/scientific terms
Nouns ending in -ast are usually masculine. Usually found in scientific or technical terms, often from Greek/Latin origins
Nouns ending in -ich are usually masculine. Common Germanic suffix, often in everyday vocabulary and adjective-derived nouns
Nouns ending in -ig are usually masculine. Germanic suffix forming nouns from adjectives or verbs, often describing containers or enclosed spaces
Nouns ending in -ling are usually masculine. Forms nouns describing people or things with certain characteristics, often with diminutive or derogatory meaning
Nouns ending in -or are usually masculine. Latin origin, typically describing machines, devices, or professional roles
Nouns ending in -us are usually masculine. Latin/Greek origin, common in scientific, academic, and cultural terms
Strong Verb Nouns: Derived from strong verbs, describing the action itself or its result are usually masculine. Very reliable rule in German
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Cars: Car brands and models are generally masculine in German
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Currency: Most currency names are masculine, except for a few notable exceptions
Days, Months, and Seasons: These temporal nouns are consistently masculine
Male Persons: Nouns referring to male individuals are masculine
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Mountains and Mountain Ranges: Most mountain names are masculine, except for specific ranges
Non-German Rivers: Rivers outside German-speaking countries are typically masculine
Nouns ending in -gang are usually masculine. Typically describing paths or processes
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Nouns ending in -mut are usually masculine. Typically describing states or qualities
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