5 Declensions

Greek noun endings fall into patterns, called ‘declensions’. There are three declensions in total, with some variations inside each. The standard method for learning case endings is to learn the declension of one representative noun for each pattern. Two such nouns are τιμή and λόγος.

The case endings you have met so far are:

The declension of a noun can be determined from its dictionary entry. Remember that the dictionary entry shows the nominative form of a noun (e.g. τιμή) and its genitive singular ending (-ῆς). A noun with the same nominative and genitive singular as τιμή will follow the same pattern of endings. In grammatical terms, it belongs to the same declension as τιμή, or ‘declines like’ it.

• First declension:
• τιμή, -ῆς, ἡ    honour
• βουλή, -ῆς, ἡ   plan, council
• κόρη, -ης, ἡ     girl
• νίκη, -ης, ἡ    victory

Here are some nouns that belong to the same declension as λόγος:

• Second declension:
• λόγος, -ου, ὁ    word
• ἄγγελος, -ου, ὁ   messenger
• δοῦλος, -ου, ὁ     slave
• ποταμός, -οῦ, ὁ   river