English speakers in particular are often driven mad with the German language’s random gender assignments. But now, you can breathe easier. If you want to learn German quick and easy, this useful trick for German articles redefines the word as neutral, meaning that you can kiss “der” (masculine) and “die” (feminine) goodbye.

Just add -chen

By adding “chen” to the end of any word, it will automatically become the German Diminutive (meaning, a tiny version of itself) — and always carry the article “das”.

For example DER TISCH --> DAS TISCHCHEN.

Remember

If the word has an “a”, “o” or “u” in it, this will turn into “ä”, “ö”, or “ü”, respectively.

For example:

DER HUND --> DAS HÜNDCHEN

DER MANN --> DAS MÄNNCHEN

DIE BOHNE --> DAS BÖHNCHEN

Even though Germans may applaud your grammatical accuracy, if you speak like this too much they will question your sanity and wonder what kind of adorable miniature wonderland you take this place for.

So use this trick only when you need it. But in the end, don’t worry about articles so much in the first place.

Just do your best are remember that mistakes are how we learn.