What is the simplest explanation for the difference between nominative, accusative, dative and genitive articles?

To understand the differences between the nominative, accusative, dative, and genitive cases in German (or similarly in other languages with case systems), here is a simple explanation:

Nominative Case

• Subject of the Sentence: This case indicates the person or thing performing the action.
• Example: In the sentence "Die Frau lebt in Deutschland" (The woman lives in Germany), "Die Frau" is the subject and in the nominative case35.

Accusative Case

• Direct Object: This case indicates the person or thing that receives the action.
• Example: In the sentence "Das Mädchen kickt den Ball" (The girl kicks the ball), "den Ball" is the direct object and in the accusative case35.

Dative Case

• Indirect Object: This case indicates the person or thing to whom or for whom the action is done.
• Example: In the sentence "Das Mädchen kickt den Ball zum Jungen" (The girl kicks the ball to the boy), "dem Jungen" is the indirect object and in the dative case35.

Genitive Case

• Possession or Relationship: This case indicates ownership, origin, or a relationship between two things.
• Example: In the sentence "Das ist das Auto des Mannes" (That is the man's car), "des Mannes" is in the genitive case, indicating possession35.

In summary:

• Nominative: Who performs the action?
• Accusative: Who or what receives the action?
• Dative: To whom or for whom is the action done?
• Genitive: Whose object is being addressed?