Latin Doctrina
1st declension nouns
The 1st declension is the feminine case for latin nouns. First declension nouns always end with an -ae in the genitive singular.
For example, the word "puella, puellae" has an -ae in it's genitive singular. This is a great way to determine if a noun is feminine or not. But how do we know if it is singular or plural? The best way is to look at the endings. The ending of the word puella is -a. -a is the ending of a singular nominative.
If we wanted to make this a genitive plural noun, we can say "puellarum". Just focus on the endings and memorize them.
2nd declension nouns
The 2nd declension is the masculine case for latin nouns. 2nd declension nouns always end with an -i in the genitive singular.
For example, "puer, pueri" (boy, boys) is an easily identifiable 2nd declension word becuase of the -i ending. But if we wanted to make this genitive plural, how would we do it? You add an -orum, and make it "puerorum".
The reason why you do not cut off a stem in this example is because "puer" does not have an ending attached to it in the first place.
The 3rd declension is both masculine and feminine. case for latin nouns. 2nd declension nouns always end with an -i in the genitive singular.
For example, "puer, pueri" (boy, boys) is an easily identifiable 2nd declension word becuase of the -i ending. But if we wanted to make this genitive plural, how would we do it? You add an -orum, and make it "puerorum".
The reason why you do not cut off a stem in this example is because "puer" does not have an ending attached to it in the first place.
3rd declension nouns
