Two objects in one sentence
Some verbs have two objects: you give something (accusative) to somebody (dative). English has two patterns: I give the man the book and I give the book to the man. German has one everyday pattern, and it has no preposition: the dative object stands first.
The pattern
Ich gebe dem Mann das Buch.
I'm giving the man the book.
Sie kauft dem Kind ein Eis.
She's buying the child an ice cream.
Wir schenken der Lehrerin Blumen.
We're giving the teacher flowers.
Verbs with two objects
These are verbs where something goes from one person to another, as an object or as information.
In everyday sentences
Ich schicke meiner Schwester ein Foto.
I'm sending my sister a photo.
Der Lehrer erklärt den Schülern die Aufgabe.
The teacher explains the exercise to the pupils.
Bring dem Chef bitte den Vertrag.
Please take the boss the contract.
Wir zeigen den Gästen die Wohnung.
We're showing the guests the flat.
Ich leihe der Kollegin mein Auto.
I'm lending my colleague my car.
Er erzählt den Kindern eine Geschichte.
He's telling the children a story.
