Question
My textbook say "I don't understand the content of the film" should be translated as "я не понял содержания фильма"
it says the word "content" is an abstract noun, and coupled with the word "не" it must be in the genitive case.
however google translate gives the translation as "я не понял содержание фильма"
which is correct? if textbook is right, how do I know which noun is abstract which is not, as dictionaries don't provide such information. (only animate and inanimate)
Answer
Dear weikang kai,
Both versions are correct. When you use the Genitive case, содержания, the negation is more emphasized. When you use the Accusative case, содержание, the negation is not so important.
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