Indefinite articles
A1 · Beginner · Basics
The rule
ein (m, n), eine (f). No plural form.
How it works
The indefinite article ein (masculine and neuter) or eine (feminine) means "a" or "an". It is used when the noun is not yet specific or has not been mentioned before. German has no plural indefinite article, so plural nouns appear without an article or with a quantity word such as zwei or viele.
When to use it
Use ein or eine for "a/an" with a singular noun that is not yet specific.
Use cases
- Introducing a new item: Ich habe einen Bruder.
- Describing a profession: Sie ist eine Ärztin.
- Mentioning something once without a specific reference
Examples
- Ich habe einen Hund – I have a dog
- Sie hat eine Katze – She has a cat
- Ich brauche einen Stift. – I need a pen.
- Er hat eine Schwester. – He has a sister.
- Wir sehen ein Haus. – We see a house.
Common mistake
Adding a plural form to ein; there is no plural of ein, so plural nouns go without an article.
Memory tip
ein is for masculine and neuter nouns, eine for feminine nouns, and neither exists in the plural.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Articles: der, die, das Explained with Rules and Tips.