Indefinite pronouns man, jemand, niemand
A2 · Elementary · Cases & Verbs
The rule
man = one/you generally; jemand = someone.
How it works
Man means "one", "you" or "people in general" and always takes the er-form of the verb. Jemand means "someone" and niemand means "no one". These words are common in everyday speech and in formal writing, and they make general statements sound natural.
When to use it
Use man (one/you/people in general), jemand (someone) and niemand (no one) in everyday speech.
Use cases
- Making general statements: Man sollte früh schlafen
- Describing unknown people: Da ist jemand an der Tür
- Stating that no one was present: Niemand war zu Hause
Examples
- Man spricht Deutsch hier – German is spoken here
- Hier kann man gut essen. – You can eat well here.
- Hat jemand meinen Stift gesehen? – Has anyone seen my pen?
- Niemand weiß die Antwort. – Nobody knows the answer.
Common mistake
Using er or sie instead of man for general statements.
Memory tip
Man is always singular and takes the er-form of the verb: "Man sagt …".