Introduction
German indefinite articles (ein, eine) are used to refer to something not yet specified or introduced in a conversation. Unlike definite articles (der, die, das), which refer to known nouns, indefinite articles point to something new or one among many.
To use them correctly, you need to understand both gender (masculine, feminine, neuter) and case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative). This guide covers the basics with examples, a table, and quizzes. For a more detailed explanation of German articles, check out our guide: here.
Table of German Indefinite Articles
Here’s a chart showing how indefinite articles change with the nouns Mann (masculine), Frau (feminine), and Kind (neuter) depending on the case. If you’d like to review the cases, take a look at German cases.
| Masculine (ein Mann) |
Feminine (eine Frau) |
Neuter (ein Kind) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ein Mann | eine Frau | ein Kind |
| Genitive | eines Mannes | einer Frau | eines Kindes |
| Dative | einem Mann | einer Frau | einem Kind |
| Accusative | einen Mann | eine Frau | ein Kind |
Remember there is no separate indefinite article for plural nouns in German. Instead, use “keine” for negatives, or no article at all for non-specific references in the plural.
Example Sentences with Indefinite Articles
Below are examples of indefinite articles in various cases. Pay attention to how the article changes based on the noun’s role in the sentence.
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Wir sehen einen Mann auf der Straße. | We see a man on the street. |
| Sie gibt einer jungen Frau das Buch. | She gives a young woman the book. |
| Gibt es ein Museum in dieser Stadt? | Is there a museum in this city? |
| Er spricht von einer interessanten Idee. | He talks about an interesting idea. |
| Hast du ein Auto gekauft? | Did you buy a car? |
| Sie hilft einem kranken Mann. | She helps a sick man. |
Usage of Indefinite Articles
Indefinite articles (ein, eine) point to something not specifically identified or introduced before. For example:
- ein Mann = a man (not previously mentioned, or one of many)
- eine Frau = a woman (any woman, no prior reference)
- ein Kind = a child (not known or unspecified)
Compare these to definite articles (der, die, das), which imply a known or previously mentioned noun. For a deeper look at the difference, see
definite vs indefinite articles or German definite articles.
German Articles Quizzes
Challenge your German grammar skills with our free German articles quiz. Learn definite and indefinite articles interactively!
Reinforcing your understanding with practice is important. These free quizzes help you test your knowledge:
Conclusion
German indefinite articles (ein, eine) change based on case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) and gender (masculine, feminine, neuter). You will become more confident by memorizing patterns, reading example sentences, and regularly practicing with quizzes.
FAQ
1. Do indefinite articles exist in plural?
Not in German. Plural indefinite references often have no article or use “keine” for negation.
2. How do I know which case to use?
Figure out the role of the noun in the sentence. The nominative case is used for the subject. The genitive shows possession or relationships. The dative is for indirect objects, and the accusative is used for direct objects. Learn more about German cases here.
3. How can I stay consistent in learning these forms?
Write sample sentences daily, read German texts focusing on articles, and keep taking quizzes to reinforce your skills.
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