Which one should you use?
While ein is the base form used for masculine and neuter nouns in the nominative case, eine is used for feminine nouns.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the indefinite article changes based on the gender (masculine, feminine, neuter) and the grammatical case (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive) of the noun it precedes. For example, eine is used specifically for feminine singular nouns in the nominative and accusative cases and einen is used for masculine singular nouns when they are the direct object of a sentence (accusative case).
How do you pronounce it?
/aɪ̯n/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget to change ein to einen when a masculine noun is the direct object of a verb. For example, you should say Ich habe einen Hund instead of using the nominative form when 'a dog' is the object.
Did you know?
- In German, you often omit ein entirely when stating your profession, such as saying Ich bin Lehrer instead of 'I am a teacher'.
- The form einer can act as a pronoun, meaning 'one' or 'someone', allowing the speaker to omit the noun entirely.
- The German word for 'a' is actually a linguistic cousin to the English word 'one'. They both stem from the same ancient roots used to count single items.
Examples in context
- Er ist ein DJ.He is a DJ.This sentence is useful for identifying a profession using ein.Tatoeba #1313728 by al_ex_an_der, translation #288669 by CK
- Es ist ein Buch.It is a book.This sentence is useful for identifying an object using ein.Tatoeba #582667 by samueldora, translation #42097 by CK
- Er ist ein Yogi.He is a yogi.This sentence is useful for identifying a person using ein.Tatoeba #1841864 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1841423 by Spamster
- Ein Apfel bitte.An apple, please.
- Eine Tasse Tee, bitte.A cup of tea, please.
- Ich brauche einen Kugelschreiber.I need a pen.
- Ich hab' 'nen neuen Job.I have a new job.
- Ich brauch' 'ne Jacke.I need a jacket.
- 'nen Teller, bitte!A plate, please!
- Das ist ein Buch.This is a book.
- Ich suche eine Wohnung.I am looking for an apartment.
- Haben Sie einen Moment?Do you have a moment?
- Ich brauch' 'nen Kaffee.I need a coffee.
- Wir fahren ans Meer.We are going to the seaside.
- Hast du 'ne Idee?Do you have an idea?
- 14535 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are in a cafe looking at the menu.
- JuliaIch möchte ein Stück Kuchen.I would like a piece of cake.
- JulianIst das ein Apfelkuchen?Is that an apple cake?
- JuliaJa, es ist ein Apfelkuchen.Yes, it is an apple cake.
- JulianGut, ich nehme auch ein Stück.Good, I will take a piece too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ein, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ein, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
