Guten Tag! Are you looking to expand your German vocabulary? Knowing how to express “one of them” in German can be handy in various contexts. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different ways to convey this phrase using formal and informal language in German.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “One of Them”
If you find yourself in a formal setting or speaking to someone you need to show respect to, these phrases will come in handy:
1. Einer von ihnen (pronounced: eye-ner fon ee-nen)
This is the most straightforward and commonly used formal translation for “one of them” in German. It is appropriate for both genders and satisfies most situations. Here’s an example:
Please give me one book. I’ll take one of them to read.
Bitte geben Sie mir ein Buch. Ich werde eines davon zum Lesen nehmen.
2. Eine von ihnen (pronounced: eye-ne fon ee-nen)
If you are referring to a feminine noun, such as “a book” (ein Buch) in the previous example, you need to adjust the article accordingly. Replace “Einer” with “Eine.” Here’s an example:
I saw two paintings. I want to buy one of them.
Ich habe zwei Gemälde gesehen. Ich möchte eins davon kaufen.
3. Eines von ihnen (pronounced: eye-nes fon ee-nen)
When referring to a neuter noun, like “a car” (ein Auto), you should use “Eines” to indicate “one of them.” Let’s see an example:
I like two cars. I plan to rent one of them.
Ich mag zwei Autos. Ich plane, eins davon zu mieten.
Now that you are familiar with formal ways of expressing “one of them,” let’s move on to informally conveying the same idea.
Informal Ways to Say “One of Them”
When conversing in a casual context or with friends and acquaintances, you can use these phrases:
1. Einer von denen (pronounced: eye-ner fon dee-nen)
“Einer von denen” works as an informal counterpart for “one of them.” It is generally used to refer to items or things, rather than people:
I bought three new dresses. I will wear one of them tonight.
Ich habe drei neue Kleider gekauft. Ich werde eins davon heute Abend tragen.
2. Einer der/die/das (pronounced: eye-ner dair/dee/das)
Instead of using “von denen,” you also have the option to use “der/die/das” followed by the appropriate gender article to indicate “one of them” in an informal manner:
Look at those bicycles. I want to ride one of them.
Schau dir die Fahrräder an. Ich möchte eins davon fahren.
3. Eines der/die/das (pronounced: eye-nes dair/dee/das)
Similar to the previous point, you can use “Eines der/die/das” when referring to a neuter noun:
We have two cakes. You can have one of them.
Wir haben zwei Kuchen. Du kannst eins davon haben.
Remember, when using informal language, it is essential to consider your relationship with the person you are speaking to and the context of the conversation.
Additional Tips and Examples
#1 Avoiding Repetition
In German, you can often omit the noun after indicating the gender, as long as it is clear from the context. This is particularly useful when trying to avoid repetition. For example:
There are three cats. I want to pet one of them.
Es gibt drei Katzen. Ich möchte eins streicheln.
#2 Demonstrative Pronouns
If you want to emphasize the specific item you’re referring to, you can utilize the demonstrative pronouns “dieser/diese/dieses” (this) or “jener/jene/jenes” (that) instead of “der/die/das” or “von denen.” Here’s an example:
These pens are beautiful. Give me one of them.
Diese Stifte sind schön. Gib mir einen davon.
#3 Using Präpositionen mit Genitiv (prepositions with genitive)
Another way to express “one of them” is by using prepositions combined with the genitive case. This structure is often found in formal or written German. For instance:
I have three friends. I went to dinner with one of them.
Ich habe drei Freunde. Ich bin mit einem von ihnen zum Abendessen gegangen.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have reached the end of our guide on expressing “one of them” in German. You’ve learned various ways to communicate this concept formally and informally. Remember to choose the appropriate phrase based on the gender of the noun, and consider the relationship and context when deciding between formal and informal language.
Continue practicing these phrases in your conversations and don’t hesitate to ask native German speakers for feedback. Viel Erfolg (good luck) with your language learning journey!
