einer von ihnen
The English phrase "one of them" is translated into German as einer von ihnen.
This phrase is used to identify a single person or thing that belongs to a group that has already been mentioned.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of einer (one), von (of/from) and ihnen (them).
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word one changes depending on the gender of the person or object you are referring to. Use einer von ihnen for a single male or a mixed-gender group. Use eine von ihnen if the person or object is feminine or refers to a group of females. Use eines von ihnen if the object is a neuter noun, such as a child (Kind) or a thing (Ding).
Did you know?
- If you were to address a group of people with extreme formal respect, the phrase would change to Einer von Ihnen, where the capitalization of 'Ihnen' transforms 'them' into the formal 'you'.
- In German, using einer von ihnen to describe a person can sometimes imply that the person is 'one of those' types of people, often carrying a slightly judgmental or stereotypical tone depending on the context.
- The preposition von is a cognate of the Dutch word van and is found in many Dutch and Flemish surnames.
Examples in context
- Ich dachte, Tom sei einer von ihnen.I thought Tom was one of them.This sentence is useful for expressing a thought about someone being part of a group using einer von ihnen.Tatoeba #12466968 by mayabe, translation #1961523 by CK
- Mindestens einer von ihnen hat gelogen.At least one of them lied.This sentence is useful for stating that at least one member of a group has lied using einer von ihnen.Tatoeba #3700866 by al_ex_an_der, translation #13195037 by araneo
- Einer von ihnen hat sogar zu uns gesprochen.One of them even spoke to us.This sentence is useful for describing an action taken by one person from a group using einer von ihnen.Tatoeba #3727719 by brauchinet, translation #3727690 by CM
- Diese Stifte sind schön. Gib mir einen davon.These pens are beautiful. Give me one of them.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are looking at a group of artists.
- HannahDie Maler sind toll. Ist einer von ihnen dein Lehrer?The painters are great. Is one of them your teacher?
- FelixNein, ich kenne niemanden hier.No, I don't know anyone here.
- HannahWirklich? Ich dachte, einer von ihnen wäre dein Freund.Really? I thought one of them was your friend.
- FelixNein, Hannah, das ist ein Missverständnis.No, Hannah, that is a misunderstanding.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries von, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
