einige
/ˈaɪ̯nɪɡə/
The English phrase 'some' is translated into German as einige.
einige is used as a determiner to refer to certain, unspecified or unknown. It is also used as a pronoun to mean 'a certain number'.
Meaning: certain, unspecified or unknown (det)
Which one should you use?
While einige means 'some' or 'a few', it often implies a small, countable number, whereas manche emphasizes a distinction between different groups (some do this, others do that).
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈaɪ̯nɪɡə/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to use einige to mean 'some' in the sense of 'a little bit of' (uncountable), but for uncountable substances like water or milk, one should use etwas instead.
Did you know?
- The word einige can be confused with the adjective einig, which means 'united' or 'in agreement'. Context is the only way to tell if someone is talking about a quantity or a state of harmony.
- While einige refers to a small number, adding the word ganz before it as ganz einige actually increases the amount to mean 'quite a few' or 'a considerable number'.
- The word einige is built from the word ein, which means 'one'. It is essentially a way of saying 'some ones' to describe a group.
Examples in context
- Einige kamen zu spät.Some were late.This sentence is useful for showing how einige can act as a pronoun.Tatoeba #2204413 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #24518 by mccarras
- Einige Brote sind süß.Some breads are sweet.This sentence shows einige used as a determiner before a noun.Tatoeba #2096231 by Espi, translation #8826814 by sundown
- Einige raten davon ab.Some think it is a bad idea.This sentence demonstrates how einige can be used to describe the opinions of a certain group.Tatoeba #13746382 by Waldelfe, translation #28640 by CM
- Einige Menschen hier trinken WeinSome people here are drinking wine
- Könnten wir bitte ein paar Informationen erhalten?Could we please receive some information?
- Manche Gäste haben sich verspätetSome guests are running late
- Hast du noch n paar Minuten?Do you have a few minutes?
- Kannst du mir ein bisschen helfen?Can you help me some?
- 1016 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Lukas are discussing guests for a party.
- HannahKommen einige Freunde zu deiner Party?Are some friends coming to your party?
- LukasJa, einige kommen am Samstag.Yes, some are coming on Saturday.
- HannahBist du bereit für sie, Lukas?Are you ready for them, Lukas?
- LukasIch denke schon.I think so.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry einige, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries einige, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
