Every noun in German is either singular (one thing) or plural (more tha English, you usually just add -s to make a plural. In German, there is no single rule — each noun has its own plural form that must be learned.
The easiest way to recognise a plural noun is the definite article. In the nominative ca all plural nouns use the article die — regardless of their original gender.
die Frau — the woman (singular, feminine)
die Frauen — the women (plural)
The ending -en on the noun signals plural. Always look at the article and a noun ending together.
| Definite (the) | Indefinite (a/an) | |
|---|---|---|
| masculine | der | ein |
| feminine | die | eine |
| neuter | das | ein |
| plural (all genders) | die | — |
Plural nouns have no indefinite article. Use the noun on its own: Hunde Bücher (books).
German nouns form their plural in six main ways. There is no rule for which pattern a noun follows — you plural together with the noun.
Nouns ending in -chen, -lein, or -er often look the sa and plural.
Very common, especially for feminine nouns.
Mostly for loanwords and abbreviations.
| Pattern | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| no change | das Mädchen | die Mädchen |
| + e | der Hund | die Hunde |
| + er | das Kind | die Kinder |
| + en / n | die Frau | die Frauen |
| + s | das Auto | die Autos |
| umlaut | der Vater | die Väter |
When there is no article to guide you, the verb form can also tell you whether the subje or plural.
Das Kind spielt. (The child plays.)
Die Kinder spielen. (The children play.)
Tip: Always learn a new noun with its plural form and article. Dictionaries der Hund, die Hunde — follow the same habit.
For each family member, identify the singular form and the plural form of the noun.
Ein
One father or several fathers.
Eine
One mother or several mothers.
Ein
One child or several children.
Eine
One sister or several sisters.
Ein
One brother or several brothers.
Ein
One grandparent or several grandparents.