Definite and indefinite articles in the Nominativ
A1 German grammar — Grammar. **Definite** (*the*): *der* (m.), *die* (f.), *das* (n.), *die* (plural). **Indefinite** (*a/an*): *ein* (m./n.), *eine*…
Rule explained
**Definite** (*the*): *der* (m.), *die* (f.), *das* (n.), *die* (plural). **Indefinite** (*a/an*): *ein* (m./n.), *eine* (f.). **No indefinite article** in the plural for „some“ — often just the plural noun or *keine* when negating. The nominative is the **dictionary form** of the article: what you learn with new nouns (*der Tisch*, *die Tür*, *das Fenster*). When the noun is the **subject**, the article matches this row. **Personal pronouns** as subjects: *ich, du, er, sie, es, wir, ihr, sie, Sie* — all nominative forms (*mich* etc. are other cases).
Examples
Use these mini-pairs as templates:
- Ein Bus wartet an der Haltestelle. — A bus is waiting at the stop.
- Die Straßen sind nass. — The streets are wet.
- Das Handy ist neu. — The mobile phone is new.
- Kinder spielen im Park. — Children are playing in the park.
Common mistakes
Watch out for these learner errors:
- *die* is feminine singular **and** plural definite — check the noun ending (*die Frau* vs *die Freunde*).
- *ein Freund* vs *eine Freundin* — gender of **person** noun, not natural gender of the person only (*der Student*, *die Studentin*).