Introduction
In German, adjectives that come after the indefinite articles ein, eine, and ein change their endings based on gender, case, and number. These endings show agreement with the noun and the indefinite article.
Adjective Endings with Indefinite Articles
The endings for adjectives following indefinite articles are as follows:
| Case |
Masculine |
Feminine |
Neuter |
Plural* |
| Nominativ |
ein -er Mann |
eine -e Frau |
ein -es Kind |
keine -en Kinder |
| Akkusativ |
einen -en Mann |
eine -e Frau |
ein -es Kind |
keine -en Kinder |
| Dativ |
einem -en Mann |
einer -en Frau |
einem -en Kind |
keinen -en Kindern |
| Genitiv |
eines -en Mannes |
einer -en Frau |
eines -en Kindes |
keiner -en Kinder |
*Note: Since there is no plural form of "ein," we use "keine" or other possessive adjectives in plural.
Examples of Adjectives with Indefinite Articles
- Ein guter Freund hilft immer. (A good friend always helps.) - Nominativ, Masculine
- Ich sehe eine schöne Blume. (I see a beautiful flower.) - Akkusativ, Feminine
- Er gibt einem kleinen Kind ein Geschenk. (He gives a gift to a small child.) - Dativ, Neuter
- Sie hat keine neuen Bücher. (She has no new books.) - Akkusativ, Plural
Adjective Endings with Possessive Articles
The same endings apply when using possessive adjectives like mein (my), dein (your), sein/ihr (his/her), etc.
- Mein altes Auto ist kaputt. (My old car is broken.) - Nominativ, Neuter
- Wir besuchen unsere lieben Freunde. (We are visiting our dear friends.) - Akkusativ, Plural
- Sie spricht mit ihrem neuen Chef. (She is talking to her new boss.) - Dativ, Masculine
Summary
Remember that the adjective endings after the indefinite article ein/eine/ein depend on the gender, case, and number of the noun. The endings are similar to those used after possessive adjectives like mein, dein, sein, etc.
Practice regularly to become comfortable with using the correct adjective endings in different contexts.