Plural formation
A1 · Beginner · Basics
The rule
Plurals: -e, -er, -n/-en, -s, umlaut or no change. Learn the plural with the noun.
How it works
German plurals are formed in several ways: adding -e (Hund → Hunde), -er (Kind → Kinder), -n or -en (Frau → Frauen), -s (Auto → Autos), or no ending with an umlaut (Vater → Väter). The article for every plural is die. Learning the plural together with the noun is the most reliable method, because the rules have many exceptions.
When to use it
Form the plural of nouns when you need more than one item, which often changes the noun ending or vowel.
Use cases
- Talking about more than one item: zwei Autos
- Writing about groups of people: die Kinder, die Lehrer
- Using plural forms in the accusative and dative with the correct endings
Examples
- Die Bücher liegen auf dem Tisch. – The books are on the table.
- Wir haben drei Katzen. – We have three cats.
- Die Männer arbeiten im Büro. – The men work in the office.
Common mistake
Guessing the plural from English by adding -s. Many German plurals add -e, -er or -n, or change a vowel instead.
Memory tip
Learn the plural together with the noun: "das Kind, die Kinder" and "der Mann, die Männer" are easier to remember as pairs.
Read the wider picture in our guide: German Articles: der, die, das Explained with Rules and Tips.