In German, you can often recognize abstract nouns by the suffix -nis. This ending is frequently attached to verb stems to create a noun representing an action, result, or state (similar to "-ness" or "-tion" in English).
Most nouns ending in -nis are neuter and take the article das.
| the experience (event, adventure) | das Erlebnis |
| The experience was a great venture back then. | Das Erlebnis war damals ein großes Wagnis. |
When forming the plural of a noun ending in -nis, the rule is highly predictable: double the s and add an e. The singular suffix -nis always becomes the plural suffix -nisse.
| These experiences are described exactly in the book. | Diese Erlebnisse werden in dem Buch genau beschrieben. |
| The relationship between the king and the queen was complicated. | Das Verhältnis zwischen dem König und der Königin war kompliziert. |
| The conditions in the country are often discussed. | Die Verhältnisse im Land werden oft diskutiert. |
While the majority of these nouns are neuter, a handful of very common ones are feminine and take the article die. The plural rule remains exactly the same!
| the insight | die Erkenntnis |
| This insight is very valuable. | Diese Erkenntnis ist sehr wertvoll. |
| The author shares the insights with the audience. | Der Autor teilt die Erkenntnisse mit dem Publikum. |
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