Plural nouns and the plural article (die)

The plural article "die"

In the singular, German nouns use der, die, or das. In the plural, the definite article ("the") is always die.

The house and the tree are very big.
Das Haus und der Baum sind sehr groß.
The houses and the trees are also big.
Die Häuser und die Bäume sind auch groß.

Forming plural nouns

Unlike English, which usually just adds "-s", German has several ways to make a noun plural. A noun might add an ending (like -e, -en, or -er), change its main vowel to an umlaut (ä, ö, or ü), or do both.

The table and the chair are beautiful.
Der Tisch und der Stuhl sind schön.
We buy the tables and the chairs.
Wir kaufen die Tische und die Stühle.

Notice how der Tisch becomes die Tische (adding -e), and der Stuhl becomes die Stühle (adding -e plus an umlaut).

Common plural patterns

Always learn the plural form together with a new noun, but keep an eye out for these common patterns:

  • -n or -en: Very common for feminine nouns.
  • -er: Often used for neuter nouns.
  • No ending: Nouns ending in -er, -en, -el, or -chen usually take no extra ending in the plural. Sometimes their main vowel simply gains an umlaut.
The woman needs the tomato and the egg.
Die Frau braucht die Tomate und das Ei.
We like to eat the tomatoes and the eggs.
Wir essen die Tomaten und die Eier gern.
The plate and the cup are here.
Der Teller und die Tasse sind hier.
They need the plates and the cups today.
Sie brauchen heute die Teller und die Tassen.
The boy and the girl learn together.
Der Junge und das Mädchen lernen zusammen.
The boys and the girls laugh often.
Die Jungen und die Mädchen lachen oft.
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