Questions & Answers about Nehmen wir ein Handtuch?
Why is it ein here instead of einen, since the towel is the direct object?
The word Handtuch is a neuter noun (das Handtuch). In the accusative case, which we use for direct objects, the word for 'a' stays ein for neuter nouns. Only masculine nouns get the extra ending to become einen.
How would I say 'Are we taking NO towel?' using this lesson's grammar?
You would use the negative article kein, which follows the exact same rules as ein. Since Handtuch is neuter, the accusative form is just kein, making the sentence Nehmen wir kein Handtuch?
Why does the verb Nehmen come first in this sentence?
In German, you form a yes/no question by putting the verb in the very first position. The statement Wir nehmen (We take / We are taking) simply flips to become the question Nehmen wir (Do we take / Are we taking). Notice that German does not use helper words like 'do' or 'are' to ask questions.
What is the literal translation of Handtuch?
It is a compound noun made up of Hand (hand) and Tuch (cloth). Even though it literally translates to 'hand cloth', Germans use Handtuch for almost all types of towels, including big bath towels.