Neuter indefinite plurals

Pluralizing Neuter Nouns

Forming the indefinite plural for neuter (ett) nouns depends on whether the word ends in a vowel or a consonant.

Group 4: Vowels take -n

If an ett-word ends in a vowel, add -n.

Indefinite singularIndefinite plural
ett frimärke (a stamp)frimärken (stamps)
ett foto (a photo)foton (photos)
ett kvitto (a receipt)kvitton (receipts)
We need many stamps for the letter.
Vi behöver många frimärken till brevet.
I often write many messages.
Jag skriver ofta många meddelanden.
She takes many photos in the park.
Hon tar många foton i parken.
We always throw away receipts.
Vi kastar alltid kvitton.

Group 5: Consonants stay the same

If an ett-word ends in a consonant, it does not change at all.

Indefinite singularIndefinite plural
ett djur (an animal)djur (animals)
ett språk (a language)språk (languages)
ett år (a year)år (years)

Because these plurals look identical to the singular form, you will often rely on context clues like många (many) or flera (several).

We see many animals in the forest.
Vi ser många djur i skogen.
They speak several languages at work.
De pratar flera språk på jobbet.
He wants to live in the city for many years.
Han vill bo i staden i många år.
You sometimes make many mistakes.
Du gör ibland många fel.
They have several tents in the park.
De har flera tält i parken.