Singular to Plural
Forming plurals in German can be challenging because there are multiple patterns and no single rule that applies to all nouns.
However, there are common patterns that can help you learn plural formation more easily.
This lesson covers the most common ways to form plurals in German.
Explanation
Common plural patterns include: adding '-e' (der Tisch → die Tische), adding '-er' with umlaut (das Buch → die Bücher), adding '-en' (die Frau → die Frauen), adding '-s' (der Park → die Parks), and no change (der Lehrer → die Lehrer).
Many masculine nouns add '-e' in plural: der Tisch → die Tische, der Stuhl → die Stühle (with umlaut if possible).
Many neuter nouns add '-er' with umlaut: das Buch → die Bücher, das Kind → die Kinder.
Many feminine nouns add '-en' or '-n': die Frau → die Frauen, die Blume → die Blumen.
Some nouns don't change: der Lehrer → die Lehrer, das Mädchen → die Mädchen.
Foreign words often add '-s': der Park → die Parks, der Computer → die Computer.
Common Plural Patterns
| Pattern | Singular | Plural | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| -e | der Tisch | die Tische | der Tisch / die Tische | the table / the tables |
| -e (with umlaut) | der Stuhl | die Stühle | der Stuhl / die Stühle | the chair / the chairs |
| -er (with umlaut) | das Buch | die Bücher | das Buch / die Bücher | the book / the books |
| -en | die Frau | die Frauen | die Frau / die Frauen | the woman / the women |
| -n | die Blume | die Blumen | die Blume / die Blumen | the flower / the flowers |
| -s | der Park | die Parks | der Park / die Parks | the park / the parks |
| no change | der Lehrer | die Lehrer | der Lehrer / die Lehrer | the teacher / the teachers |
Examples
Der Tisch ist groß. Die Tische sind groß.
The table is big. The tables are big.
Das Buch ist neu. Die Bücher sind neu.
The book is new. The books are new.
Die Frau kommt. Die Frauen kommen.
The woman comes. The women come.
Der Park ist schön. Die Parks sind schön.
The park is beautiful. The parks are beautiful.
Der Lehrer unterrichtet. Die Lehrer unterrichten.
The teacher teaches. The teachers teach.
Common Mistakes
die Tisch
die Tische
Plural of 'Tisch' is 'Tische' (add '-e'), not 'Tisch'.
die Buch
die Bücher
Plural of 'Buch' is 'Bücher' (add '-er' with umlaut), not 'Buch'.
die Frau
die Frauen
Plural of 'Frau' is 'Frauen' (add '-en'), not 'Frau'.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with interactive exercises. Practice makes perfect!
Start Exercises →Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which article to use?
German articles (der, die, das) depend on the gender of the noun. While there are some patterns, many nouns must be memorized. Practice and exposure to German will help you learn them naturally.
What's the difference between definite and indefinite articles?
Definite articles (der, die, das) mean 'the' and refer to specific things. Indefinite articles (ein, eine) mean 'a/an' and refer to non-specific things. Both must match the noun's gender: use 'ein' for masculine/neuter and 'eine' for feminine.
Are there rules for determining noun gender?
While there are some helpful patterns (e.g., words ending in -ung are usually feminine), there are many exceptions. The best approach is to learn nouns with their articles from the beginning.
What happens if I use the wrong article?
While using the wrong article is a common mistake, native speakers will usually still understand you. However, using the correct article is important for sounding natural and fluent in German.