Plurals in German

In English it is normally easy to form the plural forms of nouns � only add “-s”. In the German language, it�s a little trickier. When nouns
become plural in German, the noun may remain unchanged, take an ending such as -e, -er, -n, -en, or -s; or may undergo a vowel modification.

Plurals in German

But there are patterns for plural formations for masculine, feminine and neuter nouns in German (look for the definite and indefinite article)
The following tables give rules on how to form plurals:

• The great majority of masculine nouns form their plural by just adding “-e” to the singular.
• The original stem vowel is “a”, “o” or “u” the plural is ending “umlaut” + “e”.
• Plural for masculine nouns: When the masculin nouns ending in “-el”, and -“er” the plural have no change.

• The great majority of feminine nouns form their plural by just adding the ” -n” or “-en” to the singular.
• The original stem vowel is “a”, “o” or “u” the plural is ending “umlaut” + “e”.
• All neuter and feminine nouns ending in “-nis” double the “s” (niss)  in the plural form before adding -e.
• All nouns referring to female persons or animals ending in “-in” double the “n” in the plural form before adding the plural -en.

• Most of the neuter nouns form their plural by just adding the “-e” to the singular.
• The original stem vowel is “a”, “o” or “u” the plural is ending “umlaut” + “er”.
• When the neuter nouns ending in “-chen”, and  “-lein” the plural have no change.

• Foreign word which are �imported� into German from English usually add “-s” to the singular.

Note: This “rules” are for the most common nouns. Always remember that these are only guidelines, there are some irregular endings.