German word

eins

Pronunciation

IPA/aɪ̯ns/

Meaning

  • numberone

Example

Ich habe nur eins.

I only have one.

Illustration for eins (one)

More examples

Bitte nehmen Sie nur eins pro Person.

Please take only one per person.

Core concept

A single counted unit standing alone, marking the start of a number sequence.

Common phrases

  • nur eins

    only one

  • eins pro Person

    one per person

Similar words

ein: A word used before a noun to show that there is one item.
eine: A word used before a feminine noun to show that there is one item.
einmal: A word showing that something is done a single time.

Definition in German

Das Wort für 1; als Kardinalzahl in Zählreihen sowie als Pronomen, das eine einzelne Sache ersetzt.

Word origin

The standalone form 'eins' developed from the neuter form of 'ein' and goes back to Proto-Germanic *ainaz, cognate with English 'one'.

Usage tips

  • Use 'eins' when counting or answering how many, but use 'ein' or 'eine' before a noun, as in 'ein Buch' or 'eine Sache'.

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word