# ein

/ˈaɪn/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ein
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

the number one in German. You might see this in English when someone is using a German phrase or talking about German grammar.

For teachers: the German cardinal number for one, or the indefinite article 'a/an' in the masculine or neuter nominative case. In English contexts, it appears primarily as a loanword in specific cultural references or linguistic discussions.

## Examples

- The student learned that 'ein' means 'one' in German.
- The professor explained that 'ein' is the masculine indefinite article used in the nominative case.
- While translating the text, the scholar noted that the author used 'ein' to emphasize the singularity of the object in a way that the English 'a' could not fully capture.

## Usage notes

- When used in English, it is typically treated as a foreign loanword and may be italicized.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.