German grammar: Adjektivdeklination nach indefinitem Artikel

What this grammar point covers

Adjective declension after an indefinite article in German means changing the ending of an adjective that comes after words like 'ein', 'kein', or possessive pronouns (mein, dein, etc.), depending on the gender, case, and number of the noun.

When to use it

Use this when you have an indefinite article (ein, kein) or possessive pronoun (mein, dein, sein, etc.) before a noun and an adjective. The adjective's ending changes based on the gender (masculine, feminine, neuter), case (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive), and whether the noun is singular or plural.

Key forms

• ein neuer Tisch (Nominative, masculine)
• eine schöne Lampe (Nominative, feminine)
• ein großes Haus (Nominative, neuter)
• keinen alten Stuhl (Accusative, masculine)

Examples

Tips

• Remember: The adjective ending after 'ein' is not always the same as after 'der'.
• Pay attention to the gender and case of the noun to pick the correct adjective ending.
• After 'kein' or possessive pronouns (mein, dein, etc.), use the same adjective endings as after 'ein'.

Exceptions and edge cases

• In the plural, 'ein' does not exist, but 'keine' and possessive pronouns do. The adjective endings in plural are always '-en' in accusative, dative, and genitive.