01
einige
some / several
Indicates an indefinite but not very large number of people or things.
example
Einige Schüler hatten ihre Hausaufgaben vergessen.
Some students had forgotten their homework.
einige
some / several
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Always declined
'Einige' (some/several) behaves like an adjective and must always be declined. The ending adapts to the gender, number, and case of the noun it refers to.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mit einigen Experten über das Problem gesprochen.
I spoke with several experts about the problem.
Singular and plural
In the plural, 'einige' (some/several) means a small number of countable things or people. In the singular, it is used with uncountable nouns like 'Zeit' (time) or 'Mühe' (effort) and means 'a certain amount'.
EXAMPLE
Einige Autos parkten am Straßenrand.
Some cars were parked along the roadside.
Register and style
The word 'einige' (some/several) is frequently used in written language and in more formal contexts. It often sounds a bit more elevated.
EXAMPLE
Die Studie zog einige wichtige Schlussfolgerungen.
The study drew several important conclusions.
Compare with
einige vs etwas
something / somewhat
'etwas' and 'einige' both talk about something indefinite. 'etwas' is used for an unspecified thing or for a small amount, often with things you do not count, such as water, time, or money. 'einige' is mostly used for several countable people or things, so in the plural: 'einige Fragen' (some questions), 'einige Gäste' (some guests). They can be confused because neither says exactly how much is meant. As a simple guide: for one thing or a small amount, 'etwas' often fits; for several individual things, 'einige' often fits.
einige
Vor dem Termin schreibt die Assistentin einige wichtige Fragen auf.
Before the appointment, the assistant writes down some important questions.
etwas
Hast du heute noch etwas Zeit für einen kurzen Anruf?
Do you still have some time today for a quick call?
In real life
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