ein paar
a few
Indicates a small, indefinite number of people or things; a few.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche noch ein paar Minuten, dann bin ich fertig.
I need a few more minutes, then I'll be finished.
paar
a few
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Meanings
Usage tips
Always lowercase
When 'paar' means an indefinite, small amount, it is always written lowercase in the phrase 'ein paar' (a few). This is a common source of mistakes.
EXAMPLE
Ich möchte noch ein paar Kekse essen.
I would like to eat a few more cookies.
Sentence structure with plural
The expression 'ein paar' (a few) is always used with a plural noun. The verb in the sentence also agrees with this plural.
EXAMPLE
Vor der Tür warten ein paar Leute.
A few people are waiting outside the door.
No declension
The expression 'ein paar' (a few) itself is not declined and remains unchanged in all cases. Only the following noun and its article, if there is one, change.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mit ein paar netten Kollegen gesprochen.
I spoke with a few nice colleagues.
Compare with
paar vs einige
some / several
Ein paar and einige both refer to a small, indefinite number. Ein paar usually emphasizes that there are only a few, whereas einige leaves the number more neutrally open. When the small amount is the main point, ein paar is suitable; for a factual statement with less precise limits, einige is more appropriate.
paar
Ich brauche noch ein paar Minuten für den Bericht.
I still need a few minutes for the report.
einige
Ich brauche noch einige Minuten für den Bericht.
I still need several minutes for the report.
In real life
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