This unit explains the use of the English Articles “a“, “an“ and “the“ and helps you to practise their correct usage. You will also learn the correct pronunciation in certain contexts.
Indefinite Articles:
“a“ or “an“?
| a | an |
| before nouns/noun phrases that begin with a consonant / consonant sound: a dog, a firefighter, a tree, a perfect match | before nouns/noun phrases that begin with a vowel / vowel sound: an apple, an ear, an illness, an old couple |
| Tricky! University doesn’t start with a consonant but with a consonant sound = a university | Tricky! Hour doesn’t start with a vowel but with a vowel sound = an hour |
Usage situations with examples:
- I saw a dog when I was in Central Park yesterday. (any dog = first mentioned/not specific)
- I need to buy an umbrella. (any umbrella = first mentioned/not specific)
Tricky! Unlike in German, professions come with a/an in English:
- She wants to be an engineer. (Sie möchte Ingenieurin werden.)
- I am a doctor. (Ich bin Arzt/Ärztin.)
Usage situations with examples:
- Something already mentioned: I saw a dog in the park. The dog was playing with a ball.
- Something unique: the sun, the moon, the president
- Something known or a single object: Can you close the door, please.
Certain geographical features are used with the definite article:
- Rivers, seas, oceans: the Mississippi, the Baltic Sea, the Atlantic Ocean
- Mountain ranges, groups of islands: the Alps, the Bahamas
- Countries with plural forms: the Netherlands, the United States
Tricky! Unlike in German the definite Article is used when talking about the ability of playing a musical instrument:
- Frank plays the piano. Frank spielt Klavier.
- I play the guitar. Ich spiele Gitarre.
Usage situations with examples:
- I like music. In Central Park I find happiness. Dogs are loyal. (general or abstract concept, with singular and plural nouns)
- Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany. (geographical names)
Tricky! Certain set phrases come without any article:
- They go to school/work every day. (institutions)
- We had lunch/breakfast together. (meals)
Let’s recap
| Situation | Article | Example |
| First mention non-specific | a/an | I saw a dog in the park. |
| Professions | a/an | She wants to be an engineer. |
| Known/specific/mentioned before | the | The dog from the park suddenly ran towards me. |
| Unique entities Singular objects | the | The moon orbits the earth. Please, close the door! |
| General/abstract concept | Ø | Life is beautiful. Water is essential. Dogs are loyal. |
| Proper nouns (most) | Ø | George, Germany, London |