Einem

/ˈaɪnəm/ determiner

Definition

German word meaning 'one' or 'a/an' in the dative masculine or neuter case, used before nouns to indicate singular indefinite reference.

Etymology

From Middle High German einem, dative form of ein 'one,' ultimately from Proto-Germanic *ainaz. Related to English 'one' and 'an,' showing the common Indo-European root for the concept of unity or singularity.

Kelly Says

This German word showcases the complexity of case systems - 'einem' is just one form of the word 'ein' (one/a), which changes its ending based on grammatical function. English used to have similar case endings but lost them over time, making German seem more complex to English speakers!

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