Language/Western-frisian/Grammar/Definite-and-Indefinite-Articles
Introduction
Welcome to the "Complete 0 to A1 Western Frisian Course"! In this lesson, we will cover the use of definite and indefinite articles in Western Frisian with different noun genders and in plural form. You will also learn cultural information and interesting facts about Western Frisian. Let's get started!
Definite Articles
In Western Frisian, definite articles are used to refer to specific nouns. These articles are declined according to the gender of the noun they modify.
Singular Nouns
The definite articles for singular nouns are as follows:
| Gender | Article | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common | de | /də/ | the |
| Neuter | it | /ɪt/ | the |
| Masculine | de | /də/ | the |
| Feminine | de | /də/ | the |
Plural Nouns
The definite article for plural nouns is always "de".
| Gender | Article | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plural | de | /də/ | the |
Indefinite Articles
Indefinite articles in Western Frisian are used to refer to non-specific nouns. Like definite articles, indefinite articles are declined according to the gender of the noun they modify.
Singular Nouns
The indefinite articles for singular nouns are as follows:
| Gender | Article | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common | in | /ɪn/ | a/an |
| Neuter | 't | /tə/ | a/an |
| Masculine | 'n | /nə/ | a/an |
| Feminine | 'n | /nə/ | a/an |
Plural Nouns
There is no indefinite article for plural nouns in Western Frisian.
Examples
- De houn bakt sûkerbole (The dog bakes sugar buns)
- It famke sjongt in liet (The girl sings a song)
- De man lêst in boek (The man reads a book)
- De frou hat in nij hûs (The woman has a new house)
- De bern spylje op it strân (The children play on the beach)
- It izer is hurd (The iron is hard)
- 't is in fisk (It's a fish)
- 'n âlder is wiis (A parent is wise)
- 'n blom is moai (A flower is beautiful)
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have learned about the use of definite and indefinite articles in Western Frisian with different noun genders and in plural form. Keep practicing and you will master this important aspect of Western Frisian grammar!
Don't forget to check our next lesson on "Numbers and Time".