What is the Difference Between Mein and Meine?

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The difference between "mein" and "meine" in German lies in their usage as possessive pronouns, indicating ownership or possession, and depends on the gender and number of the noun they modify. Here are the key distinctions:

  • Mein:
  • Used for singular masculine or neutral nouns in the nominative and accusative cases.
  • Examples: "MeinAuto ist klein" (My car is small) and "Mein Hund ist groß" (My dog is big).
  • Meine:
  • Used for singular feminine nouns in the nominative case and all plural nouns (masculine, neutral, and feminine) in the nominative and accusative cases.
  • Examples: "Meine Hand ist stark" (My hand is strong) and "Meine Freunden sind hier" (My friends are here).

In summary, "mein" is used for singular masculine or neutral nouns, while "meine" is used for singular feminine nouns and all plural nouns. The choice between "mein" and "meine" depends on the gender and number of the noun being modified.

Comparative Table: Mein vs Meine

The difference between "mein" and "meine" in German lies in the gender of the noun they are used with. Here is a table summarizing their usage:

Possessive Pronoun Masculine Nouns Feminine Nouns Neutral Nouns
Mein Mein Hund Mein Computer
Meine Meine Bücher
  • "Mein" is used with masculine singular nouns (e.g., "mein Hund" - my dog).
  • "Meine" is used with feminine singular and plural nouns (e.g., "meine Bücher" - my books).
  • Both "mein" and "meine" can be used with neutral singular nouns, depending on the context.

The difference between "mein" and "meine" is due to the gender of the noun, not the number or case. The specific case (nominative, accusative, dative, or genitive) influences the form, but the gender determines whether to use "mein" or "meine".