mein
Meaning and Usage
"Mein" is a possessive adjective in German, meaning "my" in English. It is used to indicate ownership or possession of something.
Linguistic Analysis
"Mein" does not have a prefix, root, or suffix as it is a standalone possessive adjective. It comes from the Middle High German word "min" and is related to the English word "mine."
Comparisons between German and English
The German possessive adjective "mein" corresponds to the English word "my."
Cultural Context
In German, it is important to use the correct form of the possessive adjective depending on the gender, number, and case of the noun it's modifying.
Example Sentences
- Das ist mein Buch. (This is my book.)
- Mein Auto ist blau. (My car is blue.)
- Ist das mein Kugelschreiber? (Is this my ballpoint pen?)
Memory Tips
To remember the meaning of "mein," think of the possessive "my" in English, then associate it with "mein" in German.
Additional Vocabulary
- Related words: dein (your), sein (his), ihr (her/their), unser (our), euer (your pl.), ihr (their)
- Synonyms: meine (feminine form), mein (neuter form), meine (plural form)
- Antonyms: dein (your), sein (his), ihr (her/their)
Gender and Plural (for nouns)
"Mein" doesn't change based on gender or number. It remains the same for masculine, feminine, neuter, and plural nouns.
Conjugation (for verbs)
N/A; "mein" is a possessive adjective and does not have conjugation.