-ers (Plural)
Plurals with -ers
kind → kinders · ei → eiers · lam → lammers · kalf → kalwers
How It Works
The four common -ers plurals
- kind → kinders (children)
- ei → eiers (eggs)
- lam → lammers (lambs)
- kalf → kalwers (calves)
Spelling
Lammers doubles the m to keep the a short, as in katte. Kalwers changes f to w before the vowel.
The same form in compounds
The -er part often appears when these words start a compound: kinderboek (children's book), kindertuin (nursery school), eierdop (eggshell).
Formal -ere
A few formal words use a related ending, -ere: lied → liedere (songs), goed → goedere (goods). You will mostly meet these in writing.
Diminutives
A diminutive always takes -s instead: kindjie → kindjies. See Plural of Diminutives.
Examples (5)
- Hulle het drie kinders.
They have three children.
Word by Word: They have three children.
- Ek koop 'n dosyn eiers.
I am buying a dozen eggs.
Word by Word: I buy a dozen eggs.
- Die lammers speel in die veld.
The lambs are playing in the field.
Word by Word: The lambs play in the field.
- Die boer het twintig kalwers.
The farmer has twenty calves.
Word by Word: The farmer has twenty calves.
Kalf changes f to w before the ending: kalwers.
- Die kinders eet elke oggend eiers.
The children eat eggs every morning.
Word by Word: The children eat every morning eggs.
Common Mistakes
Using -e for the plural of kind.
Ek het twee kinde.Ek het twee kinders.Kind is one of the few nouns that take -ers: kinders.
Using -e for the plural of ei.
Koop asseblief ses eie.Koop asseblief ses eiers.The plural of ei is eiers. Eie is a different word that means own.
Using -e for the plural of kalf.
Die boer het tien kalfe.Die boer het tien kalwers.Kalf takes -ers, and the f becomes w: kalwers.
How It Connects
Learn This First
A few nouns use -ers, with the familiar spelling and sound changes before the ending.
Related Patterns
- -e (Plural)Plurals with -e
Most nouns take -e; these few take -ers instead.
Level 1 - -s (Plural)Plurals with -s
Many nouns take -s, which is the other regular ending.
Level 1 - Irregular Plurals
Other common nouns also have plurals that must be learned one by one.
Level 2 - One Concept, One Word
The -er form appears at the start of compounds like kinderboek.
Level 2 - Plural of Diminutives
Diminutives such as kindjie take -s, not -ers.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice -ers (Plural) in Bubblegum
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