Plural tantum
A Pluraletantum ( latin pluralis (e) "in the plural-standing," and tantum "only"), plural word or plural word is a noun , exclusively in the plural is in use. The plural of plural tantum is plural ia tantum in technical language ; the Duden also lists the plural tantums . The noun is singular tantum .
application
Examples of pluralities in the German language are:
Special cases
Some words are mostly used in the plural, but regionally also in the singular.
There is a singular for other words, but this is only used with a certain meaning.
- Example: To data , there is a singular date , the z. B. is used as a calendar date for a specific time reference, as a geodetic date for a specific spatial reference.
A special case is the plural -people for some combinations with -mann and -frau :
- Seafarers - sailor (as singular)
- Compatriots - compatriot
- Captains - captain
- Merchants - merchant, clerk
- Ombudsmen - ombudsman , ombudswoman
Whether it is plural in cases such as seafarers and compatriots depends on the precise definition. The Duden classifies seafarers as a "plural word" (that is, there is no singular), but the meaning is: "Plural of seaman". So from a grammatical point of view, Seafarers is a plural tantum, but not on the level of meaning.
Singular formation through compound words
One of the singular relevant facts can often by at Pluraliatantum composition are expressed:
- the vacation - the vacation day
- the cost - the cost share
- the parents - the parent (technically also: the parent )
- the siblings - the sibling part (technically also: the sibling)
Examples from other languages
-
French
- les lunettes - the glasses
- les ciseaux - the scissors
- les fiançailles - the engagement
-
English
- clothes
- trousers - the pants
- thanks - the thanks
