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German Phrase

Ich brauch 'nen neuen Stift.

/ɪç ˈbʁaʊ̯x ˈnɛn ˈnɔʏ̯ən ʃtɪft/
Meaning"I need a new pen."
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Meaning

Literally, “I need a new pen.” The sentence is informal and uses the spoken contraction ’nen for ‘einen’. It expresses a personal need for a writing instrument that is not currently available.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you’re in a casual setting—at school, in a coffee shop, or chatting with friends—and you realize you’ve run out of ink or the pen broke. It’s perfect for spoken German, but avoid it in formal emails or official documents.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichbrauch'nenneuenStift

1

Verb conjugation (brauchen)

‘brauchen’ is a regular verb; in the first person singular present it becomes ‘brauche’, but colloquially the ‘e’ is dropped: ‘brauch’.

2

Colloquial article ‘’nen’

‘’nen’ is the spoken contraction of the masculine accusative indefinite article ‘einen’. It is common in informal speech but avoided in formal writing.

3

Adjective declension (neuen)

Because ‘Stift’ is masculine accusative, the adjective takes the weak ending ‘-en’ after the indefinite article ‘einen’ (or its colloquial form ‘’nen’).

4

Pronoun‑verb order

In German the subject pronoun precedes the verb in declarative sentences: ‘Ich brauch …’.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich brauch 'nen neuen Stift.

I need a new pen.

Kein Problem, ich habe einen blauen hier.

No problem, I have a blue one here.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich brauch ein neuen Stift.

    The indefinite article ‘ein’ is nominative; after ‘brauche’ you need accusative ‘einen’ (or ’nen).

  • Ich brauch 'nen neuer Stift.

    After ‘einen’ the adjective must take the weak ending ‘-en’, not ‘-er’.

  • Ich brauche 'nen neuen Stift.

    In informal speech the final ‘e’ is usually dropped; using the full form isn’t wrong, just less colloquial.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich brauche einen neuen Stift.

    I need a new pen.

  • Ich benötige einen neuen Stift.

    I require a new pen.

  • Ich könnte einen neuen Stift gebrauchen.

    I could use a new pen.

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Cultural Tip

The contraction ’nen is typical of everyday spoken German, especially among younger speakers. It signals a relaxed register. In the north of Germany you’ll also hear ’nen more often, while in the south speakers may keep the full ‘einen’. Remember to switch to the full form in written or formal contexts to avoid sounding too casual.