Start with the intended meaning
The full question-word reference covers person, time and quantity questions. Here, keep the choice between selecting an option and asking for a type in view.
Ask for a type or select an identified option
Was für einen Kurs suchst du? – Einen Onlinekurs. asks for a type. Welchen Kurs nimmst du? – Den Kurs am Montag. selects an identifiable option. Both expressions are grammatical in many contexts; the answer you want guides the useful choice. Do not turn a meaning preference into a claim that one form is always impossible.
In was für ein-, ein- takes the ending required by the noun phrase. The word für inside this interrogative expression does not automatically govern accusative. Was für ein Kurs beginnt? is nominative; Was für einen Kurs suchst du? is accusative. In a plural phrase, there is no ordinary plural ein: Was für Bücher liest du?.
| Question | Possible answer | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Welcher Stift ist deiner? | Der blaue. | Selection; nominative masculine. |
| Was für einen Stift brauchst du? | Einen Bleistift. | Type; accusative masculine. |
| Mit was für einem Stift schreibst du? | Mit einem Füller. | Mit requires the dative noun phrase. |
| Was für Bücher liest du? | Reiseführer. | Plural without ein. |
1. Ask which of two jackets belongs to Nora.
Answer and reason: Welche Jacke gehört Nora? Which selects from the identified pair.
2. Ask for a type of bicycle, not one displayed model.
Answer and reason: Was für ein Fahrrad suchst du? Neuter accusative uses ein; the response could name a type.
3. Was für ___ Bücher brauchst du?
Answer and reason: No article: Was für Bücher brauchst du? There is no ordinary plural ein to insert.
Use the selection question in context
Replace the blank or ask for the highlighted information. Decide which answer would make the question complete before opening the explanation.
- ___ Jacke suchst du? – Die blaue.
Show answer and reason
Welche Jacke suchst du? The reply selects one jacket. Jacke is feminine; welche fits here.
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