# Test a: part 1

Articles

Whenever we want to use an article (lidwoord) in front of a noun (zelfstandig naamwoord), such as a person, place, animal or thing. We can choose between a definite article and an indefinite article. There is only one definite article: 'the' and there are two indefinite articles: 'a' and 'an'.

We use 'the' in front of a noun when we are speaking of a specific person, place, animal or thing. And we use 'a' or 'an' in front of a noun when we are speaking of an unknown person, place, animal or thing.

For example:

The horse - A horse

The school - A school

The apple - An apple

Do you notice that we use 'the' when we are talking about a particular horse, school or apple? And we use 'a' or 'an' when we are talking about just any horse, school or apple. So, just a random one.

It's also really important to know when to use 'a' and when to use 'an'. We use 'a' when the first sound of the noun starts with a consonant (medeklinker) sound. And we use 'an' when the first sound of the noun starts with a vowel (klinker) sound.