"They read the newspaper."

Translation: Sie lesen die Zeitung.

[Toshi624984]

Why is it 'die zeitung' and not den or das or der ?

[quis_lib_duo]

Usually, nouns ending on -ung are feminine in German. Why? Just arbitrary idiosyncrasies of the German language.

[Karstilaji]

This is the explanation that I've been looking for. Thanks!

[Kris831282]

Could this also be "Sie lesen eine Zeitung'?

[Anin99294]

That's what i thought but got it wrong. Duo sucks at explaining why.

[CurtMacQua]

eine zeitung = a newspaper, die zeitung = the newspaper

[Raisinnoir]

Because "Zeitung" is a feminine noun taking the definite article "die" in the nominative and accusative singular. Of course all nouns, regardless of gender, take "die" in the nominative plural.

[VighneshVS]

What's the difference between lessen and lesse?

[Kurisa24]

Lese is used if "I" is the subject.
Lesen is used if the subject is plural.