German Grammar Tip

When Stating a Profession

As opposed to English, when asking what somebody's profession is in German, the reply would be as follows: Ich bin Lehrerin. (I am a teacher) In this case, no indefinite article is used in front of the noun. This is also applied when negating the sentence:

Ich bin nicht Soldat - I am not a soldier.
Ich bin kein Soldat.

However, when using verbs such as brauchen, wollen, an article will then be used in front of the noun:

Wir brauchen eine Ärztin - We need a doctor.
Wir wollen eine Ärztin - We need a doctor.

When Stating a Nationality

The same goes for stating which country or city you are from: Ich bin Hamburger.
It would be incorrect to say Ich bin ein Hamburger (as funny as it may sound).

An alternative way would be to say:

Ich komme aus Hamburg.
Ich komme aus Deutschland.

Or more verbose:
Ich bin Schweizer Staatsbürger.
Ich bin ein österreichischer Staatsbürger.

See more on countries and nationalities.