I am just beginning so maybe I have missed something, or am not there yet, but back in 1.2 the article before Kaffee was einen kaffee. Now in lesson 1.9 der kaffee is ein kaffee. Where did the einen come from and how do I know when to use which??

Later on you will get grammar explanations that will point the way. I wouldn't worry about it yet (machen sie keine Sorge.).... The articles (der, die, das) decline (i.e. change) based on number, gender and case. This is generally considered one of the toughest things for us English speakers to master in German.

Yes, I agree.. don't lose heart Cindy! I lived in Germany for six months and did a crash course in German for the basics and learnt the rest by speaking and copying.. and was repeatedly frustrated by this as I didn't know the rules, only that it happened and was connected to the der, die, das business. BUT, now doing this course (with a view to return..) the finer points of grammar are being explained and it will become clear to you as you do the course. I'm up to 4.1 of the first course and it's starting to make much better sense. Baby steps.. the course is great, trust it, do the work and you will see rewards. I just had a skype conversation the other day with my boyfriend and his best friend, all in German.. best feeling ever. I was wrong in parts, but my German has improved leaps and bounds since starting. Keep at it!!!