What are the basic numbers from 1-10 in German?

The basic numbers from 1-10 in German are: eins (1), zwei (2), drei (3), vier (4), fünf (5), sechs (6), sieben (7), acht (8), neun (9), zehn (10).

How do you count from 11-20 in German?

To count from 11-20 in German, you say: elf (11), zwölf (12), dreizehn (13), vierzehn (14), fünfzehn (15), sechzehn (16), siebzehn (17), achtzehn (18), neunzehn (19), and zwanzig (20).

How do you express decimal numbers in German?

In German, decimal numbers are expressed using a comma instead of a dot. For example, 3.5 in English would be written as 3,5 in German, and it's pronounced as "drei Komma fünf".

How do you form ordinal numbers in German?

In German, ordinal numbers are formed by adding "-te" to the cardinal number for numbers 1-19 (e.g., erste for 1, zweite for 2) and "-ste" for numbers 20 and beyond (e.g., zwanzigste for 20). The exceptions are "erste" (1st), "dritte" (3rd), and "siebte" (7th, where "en" is dropped from "sieben").

How do you say large numbers, such as a million or a billion, in German?

In German, "a million" is "eine Million" and "a billion" is "eine Milliarde". Unlike English, German uses a long scale for large numbers, where a billion is 1,000,000,000,000 (a million million).

How are teen numbers (13-19) formed in the German language?

Each teen number in German has a unique word unrelated to its single-digit base.

What are common confusions between German numbers 1-10 and how can they be avoided?

Mistaking 'zehn' (ten) for 'Zen', a focus exercise can resolve it.

What unique structure do German numbers beyond 20 have?

In German, only numbers beyond 50 revert the digits, creating a unique linguistic structure distinct to those below 50.

German Numbers: Learn & Master

German Numbers

German numbers form a crucial aspect of basic language skills, enabling clear communication and understanding in various contexts, from shopping to scheduling. As one begins with "eins" (1), progresses through "zehn" (10), and delves into larger figures like "zwanzig" (20), mastering these numerical expressions paves the way for proficiently navigating daily life in German-speaking regions. Remember, practice is key to fluency, so regularly incorporating these numbers into your conversations will significantly enhance your language mastery.

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Understanding German Numbers: An Introduction

Learning German numbers is a foundational aspect of mastering the language. It not only helps in daily conversation but also in understanding basic maths, telling time, and doing shopping in German-speaking countries. This guide will take you through the numbers from 1 to 100, diving into the basics before moving on to more complex numeral systems.

The Basics of German Numbers 1-10

Starting with numbers 1 to 10 lays the groundwork for learning the German numerical system. Like in English, each number has its unique word. Here's a quick guide to these fundamental numbers:

1 - eins
2 - zwei
3 - drei
4 - vier
5 - fünf
6 - sechs
7 - sieben
8 - acht
9 - neun
10 - zehn

For example, if you want to say you have one apple in German, you would say: Ich habe ein Apfel.

Note the slight difference in spelling for '1' when used before a noun: 'ein' (masculine/neuter) or 'eine' (feminine), instead of 'eins'.

Moving Forward: German Numbers 11-20

Once you're comfortable with the first ten numbers, learning 11 through 20 is the next step. These numbers begin to show patterns that are helpful as numbers increase. From 12 onwards, German numbers are formed by combining the digit’s word with 'zehn' (meaning 'ten') but with some phonetic changes.

11	elf
12	zwölf
13	dreizehn
14	vierzehn
15	fünfzehn
16	sechzehn
17	siebzehn
18	achtzehn
19	neunzehn
20	zwanzig

'Elf' and 'zwölf' are unique and do not follow the later pattern of combining the numbers with 'zehn'.

Mastering German Numbers 1-100

Progressing beyond 20, German numbers start showing a more consistent pattern up to 100. Important points to note include the way numbers from 21 to 99 are formed. Different from English, the unit comes before the ten in German. For example, 'twenty-one' is not 'twenty and one' but 'one-and-twenty' (einundzwanzig). This pattern follows through up to 99.

Here is how the number system expands:

The 'tens' from twenty (20) to ninety (90) end with 'zig' except for '30' which is dreißig.
Compound numbers are formed by placing the unit number first, followed by 'und', then the ten. For instance, '22' would be zweiundzwanzig.
Numbers such as 100 (hundert) stand alone and do not follow the 'und' pattern.

Understanding this structure is crucial for forming numbers beyond 20 and for achieving fluency in using German numbers in day-to-day interactions.

How to Count in German Like a Pro

Mastering how to count in German is essential for anyone looking to become fluent in the language. From everyday transactions to understanding directions, numbers play a vital role. This guide aims to simplify German numbers, making it easier for you to grasp and use them confidently.

Tackling Teen Numbers in the German Language

Teen numbers in German, those from 13 to 19, are known for their unique formation. Unlike in English, these numbers are essentially a combination of the base number (3-9) followed by the word for ten (zehn), forming a single word. Understanding the pattern is crucial for grasping these foundational elements of the German numeric system.

For instance, the number 16 in German is sechzehn, which combines sechs (six) and zehn (ten). Similarly, 17 is siebzehn, combining sieben (seven) with zehn.

Notice the phonetic change from sechs to sech in sechzehn, and from sieben to sieb in siebzehn.

The Structure of German Numbers Beyond 20

Upon reaching 20, the structure of German numbers begins to show its unique characteristic: the inversion of digits seen in numbers 21 through 99. Unlike in English, where the tens place comes before the ones place, in German, the ones place precedes the tens place, connected by 'und' (and). This system might seem daunting at first but follows a consistent pattern that becomes clear with practice.

Moreover, the tens place changes its form slightly to end with -zig for most numbers, with the notable exception of thirty (dreißig) and seventy (siebzig).

An example of this unique formation is 21, which in German is einundzwanzig (ein + und + zwanzig). Similarly, 34 is vierunddreißig (vier + und + dreißig).

Remember the exception to the pattern with numbers ending in one (1), where eins becomes ein before und.

Practical Tips for Remembering German Language Numbers 1 to 100

Learning German numbers up to 100 does not have to be overwhelming. By dividing the task into manageable segments, you can progressively build your knowledge and confidence. Here are some practical tips:

Focus on memorising numbers 1-20 as they form the basis for many others.
Understand the pattern for teen numbers (13-19), where the base number is followed by zehn (ten).
Learn the unique structure of compounds from 21 onwards (ones place + und + tens place).
Practice with real-life scenarios, such as counting objects, telling time, or handling money.
Use flashcards and apps designed for language learning to reinforce memory.

One interesting aspect of German numbers is the long word for 80, achtzig, which simply means 'eight tens'. This highlights how logical and structured the German numeric system is, even though it might initially seem complicated to learners. Additionally, the fascination with the number growth as seen in dreihundert (300) and fünhundert (500) showcases the German language's precision in mathematical expression. Understanding and appreciating these aspects can make learning numbers not just an educational task but also an insight into the linguistic culture.

Common Mistakes with German Numbers and How to Avoid Them

When learning German numbers, it's easy to slip-up, especially when navigating between the nuances of numbers 1-10 and the complexities of counting from 20 to 100. Identifying common mistakes and understanding how to avoid them can significantly improve your comprehension and usage of German numbers.

Mixing Up German Numbers 1-10

For beginners, mixing up German numbers 1-10 is a frequent hiccup. It's essential to pay close attention to pronunciation and spelling, as slight differences can change a number's meaning. Let's delve into some common confusions and solutions.

zwei (two) vs. drei (three) - The pronunciation of 'zwei' and 'drei' can sound similar, particularly for non-native speakers.
sechs (six) vs. sieben (seven) - These numbers are often confused due to their somewhat lengthy pronunciation and beginning 's' sound.
eins (one) vs. ein/eine - 'eins' is often mixed up with the indefinite article 'ein' (masculine/neuter) or 'eine' (feminine).

A helpful tip is to focus on the vowel sounds in 'zwei' and 'drei', and the consonant start in 'sechs' vs. 'sieben' to distinguish these numbers more clearly.

Confusions in Counting: German Numbers 20-100

Moving onto larger numbers, the German counting system from 20 to 100 introduces a new set of challenges, particularly with the inversion in compound numbers. Recognising common pitfalls can help you navigate through them more smoothly.

In German, numbers from 21 upwards often invert the order seen in English, placing the unit before the tens. Furthermore, the formation of tens as 'zig' after 'dreißig' (thirty) can cause confusion due to irregularities.

For instance, 21 in English is 'twenty-one', but in German, it's einundzwanzig ('one-and-twenty'). This inversion pattern applies all the way up to 99, such as 74 being vierundsiebzig ('four-and-seventy').

Understanding the intricacies of 'zwanzig' (twenty) morphing into 'zig' for subsequent tens is crucial. Exceptions like 'dreißig' (thirty), 'sechzig' (sixty), and 'siebzig' (seventy) where the base number changes form, require extra attention. Remember that 'sechs' (six) becomes 'sech' in 'sechzig', and 'sieben' (seven) becomes 'sieb' in 'siebzig', highlighting the importance of adapting pronunciation and spelling within the numeric context.

Essential Phrases Involving German Numbers

German numbers are indispensable when engaging in everyday conversations, from shopping to scheduling appointments. Grasping how to use them in sentences and phrases can elevate your communication skills. Below, you'll explore practical scenarios where numerical fluencies come to play, enhancing your understanding and application of German numbers in real-life interactions.

Using German Numbers in Everyday Situations

German numbers find their utility in various aspects of daily life. Whether you are at a market, discussing prices, or sharing personal information such as your age, knowing how to correctly incorporate numbers into your dialogue is crucial. Here are some scenarios and phrases where German numbers are commonly used:

When shopping, you might need to specify quantities, for instance, Ich möchte drei Äpfel kaufen (I would like to buy three apples). Discussing prices also requires a grasp of numbers, Wie viel kostet das? (How much does that cost?) being a frequent question.

Age is another topic where numbers are essential. When asked, Wie alt bist du? (How old are you?), responding accurately, such as Ich bin einundzwanzig Jahre alt (I am twenty-one years old), demonstrates proficiency. Additionally, numbers come in handy when expressing time, making reservations, or during travel to convey departure times and durations.

Familiarising yourself with both cardinal (one, two, three) and ordinal (first, second, third) German numbers can further enable you to navigate through everyday scenarios with greater ease.

Essential Time-Telling Phrases with German Numbers

Telling time in German relies heavily on understanding numbers. In everyday life, being able to ask and tell the time is fundamental. Here are the basics of how time-telling phrases are structured:

Kann ich bitte die Uhrzeit wissen?	May I know the time, please?
Es ist ein Uhr.	It is one o'clock.
Es ist halb drei.	It is half past two.
Es ist Viertel nach vier.	It is quarter past four.
Es ist Viertel vor fünf.	It is quarter to five.

Note that German uses a 24-hour system, especially in formal settings or public transportation schedules. However, in casual conversation, the 12-hour clock is commonly understood.

When making plans, you might say Wir treffen uns um achtzehn Uhr (We are meeting at eighteen o'clock - 6 PM). Understanding phrases that involve the division of the hour, such as halb (half past), Viertel nach (quarter past), and Viertel vor (quarter to), are essential for accurate communication.

halb - Indicates 30 minutes past the hour.
Viertel nach - Means 'quarter past' the hour.
Viertel vor - Means 'quarter to' the hour.

In German, time-telling phrases often reflect a direct approach, yet showcasing some unique linguistic constructs. For example, the phrase Es ist halb drei literally translates to 'It is half three', which might sound unusual but means it's half an hour to three, or 2:30. This points to a broader linguistic phenomenon where German numerical precision intersects with everyday language use, reflecting both logical structure and cultural nuances in communicating time.

German Numbers - Key takeaways

Learning German Numbers is integral to mastering day-to-day German, covering basics to complex structures.
German numbers 1-10 are unique words, like in English: eins (1), zwei (2), drei (3), vier (4), fünf (5), sechs (6), sieben (7), acht (8), neun (9), zehn (10).
Numbers from German numbers 11-20 showcase patterns with 'zehn' (ten), for example 'elf' for 11, and 'zwölf' for 12.
When counting in German from 21 to 99, the units place comes before the tens, eg. einundzwanzig (21).
It is important to understand the German language's unique structure when counting numbers, where compound numbers use 'und' (and) and zig for multiples of ten from German numbers 1-100.

German Numbers

StudySmarter Editorial Team