Ordinal Numbers German

Ordinal numbers in German, essential for articulating sequences and positions, follow a distinct pattern that blends seamlessly into daily conversation and written communication. From 'erste' (first) to 'zehnte' (tenth) and beyond, these numerical adjectives undergo slight modifications to align with gender, case, and number, enriching the linguistic landscape of German. Mastering these terms elevates proficiency in German, whether it's for scheduling meetings, celebrating milestones, or narrating sequences of events, making them indispensable for learners aiming for fluency.

Get started

Millions of flashcards designed to help you ace your studies

Sign up for free

Achieve better grades quicker with Premium

PREMIUM
Karteikarten Spaced Repetition Lernsets AI-Tools Probeklausuren Lernplan Erklärungen Karteikarten Spaced Repetition Lernsets AI-Tools Probeklausuren Lernplan Erklärungen
Kostenlos testen

Geld-zurück-Garantie, wenn du durch die Prüfung fällst

Review generated flashcards

Sign up for free
You have reached the daily AI limit

Start learning or create your own AI flashcards

StudySmarter Editorial Team

Team Ordinal Numbers German Teachers

  • 9 minutes reading time
  • Checked by StudySmarter Editorial Team
Save Article Save Article
Contents
Contents

Jump to a key chapter

    Understanding Ordinal Numbers German

    Learning ordinal numbers in German offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of the language's structure and enhance your communication skills, especially when arranging events, discussing dates, or organizing sequences.

    What Are Ordinal Numbers in German?

    Ordinal numbers in German (Ordnungszahlen) are used to express order or sequence, whether it concerns dates, ranking, or the position of objects and people.

    For instance, 'der erste Tag' means 'the first day'. Unlike English, German ordinal numbers from 1 to 19 are usually formed by adding -te to the cardinal number, and from 20, they take on -ste.

    Note that for the number 1, the ordinal format changes depending on gender, case, and definite article presence.

    List of Ordinal Numbers in German: A Brief Overview

    Getting familiar with a comprehensive list of ordinal numbers can significantly boost your proficiency in German. Here's a brief overview to get you started:

    NumberOrdinal (Masculine/Feminine/Neuter)
    1erster/erste/erstes
    2zweiter/zweite/zweites
    3dritter/dritte/drittes
    4vierter/vierte/viertes
    5fünfter/fünfte/fünftes
    ... and so on up to...
    20zwanzigster/zwanzigste/zwanzigstes

    To use these in sentences: 'Heute ist der erste April.' or 'He is in the second grade.' translates to 'Er ist in der zweiten Klasse.'

    When forming ordinal numbers in German for dates, such as the first of May, it is typically written as 'der erste Mai' and spoken in the date format 'am ersten Mai'. For centuries, buildings, and other historical sequences, ordinal numbers are essential in accurately identifying the position or period.

    German Ordinal Numbers 1-31

    Understanding German ordinal numbers from 1 to 31 is crucial for everyday situations such as scheduling appointments, setting dates, or organising tasks according to their priority. This guide will help you learn how to form and use these numbers effectively.

    How to Form Ordinal Numbers in German From 1 to 31

    Forming ordinal numbers in German is relatively straightforward once you grasp the basic rule: for numbers 1 through 19, add -te to the cardinal number, and for numbers 20 and beyond, add -ste. However, there are a few exceptions to remember.

    Here are the steps outlined:

    • For numbers 1 to 19, the suffix -te is added to the cardinal number base. For example, 2 (zwei) becomes 2nd (zweite).
    • Starting from 20, the suffix changes to -ste. For example, 20 (zwanzig) becomes 20th (zwanzigste).
    • Pay attention to the unique forms such as 'erste' for 1 (eins), which transforms significantly more than simply adding a suffix.

    The term ordinal number refers to a word used to describe the numerical position or order of things in a set, such as first, second, third, and so forth in English, or erste, zweite, dritte in German.

    For example, converting the number 3 (drei) to its ordinal form would result in 'dritte' (3rd).

    Remember, the numeral 1 transforms based on gender and case, resulting in 'erster' (masculine), 'erste' (feminine), or 'erstes' (neuter).

    Practical Examples Using German Ordinal Numbers 1-31

    Ordinal numbers are widely used in everyday language, especially when referring to dates, positions, or sequences. Below are practical examples to demonstrate how ordinal numbers are used in German.

    • When talking about birthdays: Mein Geburtstag ist am zweiundzwanzigsten März (My birthday is on the 22nd of March).
    • Setting appointments: Wir treffen uns am dritten April (We are meeting on the 3rd of April).
    • Describing your place in a queue: Ich bin der vierte in der Schlange (I am fourth in line).

    Ordinal numbers in German are not only used for dates and sequences but also hold significance in historical contexts, literary analysis, and legal documents. For example, understanding the sequence of events as described in historical texts or knowing the correct numerical order of monarchs and emperors in a dynasty requires a good command of ordinal numbers. This highlights the importance of ordinals beyond everyday use, tapping into cultural, historical, and even legal proceedings.

    Extending Knowledge to German Ordinal Numbers 1-100

    Moving beyond the basics and mastering ordinal numbers in German up to 100 enriches your ability to communicate dates, rankings, and sequences with clarity and precision. This guidance will help you understand the patterns and exceptions, ensuring you can confidently use these numbers in your conversations and writings.

    Mastering German Ordinal Numbers Beyond 31

    After mastering the German ordinal numbers from 1 to 31, progressing to numbers beyond 31 follows a recognizable pattern, but with specific nuances that are important to grasp. This understanding is particularly useful for discussing dates, historical events, or rankings in greater detail.

    The formation of these ordinal numbers generally involves adding the suffix -te or -ste, depending on the base number. However, for numbers above 31, the focus is primarily on the usage of the -ste suffix.

    For example, 32 becomes zweiunddreißigste, 45 becomes fünfundvierzigste, and 100 becomes hundertste.

    Numerals ending in '1' after twenty (21, 31, etc.) follow the rules set for '1', adapting based on gender and case, which includes forms like 'einundzwanzigster' (21st) for masculine subjects.

    List of German Ordinal Numbers from 1 to 100

    Below is a handy list of German ordinal numbers from 1 to 100 that can serve as a quick reference for your studies, writings, or conversations. This comprehensive list demonstrates the formation patterns making learning and memorization easier.

    NumberOrdinal (Masculine/Feminine/Neuter)
    1erster/erste/erstes
    2zweiter/zweite/zweites
    3dritter/dritte/drittes
    4vierter/vierte/viertes
    5fünfter/fünfte/fünftes
    6sechster/sechste/sechstes
    7siebter/siebte/siebtes
    8achter/achte/achtes
    9neunter/neunte/neuntes
    10zehnter/zehnte/zehntes
    ... and so on up to...
    100hundertster/hundertste/hundertstes

    Understanding and using German ordinal numbers up to 100 allows you to engage more deeply with the language. It opens up avenues for discussing not just personal schedules or events but also historical timelines, rankings in competitions, and more. Being comfortable with these numbers enhances your ability to share and understand narratives in German, a key skill for anyone aiming for fluency or wishing to fully immerse in German culture.

    How to Use Ordinal Numbers in German

    Mastering ordinal numbers in German is critical for expressing sequences, dates, and rankings accurately. This section provides insights into the rules for using ordinal numbers and exercises to reinforce understanding.

    Ordinal Numbers German Explained: Rules and Usage

    Ordinal numbers in German, known as Ordnungszahlen, are formed by adding a suffix to the cardinal number. While -te is generally added to numbers 1 through 19, the suffix changes to -ste for numbers 20 and beyond.

    To illustrate, the ordinal number for 1 is erste (1st), 2 is zweite (2nd), and 20 is zwanzigste (20th). This pattern continues with slight irregularities for certain numbers such as 7 (siebte) and 8 (achte).

    The gender of nouns can affect the ending of the ordinal number in written German, for example, der erste Tag (the first day) but die erste Woche (the first week).

    Using ordinal numbers correctly involves more than just understanding their formation. Position within a sentence, agreement with the noun in gender, and knowing when to use the numbers are also critical.

    German Ordinal Numbers Exercises for Better Understanding

    Engaging with exercises can solidify your grasp of ordinal numbers in German. Practice scenarios range from filling in the blanks in sentences to translating sequences from English to German, providing a comprehensive understanding of how these numbers function in context.

    • Translate the following dates into German, using ordinal numbers: July 4th, October 12th, December 25th.
    • Write the following sequences in German, using ordinal numbers: 1st–5th, 21st–25th, 31st–35th.
    • Given a list of events in a day, order them using German ordinal numbers: breakfast, lunch, dinner, wake up, go to bed.

    For exercise 1, July 4th translates to der vierte Juli. This requires understanding not only how to form the ordinal number but also its placement in the sentence for correct German syntax.

    Ordinal numbers in German not only serve a practical purpose in everyday communication but are also ingrained in cultural and historical contexts, such as in the numbering of monarchs or in the serialization of works of art and literature. Mastery of ordinal numbers can therefore enhance both your linguistic skills and your understanding of German-speaking cultures.

    Ordinal Numbers German - Key takeaways

    • Ordinal numbers German (Ordnungszahlen) express order or sequence, essential for dates, ranking, and positions.
    • In German, ordinal numbers from 1 to 19 are formed by adding the suffix -te and from 20 onwards by adding -ste, with some exceptions like 'erster' for number 1.
    • The list of ordinal numbers in German provides a foundation, with variances in gender and case for the number 1 as 'erster' (masculine), 'erste' (feminine), and 'erstes' (neuter).
    • Understanding German ordinal numbers 1-31 is vital for daily tasks such as scheduling, while mastering up to 1-100 is useful for articulating more complex dates and historical sequences.
    • Practical application through German ordinal numbers exercises, such as translating dates and ordering events, helps reinforce proper usage and placement within sentences.
    Frequently Asked Questions about Ordinal Numbers German
    What are the rules for forming ordinal numbers in German?
    In German, ordinal numbers are formed by adding "-te" to the cardinal number for 1 through 19 (e.g., "erste" for 1st, "zweite" for 2nd) and "-ste" for numbers above 19 (e.g., "zwanzigste" for 20th). The exceptions are "erste" (1st), "dritte" (3rd), and "siebte" (7th, where "n" is dropped from "sieben") and "achte" (8th, where "t" is added).
    How do you use ordinal numbers in German sentences?
    In German sentences, ordinal numbers are used to indicate position or order, typically followed by a period when written (e.g., "1." for "erste", meaning "first"). They agree in gender, case, and number with the nouns they describe and precede the noun, much like adjectives.
    How do you pronounce ordinal numbers in German?
    In German, ordinal numbers are pronounced by saying the cardinal number followed by adding the suffix "-te" for 1 through 19 and "-ste" for 20 and above, except for "erste" (first), "dritte" (third), and "siebte" (seventh), which have irregular forms. For example, "zweite" (second), "vierte" (fourth), "zwanzigste" (twentieth).
    Do ordinal numbers in German change according to gender, case, or plurality?
    Yes, in German, ordinal numbers do change according to gender, case, and plurality. They are treated like adjectives and agree in gender, case, and number with the noun they are describing. This adjustment affects their endings.
    What are the exceptions to the standard rules for forming ordinal numbers in German?
    In German, the first ordinal number 'erste' (first) is an exception as it doesn't follow the standard pattern of adding "-te" or "-ste" to the cardinal number. Additionally, numbers 7, 8, and 3 (siebte, achte, dritte) have irregular forms, deviating slightly from the expected pattern.
    Save Article

    Test your knowledge with multiple choice flashcards

    How are ordinal numbers in German, or Ordnungszahlen, generally formed for numbers 1 through 19?

    How are German ordinal numbers formed from 1 to 19?

    What is an example of how the gender of nouns affects the ending of ordinal numbers in written German?

    Next

    Discover learning materials with the free StudySmarter app

    Sign up for free
    1
    About StudySmarter

    StudySmarter is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.

    Learn more
    StudySmarter Editorial Team

    Team German Teachers

    • 9 minutes reading time
    • Checked by StudySmarter Editorial Team
    Save Explanation Save Explanation

    Study anywhere. Anytime.Across all devices.

    Sign-up for free

    Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free.

    Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App

    The first learning app that truly has everything you need to ace your exams in one place

    • Flashcards & Quizzes
    • AI Study Assistant
    • Study Planner
    • Mock-Exams
    • Smart Note-Taking
    Join over 22 million students in learning with our StudySmarter App
    Sign up with Email