Die Zahlen (German Numbers)
Introduction
Understanding numbers in German is crucial for everyday communication. German numbers follow specific patterns, with some rules and exceptions depending on the value. This guide will help you form and use numbers in German.
Key Concepts
1. Basic Numbers (0 - 12)
These numbers have unique names:
| Number | German |
|---|---|
| 0 | Null |
| 1 | Eins |
| 2 | Zwei |
| 3 | Drei |
| 4 | Vier |
| 5 | Fünf |
| 6 | Sechs |
| 7 | Sieben |
| 8 | Acht |
| 9 | Neun |
| 10 | Zehn |
| 11 | Elf |
| 12 | Zwölf |
2. Forming Numbers (13 - 19)
Numbers from 13 to 19 combine the unit number and "zehn" (ten):
| Number | German | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | Dreizehn | "drei" + "zehn" |
| 14 | Vierzehn | "vier" + "zehn" |
| 15 | Fünfzehn | "fünf" (without "f") + "zehn" |
| 16 | Sechzehn | "sechs" (without "s") + "zehn" |
| 17 | Siebzehn | "sieben" (shortened to "sieb") + "zehn" |
| 18 | Achtzehn | "acht" + "zehn" |
| 19 | Neunzehn | "neun" + "zehn" |
3. Tens (20, 30, 40, etc.)
The tens are distinct:
| Number | German |
|---|---|
| 20 | Zwanzig |
| 30 | Dreißig |
| 40 | Vierzig |
| 50 | Fünfzig |
| 60 | Sechzig |
| 70 | Siebzig |
| 80 | Achtzig |
| 90 | Neunzig |
4. Numbers Between 21 and 99
Combine the unit number, "und" (and), and the tens. The unit comes before the tens:
| Number | German | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | Einundzwanzig | "eins" (shortened to "ein") + "und" + "zwanzig" |
| 32 | Zweiunddreißig | "zwei" + "und" + "dreißig" |
| 47 | Siebenundvierzig | "sieben" + "und" + "vierzig" |
| 58 | Achtundfünfzig | "acht" + "und" + "fünfzig" |
5. Hundreds, Thousands, and Beyond
-
Hundreds: Unit number + "hundert"
- 100 = Einhundert
- 200 = Zweihundert
- 321 = Dreihunderteinundzwanzig
-
Thousands: Similar formation
- 1,000 = Eintausend
- 2,000 = Zweitausend
- 5,678 = Fünftausendsechshundertachtundsiebzig
6. Combining Large Numbers
Large numbers combine smaller units:
- 2,345 = Zweitausenddreihundertfünfundvierzig
- 13,876 = Dreizehntausendachthundertsechsundsiebzig
Key Rules to Remember
-
"Eins" becomes "ein" when combining with other numbers.
- Example: "einundzwanzig" (21) not "einsundzwanzig"
-
Use "und" only for numbers between 21 and 99.
- Example: 421 = Vierhunderteinundzwanzig (no "und" between "vierhundert" and "einundzwanzig")
-
Numbers ending in "-ig" often change spelling compared to the unit number.
-
"Sechs" and "sieben" often shorten to "sech" and "sieb" in combinations.
- Example: "sechzehn" (16), "siebzehn" (17)
Interactive Practice
Let's practice forming German numbers with this interactive exercise. Try converting numbers from 0 to 9999!
Convert Numbers to German
Score: 0 / 0
Accuracy: 0%
This interactive practice tool allows you to test your knowledge of German numbers. You can either enter a number yourself or generate a random one. Try to convert as many numbers as you can and track your progress!
Remember:
- Numbers are written as one word in German
- Pay attention to the special rules for forming numbers (e.g., the order of tens and ones)
- Practice regularly to improve your speed and accuracy
Keep challenging yourself with different numbers to become proficient in German numerals!
Additional Resources
- Recommend in telegram
Next Steps
Now that you've mastered numbers, you're ready to move on to more advanced topics in German. Consider exploring German grammar rules or building your vocabulary with common phrases and expressions.