Numbers in Afrikaans
Numbers in Afrikaans follow a vigesimal (base-20) system combined with decimal elements, making it unique among European languages. Spoken mainly in South Africa and Namibia by about 5 million speakers, Afrikaans has a rich history derived from Dutch. Its counting system is characterized by combining units and tens with specific patterns, such as 'een-en-tagtig' for 83 or 'vyf-en-veertig' for 45. This structure reflects a blend of native and Dutch influences, creating a distinctive way of forming numbers. Understanding these rules offers insight into Afrikaans culture and language evolution. Exploring numbers in Afrikaans reveals both its simplicity for small numbers and complexity for larger ones.
Number system
Afrikaans counting primarily uses a vigesimal system, where numbers from twenty onward are built around the 20-base. For example, 20 is 'twintig', and 30 is 'dertig', but numbers like 21 are 'een-en-twintig' (one-and-20), combining the unit before the twenty. Numbers 6-9 are formed by adding the suffix '-tien' after the unit: 13 is 'dertien' (three-ten), 14 is 'veertien' (four-ten), and 15 is 'vyftien' (five-ten). Tens are formed by adding '-tig' to the digit: 40 is 'veertig', 50 is 'vyftig', 60 is 'sestig'. Compound numbers like 42 are 'twee-en-veertig' (two-and-forty), and 78 is 'sewentien-en-sewentig' (seventeen-and-seventy). Hundreds are built by placing the multiplier before 'honderd', e.g., 121 is 'eenhonderd een-en-twintig'. Thousands are formed similarly, e.g., 1,219 is 'eenduisend tweehonderd negentien'. Large numbers follow the long scale, with 'een miljard' for a billion and 'een biljoen' for a trillion.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number Words from Zero to Twelve
Numbers zero to twelve have unique words: nul [0], een [1], twee [2], drie [3], vier [4], vyf [5], ses [6], sewe [7], ag [8], nege [9], tien [10], elf [11], twaalf [12]. These are specific and do not follow the pattern of combining units and tens.
Numbers Thirteen to Nineteen
Numbers 13-19 are formed by adding '-tien' after the unit: dertien [13], veertien [14], vyftien [15], sestien [16], sewentien [17], agtien [18], negentien [19]. For example, 16 is 'sestien', combining 'ses' (6) and '-tien'.
Tens Formation
Tens are created by adding '-tig' to the digit: tien [10], twintig [20], dertig [30], veertig [40], vyftig [50], sestig [60], sewentig [70], tagtig [80], neëntig [90]. For example, 80 is 'tagtig', and 90 is 'neëntig'.
Numbers 21-99
Compound numbers are formed by joining the unit and ten with 'en' (and). The unit comes first, e.g., 31 is 'een-en-dertig' (one-and-thirty), 35 is 'vyf-en-dertig' (five-and-thirty), 42 is 'twee-en-veertig' (two-and-forty), and 78 is 'sewentien-en-sewentig' (seventeen-and-seventy).
Hundreds and Thousands
Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before 'honderd', e.g., 121 is 'eenhonderd een-en-twintig' (one hundred and twenty-one). Thousands are built similarly: 1,219 is 'eenduisend tweehonderd negentien' (one thousand two hundred nineteen).
Large Numbers
Numbers larger than a million use the long scale: 'een miljard' (one billion, 10^9), 'een biljoen' (one trillion, 10^12). Each new term is a million times larger than the previous, e.g., 'een miljard' is 10^9, and 'een biljoen' is 10^12.
Unique features
Afrikaans uses a vigesimal system for numbers above twenty, such as 'twee-en-veertig' for 42, which is similar to French but different from English.
Unlike English, which places the tens before the units, Afrikaans often places the unit before the ten in compound numbers, e.g., 'een-en-tagtig' for 83.
A surprising pattern is the use of 'sewentien' for 17, which is a single word derived from 'sewe' (seven) and '-tien' (ten), but combined into one.
For large numbers, Afrikaans follows the long scale, where each new term beyond a million is a thousand times larger, unlike the short scale used in American English.
The word 'miljoen' (million) and 'miljard' (billion) are borrowed from Dutch, reflecting historical ties and cultural exchange.
Cultural context
Afrikaans is primarily spoken in South Africa and Namibia by about 5 million people. It developed from Dutch settlers and has influences from Malay, Portuguese, and indigenous languages. Numbers in Afrikaans appear in daily life, trade, and traditional events, often with specific cultural significance. For example, certain numbers like 13 ('dertien') may be avoided in superstitions, while others like 7 ('sewe') are considered lucky. The language's numerical system reflects its colonial history and multicultural influences, making it a fascinating example of linguistic evolution in Southern Africa.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 'negentien' (19) combines 'nege' (nine) and '-tien' (ten), forming a single word unlike English.
Fact 2: While English uses a decimal system, Afrikaans's vigesimal pattern for numbers like 42 ('twee-en-veertig') is shared with French ('quarante-deux').
Fact 3: The formation of numbers like 78 ('sewentien-en-sewentig') shows a reverse order compared to English, emphasizing the vigesimal base.
Fact 4: Historically, Afrikaans developed from Dutch settlers in the 17th century, and its number words reflect this Dutch influence, especially in 'miljoen' and 'miljard'.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, Afrikaans uses the long scale, making it unique among many European languages that prefer the short scale.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Afrikaans?
The numbers are: 1 - een, 2 - twee, 3 - drie, 4 - vier, 5 - vyf, 6 - ses, 7 - sewe, 8 - ag, 9 - nege, 10 - tien.
What number base does Afrikaans use?
Afrikaans primarily uses a vigesimal (base-20) system combined with decimal elements. Evidence includes 'twee-en-veertig' for 42 and 'sewentien' for 17, where units are placed before or after tens in a pattern distinct from pure decimal systems.
How do you say 42 in Afrikaans?
42 is 'twee-en-veertig', formed by 'twee' (two), 'en' (and), and 'veertig' (forty). This pattern joins units and tens with 'en', reflecting the vigesimal system.
How do you say 100 in Afrikaans?
100 is 'eenhonderd'. Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before 'honderd', e.g., 121 is 'eenhonderd een-en-twintig'.
How many people speak Afrikaans?
About 5 million people speak Afrikaans, mainly in South Africa and Namibia.
Is Afrikaans related to other languages?
Yes, Afrikaans is an Indo-European language derived from Dutch, and it shares similarities with other West Germanic languages like Dutch and German.
What makes Afrikaans counting unique?
Its use of a vigesimal system, where numbers like 42 are 'twee-en-veertig', and the reverse order in compound numbers, makes Afrikaans counting distinctive among European languages.