Numbers in Alsatian
Elsässisch
Numbers in Alsatian follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common in many European languages. Spoken primarily in the Alsace region of France by approximately 700,000 speakers, it features unique counting patterns that differ from standard decimal systems. The language belongs to the West Germanic branch of the Indo-European family. What makes its counting system particularly interesting is how it combines units and tens, especially from twenty onwards, with specific words like zwånzig for twenty and viarzig for forty. The formation of numbers such as 31 (hùnd’rteins) and 78 (sewwezigsewweze) illustrates its distinctive vigesimal structure. Understanding these patterns offers insight into Alsatian's rich linguistic heritage and cultural identity.
Number system
Alsatian counting is primarily vigesimal, meaning it uses twenty as a key multiplier. Numbers 1-12 have unique words: eins, zwei, drèï, viar, femf, sex, sewwa, ååcht, nîn, zeh, elf, zwelf. From thirteen to nineteen, the pattern combines the digit with 'ze' (ten): drize (13), viarze (14), fùffze (15), sæchze (16), sewweze (17), åchtze (18), nînze (19). The tens are formed by adding -zig to the digit: zwånzig (20), drissig (30), viarzig (40), fùffzig (50), sæchzig (60), sewwezig (70), åchtzig (80), nînzig (90). Numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine combine the tens and units with 'a' (and), with the unit preceding the ten: e.g., femfadrissig (35), hùnd’rteins (101), toisigzweihùnd’rtnînze (1,219). Hundreds and thousands are directly attached, e.g., hùnd’rteinazwånzig (121).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number Words 1-12
Numbers from one to twelve are unique words: eins [1], zwei [2], drèï [3], viar [4], femf [5], sex [6], sewwa [7], ååcht [8], nîn [9], zeh [10], elf [11], zwelf [12].
Numbers 13-19
Formed by adding 'ze' to the digit: drize [13], viarze [14], fùffze [15], sæchze [16], sewweze [17], åchtze [18], nînze [19].
Tens Formation
Tens are created by adding -zig to the digit: zwånzig [20], drissig [30], viarzig [40], fùffzig [50], sæchzig [60], sewwezig [70], åchtzig [80], nînzig [90].
Compound Numbers 21-99
Numbers combine units and tens with 'a' (and), with the unit said before the ten. For example, femfadrissig [35] (femf + a + drissig), hùnd’rteins [101] (hundred + and + one), and sewwezigsewweze [77] (sewwezig + and + seven).
Hundreds and Thousands
Hundreds are formed by prefixing 'hùnd’r' with the number of hundreds, e.g., hùnd’rteinazwånzig [121] (hundred + and + twenty). Thousands are expressed as toisig, e.g., toisigzweihùnd’rtnînze [1,219] (one thousand + two hundred + nineteen). The word 'eins' loses its final -s when combined in larger numbers, e.g., hùnd’rteins [101].
Unique features
The vigesimal system uses specific words like zwånzig for twenty and viarzig for forty, unlike the decimal system in English.
Unlike many languages, Alsatian combines units and tens with 'a' (and), with the unit preceding the ten, e.g., femfadrissig [35].
The number 78 is sewwezigsewweze, which repeats the pattern of combining 'sewwezig' (70) and 'sewweze' (7), showing a recursive pattern.
Large numbers like 1,219 are formed by directly attaching the scale words, e.g., toisigzweihùnd’rtnînze, demonstrating a consistent pattern for thousands.
The word for one thousand, toisig, is borrowed from the German 'Tausend', reflecting cultural exchanges.
Cultural context
Alsatian is spoken mainly in the Alsace region of France, an area with a rich cultural heritage blending French and German influences. The language is used in daily life, local markets, and traditional festivals. Numbers play a vital role in trade, especially in rural markets where precise counts are essential. Certain numbers, like 13 (drize), may have superstitions or cultural significance, though specific taboos are not widely documented. The language's unique counting system reflects the historical influence of both Germanic and French cultures, preserving regional identity amid modern globalization.
Fun facts
The number 17 is sewweze, which interestingly contains the root for seven (sewwa) plus the suffix -ze, showing a distinctive formation pattern.
Compared to English, which is decimal, Alsatian's vigesimal system resembles French in some regions, but with unique words like ååcht for eight.
Mathematically, the formation of 78 (sewwezigsewweze) illustrates recursive composition, similar to how some languages form complex numbers.
Historically, the use of vigesimal counting in Alsatian reflects ancient Germanic and Celtic influences, similar to the counting systems in Welsh and Basque.
For very large numbers, Alsatian directly combines scale words, such as toisig (1000), showing a straightforward approach to large numerals unlike the more complex systems in some Asian languages.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Alsatian?
1 - eins, 2 - zwei, 3 - drèï, 4 - viar, 5 - femf, 6 - sex, 7 - sewwa, 8 - ååcht, 9 - nîn, 10 - zeh.
What number base does Alsatian use?
Alsatian uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like zwånzig for 20 and viarzig for 40, and the formation of numbers like 35 (femfadrissig) combining units and tens.
How do you say 42 in Alsatian?
42 is viarzig (40) plus two, so it's constructed as viarzig (40) and the unit two (zwei), combined as viarzigsewweze (70 + 7 pattern).
How do you say 100 in Alsatian?
100 is hùnd’rt, formed directly as a scale word for hundred, used in larger numbers like hùnd’rteins (101).
How many people speak Alsatian?
Approximately 700,000 speakers, primarily in the Alsace region of France.
Is Alsatian related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the West Germanic branch of the Indo-European family, closely related to German and other Alemannic dialects.
What makes Alsatian counting unique?
Its vigesimal system with specific words like zwånzig for twenty and the recursive formation of complex numbers like 78 (sewwezigsewweze) distinguishes it from other Germanic languages.