Numbers in Bavarian
Boarisch
Numbers in Bavarian follow a mixed counting system that combines elements of decimal and vigesimal structures. Spoken primarily in Bavaria, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and Hungary, Bavarian has approximately 13.25 million speakers. Its unique counting system features distinct words for numbers 1-12, with compound formations for higher numbers. The language's structure reflects its rich cultural history and regional variations. Understanding the numbers in Bavarian provides insight into its linguistic complexity and regional identity, making it a fascinating subject for language enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Number system
Bavarian counting primarily relies on a vigesimal (base-20) system, especially evident in numbers like zwånzge [20], dreißge [30], and fiazge [40]. Numbers 1-12 are unique words, such as oas [1], zwoa [2], drei [3], and so forth. For numbers 13-19, Bavarian combines the base digit with a form of ten, e.g., dreizea [13], fiazea [14], fuchzea [15], following a pattern where the digit precedes the suffix 'zea' derived from 'zene' (ten). Tens are formed by attaching 'zge' to the multiplier digit: zene [10], zwånzge [20], dreißge [30], fiazge [40], etc. Compound numbers like 21 (oanazwånzge) and 78 (sibzgezwånzge) are formed by combining the units and tens with 'a' (and). Hundreds are formed by prefixing the digit before 'hundad' (hundred), e.g., zwoahundad [200], dreihundad [300]. The system blends vigesimal and decimal features, with a clear pattern for forming larger numbers.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Numbers 1-12 are unique words
Numbers from one to twelve have specific words: oas [1], zwoa [2], drei [3], fiare [4], fimfe [5], sechse [6], sieme [7], åchte [8], neine [9], zene [10], öife [11], zwöife [12]. For example, 5 is fimfe, and 11 is öife.
Numbers 13-19 are formed by adding 'zea' to the digit
Numbers like dreizea [13], fiazea [14], fuchzea [15], sechzea [16], sibzea [17], åchzea [18], and neizea [19] are created by combining the base digit with 'zea', derived from 'zene' (ten). For example, 15 (fuchzea) combines 5 (fimfe) with 'zea'.
Tens are formed by adding 'zge' to the multiplier digit
The multiples of ten are zwånzge [20], dreißge [30], fiazge [40], fuchzge [50], sechzge [60], sibzge [70], åchtzge [80], and neinzge [90]. For example, 30 (dreißge) is built from 3 + 'zge'.
Compound numbers from 21 to 99 are joined with 'a' (and)
Numbers like oanazwånzge [21], zwoarazwånzge [22], dreiazwånzge [23], and sibzgezwånzge [78] are formed by combining units and tens with 'a' (and). For example, 29 (neinazwånzge) combines 9 (neine) and 20 (zwånzge).
Hundreds are formed by prefixing the digit before 'hundad'
For example, zwoahundad [200], dreihundad [300], and fiahundad [400] are formed by combining the digit with 'hundad' (hundred). One hundred itself is 'hundad'.
The word for thousand is 'daund'
Large numbers are built by prefixing the multiplier digit before 'daund'. For example, 1,000 is 'daund', 2,000 is 'zwoahundad daund', and 3,000 is 'dreihundad daund'.
Unique features
The use of 'zea' in numbers 13-19, which combines the base digit with a form of ten, is unique among Germanic languages.
Compound numbers like 21 (oanazwånzge) and 78 (sibzgezwånzge) are formed without spaces, using 'a' as a connector, similar to other vigesimal systems but with distinctive Bavarian words.
The system blends vigesimal and decimal features, with the suffix 'zge' for tens and 'zea' for teens, creating a hybrid counting pattern.
Large numbers are formed straightforwardly by prefixing the digit before 'daund' (thousand), showing a clear base-20 influence.
The word 'daund' for thousand is borrowed from Latin 'mille', reflecting historical influences on Bavarian.
Cultural context
Bavarian is spoken mainly in Bavaria, a region known for its rich traditions, festivals like Oktoberfest, and a strong regional identity. Numbers in Bavarian are used daily in markets, traditional events, and storytelling. The language's unique counting system reflects its historical ties to old Germanic and Latin influences. Certain numbers, like 7 (sieme) and 13 (dreizea), may carry cultural significance, but there are no widely known taboos. The use of Bavarian in local trade and folk music helps preserve its linguistic heritage, making numbers an integral part of cultural expression and regional pride.
Fun facts
The number 17 is sibzea, which literally combines 'sib' (seven) with 'zea' (ten), illustrating the teen formation pattern.
Compared to Standard German, Bavarian uses completely different words for numbers 1-12, such as oas instead of eins and zwoa instead of zwei.
The formation of numbers like 42 (dreiazwånzge) shows Bavarian's unique way of combining units and tens without spaces, unlike English.
Historically, the word 'daund' for thousand reflects Latin influence, similar to how 'mille' entered many European languages.
Bavarian's hybrid vigesimal-decimal system allows for efficient counting up to 1,000, but beyond that, data is scarce, indicating a potential for further linguistic research.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Bavarian?
1 - oas, 2 - zwoa, 3 - drei, 4 - fiare, 5 - fimfe, 6 - sechse, 7 - sieme, 8 - åchte, 9 - neine, 10 - zene.
What number base does Bavarian use?
Bavarian primarily uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, as seen in zwånzge [20], dreißge [30], and compound numbers like 21 (oanazwånzge). The formation of teens with 'zea' also reflects a base-20 influence.
How do you say 42 in Bavarian?
42 is dreiazwånzge. It combines 3 (dreia) with 20 (zwånzge) joined by 'a', following the pattern for compound numbers in the system.
How do you say 100 in Bavarian?
100 is 'hundad'. Larger hundreds are formed by prefixing the digit before 'hundad', such as zwoahundad for 200.
How many people speak Bavarian?
Approximately 13.25 million people speak Bavarian, mainly in Bavaria, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and Hungary.
Is Bavarian related to other languages?
Yes, Bavarian is part of the Indo-European family, specifically within the Germanic branch, closely related to other High German dialects.
What makes Bavarian counting unique?
Its hybrid vigesimal and decimal system, especially the use of 'zea' for teens and 'zge' for tens, makes Bavarian counting distinctive among Germanic languages.
Sources
- Bavarian numbers (Wikipedia, in French)