Numbers in German
Deutsch
Numbers in German follow a primarily decimal (base-10) system with some unique features in forming compound numbers. Spoken by over 100 million people mainly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein, German's counting system is notable for its compound structure and irregularities in certain numbers. The language's number words reflect historical and linguistic influences, making it both fascinating and complex for learners. Understanding the rules behind the formation of numbers in German enhances both pronunciation and comprehension, especially for larger numbers and years. This article explores the complete system, from 1 to 1000, with cultural insights and practical examples.
Number system
German counting is based on a decimal system where numbers from zero to twelve have unique words: null [0], eins [1], zwei [2], drei [3], vier [4], fünf [5], sechs [6], sieben [7], acht [8], neun [9], zehn [10], elf [11], and zwölf [12]. From thirteen to nineteen, the pattern combines the unit with 'zehn' (ten): dreizehn [13], vierzehn [14], fünfzehn [15], sechzehn [16], siebzehn [17], achtzehn [18], neunzehn [19]. Tens are formed by adding '-zig' to the digit, with irregular forms for ten, twenty, and seventy: zehn [10], zwanzig [20], dreißig [30], vierzig [40], fünfzig [50], sechzig [60], siebzig [70], achtzig [80], neunzig [90]. Compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine are formed by joining the unit and ten with 'und' (and), e.g., einunddreißig [31], fünfunddreißig [35], achtundvierzig [48], sechundsechzig [66], and neunundneunzig [99]. Hundreds and thousands are combined directly without spaces: hunderteinundzwanzig [121], tausendzweihundertneunzehn [1,219]. For numbers like 1985, the pattern is 'neunzehnhundertfünfundachtzig'. The unit 'eins' drops the final -s when part of a compound, e.g., hunderteins [101], but remains in isolated form. Large numbers follow the long scale, with 'Million', 'Milliarde', 'Billion', etc., indicating powers of a million, billion, trillion, etc.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number words from zero to twelve are unique and specific: null [0], eins [1], zwei [2], drei [3], vier [4], fünf [5], sechs [6], sieben [7], acht [8], neun [9], zehn [10], elf [11], zwölf [12].
Numbers from thirteen to nineteen are formed by adding 'zehn' to the unit: dreizehn [13], vierzehn [14], fünfzehn [15], sechzehn [16], siebzehn [17], achtzehn [18], neunzehn [19].
Tens are formed by adding '-zig' to the digit, with irregular forms for ten, twenty, and seventy: zehn [10], zwanzig [20], dreißig [30], vierzig [40], fünfzig [50], sechzig [60], siebzig [70], achtzig [80], neunzig [90].
Compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine are constructed by placing the unit before the ten, joined with 'und': einundzwanzig [21], fünfunddreißig [35], achtundvierzig [48], sechundsechzig [66], neunundneunzig [99].
Hundreds and thousands are combined directly without spaces, e.g., hunderteinundzwanzig [121], tausendzweihundertneunzehn [1,219].
When expressing years from 1100 to 1999, the pattern is to say the hundreds part followed by the remaining number, e.g., 1985 is 'neunzehnhundertfünfundachtzig'.
Unique features
The number 'sechzehn' (16) uses a different root than expected from 'sechs' (6), which is irregular compared to other numbers ending in -zehn.
Unlike English, German combines units and tens with 'und' (and), e.g., 'einunddreißig' for 31, which is vigesimal in structure but decimal in base.
The number 'siebzehn' (17) is an exception to the pattern of 'sieben' + 'zehn', reflecting historical linguistic changes.
Large numbers follow the long scale, with 'Million' (10^6), 'Milliarde' (10^9), 'Billion' (10^12), showing a systematic naming pattern for big numbers.
The word 'eins' (one) loses its final -s in compound numbers like 'hundert eins' (101), but retains it when alone.
Cultural context
German is spoken predominantly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Liechtenstein, with over 100 million speakers. Numbers are integral to daily life, from trade and commerce to cultural traditions. In Germany, certain numbers like 13 are considered unlucky, while others like 7 are often seen as lucky. Numbers also appear in festivals, historical dates, and religious contexts. The precise formation of numbers reflects a rich linguistic history, blending Latin, Germanic, and other influences. Large numbers like 'Million' and 'Milliarde' are common in economic and scientific contexts, emphasizing Germany's role in global trade and research. The system's systematic approach to large numbers showcases the country's mathematical and linguistic heritage.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 'siebzehn' (17) is an exception to the regular pattern of 'sieben' + 'zehn', reflecting historical language evolution.
Fact 2: German uses the long scale for large numbers, unlike the short scale used in American English, making 'Billion' (10^12) a trillion in US English.
Fact 3: The formation of compound numbers like 'einunddreißig' (31) demonstrates the vigesimal influence within a decimal system.
Fact 4: Historically, the word 'zwanzig' (20) derives from an old Germanic root, indicating the language's deep historical roots.
Fact 5: When counting years, Germans say 'neunzehnhundert' (nineteen hundred) for 1900, a pattern shared with other Germanic languages.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in German?
The numbers are eins [1], zwei [2], drei [3], vier [4], fünf [5], sechs [6], sieben [7], acht [8], neun [9], zehn [10].
What number base does German use?
German primarily uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by the regular formation of numbers like dreißig [30], vierzig [40], and compound numbers like einunddreißig [31].
How do you say 42 in German?
42 is 'zweiundvierzig' — formed by 'zwei' (2), joined with 'und' (and), then 'vierzig' (40).
How do you say 100 in German?
100 is 'hundert'. Larger numbers like 101 are 'hunderteins', combining 'hundert' and 'eins'.
How many people speak German?
Approximately 100 million people speak German as their native language.
Is German related to other languages?
Yes, German is part of the West Germanic branch of the Indo-European family, related to English, Dutch, and Frisian.
What makes German counting unique?
The use of 'und' to connect units and tens, as in 'einunddreißig' (31), and the long scale for large numbers are distinctive features.
Sources
- Learn the most useful words and phrases first so you can start speaking German fast with MOSALingua