Numbers in Hunsrik
Numbers in Hunsrik follow a distinctive counting system rooted in a vigesimal (base-20) structure, with influences from German dialects and Portuguese. Spoken by approximately 3 million people mainly in southern Brazil, Hunsrik's counting system combines unique formations for numbers 13 to 19 and compound numbers. Its structure reflects historical influences and regional adaptations, making it a fascinating example of Germanic language evolution outside Europe. The language's counting rules reveal patterns that are both familiar and unique, especially in how it constructs numbers like 35 or 68. Understanding these numbers provides insight into the cultural and linguistic richness of the Hunsrik-speaking communities.
Number system
Hunsrik uses a vigesimal system primarily, where multiples of twenty form the basis for larger numbers. Numbers 1-12 are unique words, with 13-19 formed by adding 'zen' to the units, e.g., dreizen (13), ferzen (14). Tens are formed by adding 'sich' or 'zich' to the multiplier, such as zwanzich (20), dreisich (30), ferzich (40). Compound numbers from 21 to 99 combine units and tens with 'un' and a dash, like finnef-un-dreisich (35) for 35, and acht-un-sechzich (68) for 68. Hundreds are constructed by placing the digit before 'hunnerd' (e.g., enns-hunnerd for 100, drei-hunnerd for 300). Thousands are formed similarly with 'tausend' (e.g., drei-tausend for 3000). Large numbers follow the same pattern, emphasizing the vigesimal base with consistent suffixes and conjunctions.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number words from zero to twelve
Numbers 0 to 12 have unique words: null [0], enns [1], zweu [2], drei [3], fier [4], finnef [5], sechs [6], sieve [7], acht [8], nein [9], zehn [10], ellef [11], zwellef [12].
Forming numbers from thirteen to nineteen
Numbers 13-19 are formed by adding 'zen' to the units: dreizen [13], ferzen [14], finnefzen or fufzen [15], sechzen [16], sibzen [17], achtzen [18], neinzen [19].
Tens formation
Tens are created by adding 'sich' or 'zich' to the multiplier: zwanzich [20], dreisich [30], ferzich [40], finnefzich or fufzich [50], sechzich [60], sibzich [70], achtzich [80], neinzich [90].
Constructing compound numbers
Numbers from 21 to 99 combine units and tens with 'un' and a dash, with the unit first: finnef-un-dreisich [35], acht-un-sechzich [68], drei-un-dreisich [38], acht-un-dreisich [38], sieben-un-dreisich [37].
Hundreds formation
Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before 'hunnerd' with a dash: enns-hunnerd [100], zweu-hunnerd [200], drei-hunnerd [300], fier-hunnerd [400], finnef-hunnerd [500], sechs-hunnerd [600], sieve-hunnerd [700], acht-hunnerd [800], nein-hunnerd [900].
Thousands formation
Thousands are formed similarly, with the digit before 'tausend': enns-tausend [1,000], zweu-tausend [2,000], drei-tausend [3,000], fier-tausend [4,000], finnef-tausend [5,000], sechs-tausend [6,000], sieve-tausend [7,000], acht-tausend [8,000], nein-tausend [9,000].
Unique features
The use of vigesimal (base-20) structure is evident in numbers like zwanzich [20], dreisich [30], and achtzich [80], which combine a multiplier with a suffix.
Unlike many Germanic languages that are decimal, Hunsrik's counting system emphasizes the 20s, similar to French 'quatre-vingts' for 80.
Numbers 13-19 are formed by adding 'zen' to the units, e.g., dreizen [13], which is a distinctive pattern not common in standard German.
Large numbers like 1,000 are built by combining the digit with 'tausend' (thousand), following the same pattern as smaller numbers, e.g., drei-tausend for 3,000.
The language borrows influence from Portuguese and other dialects, which can be seen in some number formations and pronunciation.
Cultural context
Hunsrik is spoken mainly in southern Brazil, especially in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná, with communities also in Argentina and Paraguay. The culture is rich in Germanic traditions blended with local South American influences. Numbers appear in daily trade, traditional festivals, and religious events, often with specific significance for cultural rituals. The number 13, for example, might be avoided in some contexts due to superstitions, while 7 is considered lucky. The language's numerals are integral to storytelling, folklore, and regional identity, preserving a unique linguistic heritage that reflects the history of German immigrants and their descendants in South America.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 15 is finnef, which combines 'finnef' with the suffix 'zen' to form finnefzen for 15, showing how numbers 13-19 are systematically constructed.
Fact 2: Unlike English, where 80 is 'eighty', in Hunsrik 80 is achtzich, emphasizing the vigesimal pattern with 'zich' suffix.
Fact 3: The formation of compound numbers like 42 (ferzich-un-drei) demonstrates the consistent use of 'un' and dash to connect units and tens, similar to Dutch.
Fact 4: Historically, the use of vigesimal counting in Hunsrik reflects older European counting traditions, possibly influenced by Celtic or Basque systems.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, the pattern remains consistent, with 1 million expressed as 'Million', showing the language's adaptation to modern numerical concepts.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Hunsrik?
1 - enns, 2 - zweu, 3 - drei, 4 - fier, 5 - finnef, 6 - sechs, 7 - sieve, 8 - acht, 9 - nein, 10 - zehn.
What number base does Hunsrik use?
Hunsrik primarily uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like zwanzich [20], dreisich [30], and achtzich [80], which are formed by multiplying and adding suffixes.
How do you say 42 in Hunsrik?
42 is ferzich-un-drei. 'Ferzich' (40) plus 'un' (and) plus 'drei' (3), following the pattern for compound numbers.
How do you say 100 in Hunsrik?
100 is enns-hunnerd, formed by the number 1 (enns) plus 'hunnerd'.
How many people speak Hunsrik?
Approximately 3 million speakers, mainly in Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Is Hunsrik related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the West Germanic family, specifically the Moselle Franconian branch, related to dialects of German and influenced by Portuguese.
What makes Hunsrik counting unique?
Its vigesimal system and the formation of numbers 13-19 with 'zen' are distinctive features, setting it apart from standard German and other Germanic languages.