Numbers in Icelandic
Íslenska
Numbers in Icelandic follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, which is common in many North Germanic languages. Spoken by approximately 360,000 people primarily in Iceland, this language is part of the Indo-European family. What makes its counting system unique is the combination of decimal and vigesimal patterns, especially evident in numbers like 31 (þrjátíu og einn) and 42 (fjórtíu og tveir). Understanding these patterns is essential for mastering Icelandic numerals, from basic 1 to complex large numbers like a million (ein miljón). The language's rich history and cultural traditions are reflected in its distinctive counting rules and number words, making it a fascinating subject for linguists and learners alike.
Number system
Icelandic counting primarily uses a vigesimal system, where twenty acts as a key multiplier. Numbers 1-12 have unique words, such as einn [1], tveir [2], þrír [3], fjórir [4], fimm [5], sex [6], sjö [7], átta [8], níu [9], tiu [10], ellefu [11], and tólf [12]. Numbers from thirteen to nineteen are formed by adding a suffix to the digit, e.g., þréttán [13], fjórtán [14], fimmtán [15], sextán [16], sautján [17], átján [18], nitján [19]. Tens are formed by combining the base word for ten (tiu) with multiples: tuttugu [20], þrjátíu [30], fjórutíu [40], fimmtíu [50], sextíu [60], sjötíu [70], áttatíu [80], níutíu [90]. Compound numbers like 31 (þrjátíu og einn) and 78 (sjötíu og átta) are formed by joining the tens and units with 'og' (and). Hundreds are formed with the word hundrað [100], which is gendered and pluralized as hundruð. Larger numbers like 1,000 (þúsund) and 1,000,000 (ein miljón) are built by combining these scale words with the pattern, often using the plural forms for multiples, e.g., þrjú þúsund [3,000], fjórar miljónir [4 million].
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number Words 1-12
Numbers from zero to twelve have unique words: núll [0], einn [1], tveir [2], þrír [3], fjórir [4], fimm [5], sex [6], sjö [7], átta [8], níu [9], tiu [10], ellefu [11], tólf [12]. For example, einn (feminine: ein, neutral: eitt), tveir (feminine: tvær, neutral: tvö).
Forming 13-19
Numbers 13-19 are formed by adding a suffix to the digit: þréttán [13], fjórtán [14], fimmtán [15], sextán [16], sautján [17], átján [18], nitján [19]. For example, fjórtán is built from fjórir [4] plus the suffix -tán.
Tens Formation
Tens are formed by combining the word for ten (tiu) with the multiplier: tuttugu [20], þrjátíu [30], fjórutíu [40], fimmtíu [50], sextíu [60], sjötíu [70], áttatíu [80], níutíu [90]. For example, þrjátíu means 3×10, and 70 (sjötíu) is 7×10.
Compound Numbers
Numbers between 21 and 99 are formed by joining the tens and units with 'og' (and). For example, þrjátíu og einn [31], fjórutíu og tveir [42], and sjötíu og átta [78]. The pattern is: [tens] og [units].
Hundreds and Larger Numbers
Hundreds are formed with 'hundrað' [100], which is gendered and pluralized as hundruð. For example, 200 is tvö hundruð, 300 is þrjú hundruð. Thousands are 'þúsund' [1,000], e.g., þrjú þúsund. Millions are 'miljón', with plural 'miljónir', e.g., fjórar miljónir for 4 million. The pattern involves combining scale words with the base numbers, e.g., 430 is fjórar hundruð og þrjátíu.
Unique features
The use of vigesimal (base-20) system is evident in numbers like 20 (tuttugu), 40 (fjórutíu), and 80 (áttatíu).
Unlike many languages, Icelandic combines tens and units with 'og' (and), e.g., 31 (þrjátíu og einn).
Numbers 1-4 have gendered and declined forms, such as einn/ein/eitt, tveir/tvær/tvo, which is rare among European languages.
Large numbers like a billion are formed using the long scale, with 'miljarður' for billion, e.g., einn miljarður.
The word 'og' is used only once per number, linking tens and units, which is a distinctive feature of Icelandic.
Cultural context
Icelanders live in a country characterized by dramatic landscapes, rich folklore, and a strong literary tradition. Numbers appear in daily life, from counting fish in fishing communities to measuring land. The language's unique counting system reflects historical influences and isolation. Certain numbers, like 13 (þréttán), are associated with superstitions, while others, such as 7 (sjö), are considered lucky. The use of large numbers is common in literature and official records, with Icelandic maintaining a strong connection to its linguistic roots. The language's handling of large numbers like a billion (einn miljarður) showcases its long-scale system, emphasizing its cultural depth.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 78 is sjötíu og átta, combining 70 (sjötíu) and 8 (átta) with 'og'.
Fact 2: Unlike English, Icelandic uses a vigesimal system, similar to French 'quatre-vingt' for 80.
Fact 3: The number 19 (nitján) is formed from nine (níu) plus the suffix -ján, showing a unique formation pattern.
Fact 4: The word for 1,000 (þúsund) is invariable and used across scales, reflecting historical trade practices.
Fact 5: For very large numbers like a trillion, Icelandic uses the long scale, e.g., billjón for 10^12, showing linguistic consistency.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Icelandic?
1 - einn, 2 - tveir, 3 - þrír, 4 - fjórir, 5 - fimm, 6 - sex, 7 - sjö, 8 - átta, 9 - níu, 10 - tiu.
What number base does Icelandic use?
Icelandic uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, as seen in 20 (tuttugu), 40 (fjórutíu), and 80 (áttatíu). For example, 30 is þrjátíu, which is 1×20 + 10.
How do you say 42 in Icelandic?
42 is fjórtíu og tveir, formed by fjórtíu (40) plus og (and) and tveir (2).
How do you say 100 in Icelandic?
Hundrað is the word for 100. Larger numbers like 430 are fjórar hundruð og þrjátíu, combining the hundreds and tens.
How many people speak Icelandic?
Approximately 360,000 people speak Icelandic, primarily in Iceland.
Is Icelandic related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Indo-European family, specifically the North Germanic branch, related to Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish.
What makes Icelandic counting unique?
Its use of vigesimal (base-20) system, the formation of numbers 13-19, and the gendered forms for 1-4 make it distinctive.