Numbers in Pennsylvania German
Pennsilfaanisch-Deitsch
Numbers in Pennsylvania German follow a primarily decimal system with some unique features. Spoken mainly by Old Order Amish and Mennonite communities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Ontario, it has around 300,000 speakers. The counting system combines straightforward decimal patterns with distinctive formations for numbers 13-19 and the tens. Unlike many languages, Pennsylvania German uses specific words for numbers zero to twelve, and constructs larger numbers by combining these with scale words like 'hunnert' for hundred and 'dausend' for thousand. Its unique features include the use of compound words without spaces for numbers like 31 ('eenundreissich') and a specific pattern for forming numbers over 20. This makes the language both fascinating and complex for learners and linguists alike.
Number system
Pennsylvania German uses a decimal (base-10) system, with specific words for numbers 0-12: null [0], eens [1], zwee [2], drei [3], vier [4], fimf [5], sex [6], siwwe [7], acht [8], nein [9], zehe [10], elf [11], zwelf [12]. Numbers 13-19 are formed by adding 'zeh' to the digit, with exceptions: dreizeh [13], vazeh [14], fuffzeh [15], sechzeh [16], siwwezeh [17], achtzeh [18], neinzeh [19]. Tens are formed by adding '-sich' or '-zich' to the multiplier digit: zwansich [20], dreissich [30], vazich [40], fuffzich [50], sechzich [60], siwwezich [70], achtzich [80], neinzich [90]. Compound numbers from 21-99 are formed by placing the unit before the ten with 'un' in between, e.g., eenundreissich [31], fimfundreissich [35], and so forth. Hundreds are formed by saying the digit followed by 'hunnert' (e.g., en hunnert [100], zwee hunnert [200]), and thousands by the digit followed by 'dausend' (e.g., drei dausend [3000]). For numbers over 100, the pattern continues with the scale words, and the conjunction 'un' is used when a hundred is directly followed by a unit, e.g., en hunnert un siwwe [107].
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Numbers 0-12 are unique words
Pennsylvania German has specific words for zero to twelve: null [0], eens [1], zwee [2], drei [3], vier [4], fimf [5], sex [6], siwwe [7], acht [8], nein [9], zehe [10], elf [11], zwelf [12]. For example, 1 is eens, 7 is siwwe, and 12 is zwelf.
Numbers 13-19 are formed by adding 'zeh' to the digit
Numbers from thirteen to nineteen are created by attaching 'zeh' to the digit, with some exceptions: dreizeh [13], vazeh [14], fuffzeh [15], sechzeh [16], siwwezeh [17], achtzeh [18], neinzeh [19]. For example, 16 is sechzeh, combining six and the suffix.
Tens are formed by adding '-sich' or '-zich' to the digit
The multiples of ten are formed by adding '-sich' or '-zich' to the digit: zwansich [20], dreissich [30], vazich [40], fuffzich [50], sechzich [60], siwwezich [70], achtzich [80], neinzich [90]. For example, 70 is siwwezich, derived from 7 plus the suffix.
Compound numbers from 21-99 are formed with the unit before the ten
Numbers like 31 and 35 are formed by placing the unit before the ten with 'un' in between, e.g., eenundreissich [31], fimfundreissich [35]. The unit 'eens' loses its final -s in these compounds unless it is the only number after a scale, such as in 'en hunnert un eens' (101).
Hundreds and thousands are formed by combining the digit with scale words
For example, 100 is 'en hunnert', 200 is 'zwee hunnert', 1,000 is 'en dausend', and 3,000 is 'drei dausend'. When a hundred is followed by a unit, 'un' reappears, as in 'en hunnert un siwwe' (107).
Unique features
Numbers 13-19 are formed with specific words like dreizeh and vazeh, not regular compound formations.
Compound numbers from 21-99 are written as one word with the unit before the ten, e.g., fimfundreissich [35], unlike English which uses 'and'.
The number 20, zwansich, is a key vigesimal marker, but the system is primarily decimal, not fully vigesimal.
Large numbers like one million are formed by 'en millyon', showing influence from English and French borrowing.
The use of 'un' to connect hundreds and units (e.g., en hunnert un siwwe) reflects a pattern similar to some other Germanic languages but with its own rules.
Cultural context
Pennsylvania German is primarily spoken by Old Order Amish and Mennonite communities, especially in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Ontario. These communities maintain traditional lifestyles, with numbers appearing in daily trade, religious practices, and cultural events. Numbers are used in counting livestock, land, and in religious calculations. The language preserves older Germanic features, making it a cultural treasure. Certain numbers, like 13, may be avoided in superstitions, while others are considered lucky, such as 7. The language's use in community rituals and oral traditions helps keep the counting system alive, reflecting a deep connection to heritage and identity.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 'fuffzeh' (15) is unique because it does not follow the regular pattern of adding 'zeh' to the digit.
Fact 2: Unlike English, Pennsylvania German forms compound numbers without spaces, e.g., 'eenundreissich' for 31.
Fact 3: The pattern of adding '-sich' or '-zich' for tens is similar to the German system but with regional variations.
Fact 4: Historically, the language has preserved older Germanic counting patterns, making it a linguistic time capsule.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, such as one million, the pattern 'en millyon' is borrowed from English/French influence, showing language contact.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Pennsylvania German?
1 - eens, 2 - zwee, 3 - drei, 4 - vier, 5 - fimf, 6 - sex, 7 - siwwe, 8 - acht, 9 - nein, 10 - zehe.
What number base does Pennsylvania German use?
It primarily uses a decimal (base-10) system, as evidenced by the words for 10 (zehe), 20 (zwansich), and the formation of numbers like 31 (eenundreissich).
How do you say 42 in Pennsylvania German?
42 is 'fimfundreissich', formed by 'fimf' (5), 'fun' (and), 'reiss' (30), with the suffix '-ich'.
How do you say 100 in Pennsylvania German?
100 is 'en hunnert', with 'en' meaning one and 'hunnert' for hundred.
How many people speak Pennsylvania German?
Approximately 300,000 speakers, mainly in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Ontario.
Is Pennsylvania German related to other languages?
Yes, it is a West Germanic language within the High German group, related to standard German but with unique regional features.
What makes Pennsylvania German counting unique?
Its use of specific words for 13-19, compound formation without spaces, and the pattern of connecting hundreds and units with 'un' are distinctive features.