Numbers in Plautdietsch
Numbers in Plautdietsch follow a primarily decimal system with some vigesimal influences in the formation of tens. Spoken by approximately 300,000 Mennonite communities across Canada, the USA, Mexico, and South America, it is part of the East Low German family. Unique features include specific words for numbers up to 99 and compound formations for larger numbers. The counting system combines straightforward words for 1-12 and a pattern of combining tens and units with 'un' for numbers from 21 to 99. Understanding these patterns reveals the language's logical structure and cultural richness. Exploring the numbers in Plautdietsch offers insight into its linguistic heritage and daily use.
Number system
Plautdietsch's counting system is primarily decimal, with specific words for numbers 1 through 12, such as eent [1], twee [2], dree [3], vea [4], fiew [5], sas [6], säwen [7], acht [8], näajen [9], tieen [10], alf [11], and twalf [12]. Numbers from thirteen to nineteen are formed by adding the suffix -tieen to the root: drettieen [13], vieetieen [14], feftieen [15], sastieen [16], säwentieen [17], achttieen [18], näajentieen [19]. Tens are formed by adding -tich to the root digit: twintich [20], dartich [30], vieetich [40], feftich [50], zastich [60], zäwentich [70], tachentich [80], näajentich [90]. Compound numbers from 21 to 99 are built by placing the unit before the ten, joined with 'un' (and): eent un dartich [31], fiew un vieetich [45], sas un zäwentich [67], acht un tachentich [88], and näajen un twintich [92]. Hundreds are formed by placing the number before 'hundat' (hundred): hundat [100], twee hundat [200], dree hundat [300], etc. For numbers like 102, the pattern is 'hundat un' plus the remaining number: hundat un twee [102], dree hundat un drettien [313]. Thousands are formed similarly with 'dusent' (thousand): dusent [1,000], twee dusent [2,000], etc. The pattern is consistent, with no special rules for larger numbers beyond 1,000, which is 'eene Milliion' for one million.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Numbers 1-12 are unique words
Numbers from zero to twelve have specific words: null [0], eent [1], twee [2], dree [3], vea [4], fiew [5], sas [6], säwen [7], acht [8], näajen [9], tieen [10], alf [11], twalf [12]. For example, 6 is sas, 9 is näajen, and 12 is twalf.
Numbers 13-19 are formed by adding -tieen
Numbers like drettieen [13], vieetieen [14], feftieen [15], sastieen [16], säwentieen [17], achttieen [18], and näajentieen [19] are formed by attaching -tieen to the root digit. For example, 14 is vieetieen, built from vier (4) + tieen.
Tens are formed by adding -tich to the root digit
Tens such as twintich [20], dartich [30], vieetich [40], feftich [50], zastich [60], zäwentich [70], tachentich [80], and näajentich [90] are created by attaching -tich. For example, 30 is dartich, from dree (3) + tich.
Numbers 21-99 combine units and tens with 'un'
Numbers like eent un dartich [31], fiew un vieetich [45], and acht un tachentich [88] are formed by placing the unit before the ten, joined with 'un' (and). For example, 45 is fiew un vieetich, meaning 4 + 10 + 5.
Hundreds are formed by placing the number before 'hundat'
For example, 100 is hundat, 200 is twee hundat, and 313 is dree hundat un drettien. Compound hundreds combine the hundred with the remaining number, such as hundat un twee [102] or dree hundat un drettien [313].
Thousands are formed by placing the number before 'dusent'
For example, 1,000 is dusent, 2,000 is twee dusent, and 356 is dree hundat sas un feftich. Larger numbers follow the same pattern without special rules.
Unique features
Plautdietsch uses specific words for numbers 1-12, such as eent and twalf, which are unique compared to many other Germanic languages.
The formation of numbers from 13-19 by adding -tieen to the root digit is a clear pattern similar to other Germanic languages, but with distinct words like säwen for 7.
Numbers from 21-99 are constructed with the unit before the ten, joined by 'un', which is different from the more common 'and' in English or other languages.
Large numbers like thousands and millions are formed straightforwardly by combining the base number with 'dusent' and 'eene Milliion', showing a decimal and additive pattern.
The language borrows no words for large numbers beyond 'eene Milliion', but maintains a consistent pattern for smaller units, reflecting its practical use in daily life and trade.
Cultural context
Plautdietsch is spoken by Mennonite communities primarily in Canada, the USA, Mexico, and South America, with around 300,000 speakers. The language reflects a rich cultural heritage rooted in Christian Mennonite traditions. Numbers appear in daily life, trade, and religious contexts, often used in community events and storytelling. Certain numbers, like 13, might be avoided in superstitions, but overall, the language emphasizes clarity and practicality. The use of specific number words up to 99 highlights the community's emphasis on tradition and oral transmission. Despite modern influences, the counting system remains a vital part of cultural identity, especially in rural and religious settings.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 17 is säwentieen, combining säwen (7) with tieen (10), illustrating the pattern of forming numbers 13-19.
Fact 2: Unlike English, where 21 is 'twenty-one', in Plautdietsch, 31 is 'eent un dartich', with the unit before the ten.
Fact 3: The word for 100, 'hundat', is similar to German 'hundert', showing Germanic roots, but the compound formation is unique.
Fact 4: The word for one million, 'eene Milliion', reflects a borrowing from Latin/English influence, adapted into Plautdietsch.
Fact 5: Large numbers like 356 are formed by combining hundreds and remaining units/tens, demonstrating a consistent additive pattern without special words.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Plautdietsch?
1 - eent, 2 - twee, 3 - dree, 4 - vea, 5 - fiew, 6 - sas, 7 - säwen, 8 - acht, 9 - näajen, 10 - tieen.
What number base does Plautdietsch use?
Plautdietsch primarily uses a decimal (base-10) system, as evidenced by the words for 10 (tieen), 100 (hundat), and 1,000 (dusent). The formation of numbers like 20 (twintich) and 30 (dartich) also shows a vigesimal influence in the tens, but overall it remains a decimal system.
How do you say 42 in Plautdietsch?
42 is constructed as 'fiew un vieetich' — 'fiew' (5) + 'un' (and) + 'vieetich' (40). So, 4 (fiew) plus 40 (vieetich) with the unit before the ten.
How do you say 100 in Plautdietsch?
100 is 'hundat'. Compound numbers like 102 are 'hundat un twee', meaning 100 plus 2.
How many people speak Plautdietsch?
Approximately 300,000 speakers, primarily Mennonite communities across Canada, the United States, Mexico, and South America.
Is Plautdietsch related to other languages?
Yes, it belongs to the Germanic language family, specifically West Low German within the East Low German branch, sharing roots with German and Dutch.
What makes Plautdietsch counting unique?
Its use of specific words for numbers 1-12 and the pattern of combining units and tens with 'un' (and), along with the straightforward formation of hundreds and thousands, makes its counting system distinctive among Germanic languages.