Numbers in Romansh
Rumantsch
Numbers in Romansh follow a mixed decimal and vigesimal system, unique among Romance languages. Spoken primarily in the canton of Grisons, with about 35,000 speakers, it features distinct words for numbers 1-10, and combines these with specific rules for forming larger numbers. The counting system includes unique patterns for tens, hundreds, and thousands, making it both fascinating and complex. The language's structure reflects its cultural history and regional influences, with special forms for compound numbers like 42 (quarantaquintg) and 78 (settantachtg). Understanding the numbers in Romansh offers insight into its linguistic richness and regional identity.
Number system
Romansh uses a primarily decimal system with notable vigesimal features. Numbers 1-10 are unique words: in (1), dus (2), trais (3), quatter (4), tschintg (5), sis (6), set (7), otg (8), nov (9), diesch (10). Numbers 11-16 are formed by adding 'esch' to the root: indesch (11), dudesch (12), tredesch (13), quattordesch (14), quindesch (15), sedesch (16). From seventeen to nineteen, the pattern reverses: deschset (17), deschdotg (18), deschnov (19). Tens are named: diesch (10), ventg (20), trenta (30), quaranta (40), tschuncanta (50), sessanta (60), settanta (70), otganta (80), novanta (90). Compound numbers like 42 (quarantaquintg) are formed by juxtaposing the ten and unit, with vowel elision if the unit begins with a vowel. Hundreds are formed by prefixing 'tschient' with the digit: tschient (100), duatschient (200), traitschient (300). Thousands are formed similarly: milli (1,000), duamilli (2,000), traimilli (3,000). Larger numbers combine these with 'e' (and) and follow the same pattern, e.g., tschintgmilliduatschientnovantin (5,291).
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Numbers 0-10
Numbers from zero to ten have unique words: nulla (0), in (1), dus (2), trais (3), quatter (4), tschintg (5), sis (6), set (7), otg (8), nov (9), diesch (10). For example, 1 is 'in', 4 is 'quatter', and 10 is 'diesch'.
Numbers 11-16
Numbers 11 to 16 are formed by adding 'esch' to the root of the digit: indesch (11), dudesch (12), tredesch (13), quattordesch (14), quindesch (15), sedesch (16). For example, 12 is 'dudesch' and 15 is 'quindesch'.
Numbers 17-19
From seventeen to nineteen, the pattern reverses: deschset (17), deschdotg (18), deschnov (19), where the unit follows the ten. For example, 18 is 'deschdotg'.
Tens
Tens are named: diesch (10), ventg (20), trenta (30), quaranta (40), tschuncanta (50), sessanta (60), settanta (70), otganta (80), novanta (90). Compound numbers are formed by juxtaposition, e.g., 21 is 'ventgin', 33 is 'trentatrais', 45 is 'quarantatschintg'. When the unit begins with a vowel, the last vowel of the ten is elided, e.g., 21 'ventgin'.
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by prefixing 'tschient' with the digit: tschient (100), duatschient (200), traitschient (300). When combining hundreds with units or tens, 'e' (and) is used without space if the unit begins with a vowel, e.g., tschientedin (101), sistschientedotg (608).
Thousands
Thousands are formed by prefixing 'milli' with the digit: milli (1,000), duamilli (2,000), traimilli (3,000). Larger numbers combine thousands with hundreds, tens, and units using 'e' without space if the following number begins with a vowel, e.g., milliedotganta (1,080), duamilliedin (2,001).
Unique features
Romansh uses a vigesimal influence, evident in numbers like 45 (quarantatschintg) and 78 (settantachtg), combining base-10 and base-20 patterns.
Unlike many Romance languages, Romansh forms compound numbers by juxtaposition without spaces, often causing vowel elision, e.g., ventgin (21).
The pattern for 17-19 reverses the order, placing the unit after the ten, e.g., deschset (17), which is counter-intuitive compared to standard decimal systems.
Large numbers like one million are formed with 'in milliun' and one billion with 'in milliarda', showing borrowing and regional adaptation.
Romansh retains unique words for numbers, such as 'in' for 1 and 'd' for 'and' in compound formations, reflecting regional linguistic influences.
Cultural context
Romansh is spoken mainly in the canton of Grisons, Switzerland, by approximately 35,000 people. It is a vital part of regional identity, used in daily communication, local administration, and cultural traditions. Numbers appear in traditional events, trade, and local crafts, often with special significance for certain numbers considered lucky or taboo. The language's preservation reflects regional pride and cultural heritage, with numerals playing a role in storytelling, festivals, and regional rituals. Despite its small speaker base, Romansh maintains a vibrant cultural presence, emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity in Switzerland.
Fun facts
The number 17 in Romansh is 'deschset', which literally means 'ten-seven', reversing the usual order seen in many languages.
Compared to French, which uses a decimal system, Romansh incorporates vigesimal elements, similar to Breton or Welsh, making its counting system unique among Romance languages.
The formation of compound numbers like 42 ('quarantaquintg') demonstrates a blend of decimal and vigesimal patterns, with vowel elision adding phonetic complexity.
Romansh's large numbers, such as one billion ('in milliarda'), show influence from Latin and regional borrowing, adapting international numerical terms.
The language's handling of large numbers like 'in milliun' (one million) reflects its historical and cultural ties to regional trade and administrative practices.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Romansh?
The numbers are: 1 - in, 2 - dus, 3 - trais, 4 - quatter, 5 - tschintg, 6 - sis, 7 - set, 8 - otg, 9 - nov, 10 - diesch.
What number base does Romansh use?
Romansh primarily uses a decimal system but incorporates vigesimal features, as seen in numbers like 45 ('quarantatschintg') and 78 ('settantachtg'), combining base-10 and base-20 patterns.
How do you say 42 in Romansh?
42 is 'quarantaquintg', formed by 'quaranta' (40) and 'quintg' (5), with the pattern of juxtaposition and vowel elision if needed.
How do you say 100 in Romansh?
100 is 'tschient'. Hundreds are formed by prefixing 'tschient' with the digit, e.g., 200 is 'duatschient'.
How many people speak Romansh?
Approximately 35,000 people speak Romansh, mainly in the canton of Grisons, Switzerland.
Is Romansh related to other languages?
Yes, it is part of the Romance language family, related to Swiss German, French, Italian, and other Romance languages, sharing Latin roots.
What makes Romansh counting unique?
Its use of vigesimal features, the reversal pattern for 17-19, and vowel elision in compound numbers make its counting system distinctive among Romance languages.