Numbers in Swedish
svenska
Numbers in Swedish follow a primarily decimal system with some vigesimal influences in forming certain numbers. Spoken by about 9.2 million people mainly in Sweden and Finland, Swedish is a North Germanic language with a rich history. Its counting system is mostly straightforward, based on base-10, but features unique compound formations for numbers like 21 (tjugoen) and 63 (sextiotre). The language's structure for numbers reflects its historical development and cultural nuances, making it both fascinating and accessible for learners. Understanding the numbers in Swedish provides insight into its linguistic roots and cultural expressions.
Number system
Swedish counting is primarily decimal, with numbers 1-12 having unique words like 'en', 'två', 'tre', up to 'tolv'. Numbers from thirteen to nineteen are formed by adding 'ton' to the digit root, e.g., 'tretton' (13), 'fjorton' (14), 'femton' (15). Tens are formed by suffixing the digit root with 'tio', such as 'trettio' (30), 'fyrtio' (40), and 'nittio' (90). Compound numbers between 21 and 99 combine the tens and units without space, e.g., 'fyrtioåtta' (48), 'sextiotre' (63). Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before 'hundra', like 'tvåhundra' (200), and thousands by the same pattern, e.g., 'tusentvåhundra' (1200). Larger numbers like 'en miljon' (1 million) are formed with specific words, often combining the scale with the number.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number Words 0-12
Numbers from zero to twelve have unique words: 'noll' [0], 'en' [1], 'två' [2], 'tre' [3], 'fyra' [4], 'fem' [5], 'sex' [6], 'sju' [7], 'åtta' [8], 'nio' [9], 'tio' [10], 'elva' [11], 'tolv' [12].
Forming 13-19
Numbers 13-19 are formed by adding 'ton' to the digit root: 'tretton' [13], 'fjorton' [14], 'femton' [15], 'sexton' [16], 'sjutton' [17], 'arton' [18], 'nitton' [19].
Tens Formation
Tens are formed by suffixing the digit root with 'tio', except for ten and twenty: 'tio' [10], 'tjugo' [20], 'trettio' [30], 'fyrtio' [40], 'femtio' [50], 'sextio' [60], 'sjuttio' [70], 'åttio' [80], 'nittio' [90].
Compound Numbers 21-99
Numbers between 21 and 99 are formed by combining the tens and units without space: 'fyrtioåtta' [48], 'sextiotre' [63], 'tjugosex' [26], 'åttiofem' [85], 'nittiofyra' [94].
Hundreds Formation
Hundreds are formed by placing the multiplier before 'hundra': 'hundra' [100], 'tvåhundra' [200], 'trehundra' [300], 'fyrahundra' [400], 'femhundra' [500], 'sexhundra' [600], 'sjuhundra' [700], 'åttahundra' [800], 'niohundra' [900]. The 'en' before 'hundra' is optional, e.g., 'etthundra' or 'hundra'.
Thousands and Larger Numbers
Thousands are formed similarly: 'tusen' [1,000], 'tiohundra' [1,100], 'tusentvåhundra' [1,200], 'femtusen' [5,000], 'tiotusen' [10,000]. Larger scales use specific words: 'en miljon' [1,000,000], 'en miljard' [1,000,000,000], 'en biljon' [1,000,000,000,000]. Compound numbers are grouped in blocks of three digits with no space, e.g., 'ettusen niohundrasjuttiofem' [1,975].
Unique features
Swedish uses a vigesimal influence in numbers like 63 ('sextiotre') which combines 'sixty' and 'three' without a space, unlike purely decimal systems.
Unlike English, the number 17 is 'sjutton' instead of 'seventeen', showing unique historical roots.
The formation of compound numbers like 48 ('fyrtioåtta') joins tens and units directly, without hyphens or spaces.
Large numbers like 'en miljard' (1 billion) are borrowed from Latin/European roots, reflecting historical trade and scientific influence.
Swedish has specific words for large scales: 'miljon', 'miljard', 'biljon', which are masculine and used systematically in counting large quantities.
Cultural context
Swedish is spoken primarily in Sweden and parts of Finland, with a rich cultural heritage rooted in Scandinavian traditions. Numbers appear in daily life, from trade and commerce to traditional celebrations. For example, 'fem' (5) and 'tio' (10) are common in folk songs and stories. The number 7 ('sju') is considered lucky, while 13 ('tretton') is often avoided in some contexts, similar to other cultures. Large numbers like 'en miljon' are used in economic and technological contexts, reflecting Sweden's advanced economy. The language's numeric system influences how Swedes perceive quantity and measurement, blending historical roots with modern usage.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 'sextiotre' (63) combines 'sixty' and 'three' directly, illustrating the vigesimal influence.
Fact 2: Unlike English, Swedish uses 'sjutton' for 17, which has a different etymological origin.
Fact 3: The formation of numbers like 'fyrtioåtta' (48) demonstrates how the language combines tens and units seamlessly.
Fact 4: The word 'en' for one is gender-neutral but can be 'ett' in some contexts, reflecting grammatical gender distinctions.
Fact 5: For very large numbers, Swedish systematically uses words like 'biljon' (trillion), showing a consistent scale system borrowed from European tradition.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Swedish?
1 – en, 2 – två, 3 – tre, 4 – fyra, 5 – fem, 6 – sex, 7 – sju, 8 – åtta, 9 – nio, 10 – tio.
What number base does Swedish use?
Swedish primarily uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by the formation of numbers like 'tio' [10], 'tjugo' [20], and 'hundra' [100]. The compound formation of numbers like 'fyrtioåtta' [48] also supports decimal structure, with some vigesimal influence seen in numbers like 'sextiotre' [63].
How do you say 42 in Swedish?
42 is 'fyrtio två'. 'Fyrtio' (40) plus 'två' (2), combined without space, following the pattern for 21-99.
How do you say 100 in Swedish?
100 is 'hundra'. For larger hundreds, combine the multiplier: 'tvåhundra' (200), 'trehundra' (300).
How many people speak Swedish?
Approximately 9.2 million people speak Swedish, mainly in Sweden and Finland.
Is Swedish related to other languages?
Yes, Swedish is part of the North Germanic branch of the Indo-European language family, closely related to Danish and Norwegian.
What makes Swedish counting unique?
Its combination of decimal and vigesimal influences, especially in numbers like 'sextiotre' (63), and the systematic use of specific words for large numbers like 'miljon' and 'biljon' make it distinctive.