Numbers in Swiss German
Schweizerdeutsch
Numbers in Swiss German follow a decimal (base-10) system with unique features characteristic of the Alemannic dialects spoken in Switzerland. With about 6.5 million speakers, Swiss German is known for its distinct pronunciation and counting patterns. The language's counting system combines specific words for numbers one to twelve, with compound formations for higher numbers. The way numbers are constructed reflects both traditional and regional influences, making it a fascinating example of a decimal system with unique dialectal variations. Learning the numbers in Swiss German offers insight into Swiss culture and linguistic diversity, especially in everyday life, trade, and regional traditions.
Number system
Swiss German uses a decimal (base-10) system, where numbers from one to twelve have unique words: eis [1], zwöi [2], drü [3], vier [4], füf [5], säch [6], sibe [7], acht [8], nüün [9], zäh [10], euf [11], zwöuf [12]. Numbers from thirteen to nineteen are formed by adding 'zäh' to the digit: dryzäh [13], vierzäh [14], füfzäh [15], sächzäh [16], sibezäh [17], achtzäh [18], nüünzäh [19]. Tens are formed by adding the suffix '-zg' to the digit: zwänzg [20], dryssg [30], vierzg [40], füfzg [50], sëchzg [60], sibezg [70], achzg [80], nüünzg [90]. Compound numbers between 21 and 99 are created by combining the unit and the ten with 'e' (and), with the unit spoken first: füfedryssg [35], zwöiesibezg [72], einefüfzg [51], sibenenüünzg [97]. Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before 'Hundert' with a space: zwöi Hundert [200], drü Hundert [300], etc. Thousands are formed similarly with 'Tuusig': zwöi Tuusig [2000], drü Tuusig [3000]. Large numbers follow the long scale, with 'en Million' for one million, 'e Milliarde' for one billion, and 'en Billion' for one trillion.
Number list (29)
Counting rules
Number words from one to twelve
Numbers 1-12 have unique words: eis [1], zwöi [2], drü [3], vier [4], füf [5], säch [6], sibe [7], acht [8], nüün [9], zäh [10], euf [11], zwöuf [12].
Forming numbers 13-19
Numbers 13-19 are formed by adding 'zäh' to the digit: dryzäh [13], vierzäh [14], füfzäh [15], sächzäh [16], sibezäh [17], achtzäh [18], nüünzäh [19].
Tens formation
Tens are created by adding '-zg' to the digit: zwänzg [20], dryssg [30], vierzg [40], füfzg [50], sëchzg [60], sibezg [70], achzg [80], nüünzg [90].
Constructing compound numbers 21-99
Numbers between 21 and 99 are formed by combining the unit first, then 'e', then the ten: füfedryssg [35], zwöiesibezg [72], einefüfzg [51], sibenenüünzg [97]. The unit is spoken before the ten, and the last digit may slightly change in compounds like 'einefüfzg' for 51.
Hundreds
Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before 'Hundert' with a space: zwöi Hundert [200], drü Hundert [300], vier Hundert [400], füf Hundert [500], säch Hundert [600], sibe Hundert [700], acht Hundert [800], nüün Hundert [900].
Thousands
Thousands are formed similarly, with the digit before 'Tuusig' separated by a space: zwöi Tuusig [2000], drü Tuusig [3000], vier Tuusig [4000], füf Tuusig [5000], säch Tuusig [6000], sibe Tuusig [7000], acht Tuusig [8000], nüün Tuusig [9000].
Unique features
Numbers 1-12 have entirely unique words, unlike many languages that use regular patterns. For example, 'eis' [1] and 'zwöi' [2] are completely distinct.
Compound numbers are formed with the unit spoken before the ten, e.g., 'füfedryssg' for 35, which differs from English or German patterns.
The formation of large numbers follows the long scale, with 'en Million' for one million and 'e Milliarde' for one billion, similar to European standards but with specific dialectal words.
The suffix '-zg' for tens is consistent, but the units are always spoken first in compounds, which is counter-intuitive compared to English.
The word 'säch' for six is borrowed from the standard German 'sechs', but the pronunciation and spelling are dialect-specific, reflecting regional culture.
Cultural context
Swiss German is spoken primarily in Switzerland, especially in the Alemannic-speaking regions. It is used daily in conversations, local trade, and regional traditions. The language reflects a rich cultural identity, with numbers playing a role in traditional events, markets, and storytelling. The Swiss value precision, which is reflected in their number system. There are no specific taboo or lucky numbers associated with counting, but regional variations influence pronunciation and usage. The dialects preserve historical linguistic features, making Swiss German a vital part of Swiss cultural heritage and identity.
Fun facts
Fact 1: The number 'säch' for six is unique to Swiss German and differs from standard German 'sechs'.
Fact 2: Unlike English, where compound numbers are spoken with the unit after the ten, Swiss German reverses this order, e.g., 'zwöiesibezg' for 72.
Fact 3: The formation of numbers 13-19 by adding 'zäh' is similar to the pattern in many Germanic languages, but the specific words are dialectal.
Fact 4: Historically, the long scale used in large numbers aligns with European naming conventions, but Swiss German has its own terms like 'en Milliarde' for billion.
Fact 5: The language's handling of large numbers with 'en Million', 'e Milliarde', and 'en Billion' showcases its adaptation of international numerical scales into dialectal speech.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Swiss German?
1 - eis, 2 - zwöi, 3 - drü, 4 - vier, 5 - füf, 6 - säch, 7 - sibe, 8 - acht, 9 - nüün, 10 - zäh.
What number base does Swiss German use?
Swiss German uses a decimal (base-10) system, evidenced by the unique words for 1-12, the formation of 13-19 with 'zäh', and the suffix '-zg' for tens like zwänzg [20].
How do you say 42 in Swiss German?
42 is vierzäh [4] + ten suffix '-zg' for 40, combined as 'vierzg'. For 42, it's 'vierzäh' + 'zäh' (10), but in compounds like 42, it is 'vierzg' (40) plus 'zäh' (10), so 42 is 'vierzg'.
How do you say 100 in Swiss German?
The word for 100 is 'Hundert'. Hundreds are formed by placing the digit before 'Hundert', e.g., 'zwöi Hundert' for 200.
How many people speak Swiss German?
Approximately 6.5 million people speak Swiss German, primarily in Switzerland and some Alpine communities in Northern Italy, Liechtenstein, and Austrian Vorarlberg.
Is Swiss German related to other languages?
Yes, Swiss German belongs to the Indo-European language family, specifically the Germanic branch, and is part of the Alemannic dialect group.
What makes Swiss German counting unique?
The use of unique words for 1-12, the compound formation with the unit before the ten, and the long scale for large numbers make Swiss German counting distinctive among Germanic languages.