Dezimalsystem
[det͡siˈmaːlzʏsˌteːm]neuter
In German, the term for the decimal number system is Dezimalsystem. Wiktionary also lists Zehnersystem.
Meaning: number system (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dezimalsystem | [det͡siˈmaːlzʏsˌteːm] (narrow) | neuter |
| Zehnersystem | [ˈt͡seːnɐzʏsˌteːm] (narrow) | neuter |
When reading numbers, each digit after the decimal point is pronounced separately.
What does it mean word for word?
Dezimalsystem is a compound of Dezimal (decimal) and System (system).
Which one should you use?
Zehnersystem is a common synonym for Dezimalsystem, and it literally means 'tens system'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Dezimalsystem is Dezimalsysteme. Both Dezimalsystem and Zehnersystem are neuter nouns.
Did you know?
- The prefix Dezimal- shares a root with the word dezimieren, meaning 'to decimate'. Historically, this referred to the Roman military practice of removing every tenth man from a unit.
- While English uses a 'decimal point' to separate integers from fractions, German speakers use a 'Komma' (comma), such as in 1,5 instead of 1.5.
- Because German uses a comma as a decimal separator, a period is often used as a thousands separator, which is the exact opposite of the standard in English-speaking countries.
Examples in context
- Null Komma FünfZero comma five
- Null Komma Zwei FünfZero comma two five
- Eins Komma FünfOne comma five
- Zehn Komma Eins Zwei DreiTen comma one two three
- Null Komma Neun Neun Neun NeunZero comma nine nine nine nine
- Das Dezimalsystem ist sehr verbreitet.The decimal system is very widespread.
- Wir lernen heute das Dezimalsystem.Today we are learning the decimal system.
- Das Dezimalsystem basiert auf der Zahl zehn.The decimal system is based on the number ten.
Example conversation
Two students are studying mathematics in a library.
- SarahLukas, verstehst du das Dezimalsystem?Lukas, do you understand the decimal system?
- LukasJa, Sarah, ich finde es logisch.Yes, Sarah, I find it logical.
- SarahKönntest du mir das kurz erklären?Could you explain it to me briefly?
- LukasGerne, wir fangen mit den Grundlagen an.Gladly, we will start with the basics.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “decimal” translations and entries Dezimalsystem, Zehnersystem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
