Learning how to express decimal numbers in German is useful for various situations, whether you’re shopping, discussing measurements, or dealing with mathematical calculations. This guide will teach you both the formal and informal ways of saying decimal numbers in German, providing you with numerous tips and examples along the way. While there are regional variations in German, we will focus on standard German to ensure clarity.
Table of Contents
Formal Way of Saying Decimal Numbers
In formal settings, such as academic or professional environments, it is common to use a more structured and precise manner to express decimal numbers in German. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Say the Whole Number Part
Start by stating the whole number part of the decimal number. For example, if you have the number 3.14, you would say “drei” for the whole number part.
2. Use “Komma” to Indicate the Decimal Point
Next, use the word “Komma” (comma) to indicate the decimal point. In our example, you would say “drei Komma” to represent 3.14.
3. Pronounce Each Digit Individually
When saying the digits after the decimal point, pronounce each one individually. Continuing with our example, you would say “drei Komma eins vier” to express 3.14.
Informal Way of Saying Decimal Numbers
In informal settings, such as casual conversations or everyday situations, a more simplified approach is commonly used to express decimal numbers in German. Here’s how:
1. Say the Whole Number Part
Similar to the formal method, start by stating the whole number part of the decimal number. For instance, if you have the number 5.67, you would say “fünf” for the whole number part.
2. Use “Punkt” to Indicate the Decimal Point
Informally, the word “Punkt” (point) is used to indicate the decimal point. Continuing with our example, you would say “fünf Punkt” to represent 5.67.
3. Pronounce the Digits as a Single Number
When saying the digits after the decimal point, instead of mentioning each digit individually, you pronounce them as a single number. In our example, you would say “fünf Punkt sechs sieben” to express 5.67.
Tips and Examples
1. Use “Null” for 0
In both formal and informal contexts, the number 0 is called “Null”. For example, 0.75 is “Null Komma sieben fünf” informally, and “Null Komma sieben fünf” formally.
2. Verbally Differentiate Between the Period and Comma
It is important to note that in German, the decimal point is represented by a comma (,) instead of a period (.), as used in English. Make sure to verbally differentiate between the two when expressing decimal numbers in German.
3. Use “Minus” for Negative Numbers
When expressing negative decimal numbers, use the word “Minus” before the whole number part. For example, -2.5 is “Minus zwei Komma fünf” informally, and “Minus zwei Komma fünf” formally.
Examples
- 0.25 – Informal: “Null Punkt zwei fünf”; Formal: “Null Komma zwei fünf”
- 1.333 – Informal: “Eins Punkt drei drei drei”; Formal: “Eins Komma drei drei drei”
- 6.78 – Informal: “Sechs Punkt sieben acht”; Formal: “Sechs Komma sieben acht”
- 10.99 – Informal: “Zehn Punkt neun neun”; Formal: “Zehn Komma neun neun”
Mastering the pronunciation of decimal numbers in German may take some practice, but with persistence, you’ll feel confident quickly. Remember to focus on enunciating each digit and pay attention to the differences between formal and informal settings. Practice with different numbers, and soon you’ll be able to seamlessly express decimals in German.
