Guten Tag! If you’re learning German or planning to visit a German-speaking country, knowing how to count and say numbers is an essential skill. In this guide, we’ll dive into how to say German numbers, both formally and informally. From basic numbers to more complex figures, we’ve got you covered with plenty of tips and examples. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Basic German Numbers
Let’s begin with the basic German numbers from 0 to 10:
- 0 – null
- 1 – eins (informal) / eins (formal)
- 2 – zwei (informal) / zwei (formal)
- 3 – drei (informal) / drei (formal)
- 4 – vier (informal) / vier (formal)
- 5 – fünf (informal) / fünf (formal)
- 6 – sechs (informal) / sechs (formal)
- 7 – sieben (informal) / sieben (formal)
- 8 – acht (informal) / acht (formal)
- 9 – neun (informal) / neun (formal)
- 10 – zehn (informal) / zehn (formal)
In the above list, you might have noticed that the informal and formal pronunciations are the same for most numbers. However, as we move on to larger numbers, the formal way of saying them may change slightly.
Formal Numbers in German
When it comes to formal situations or addressing someone with respect, you’ll need to use the formal way of saying numbers. Let’s take a look at the formal German numbers from 11 to 20:
- 11 – elf
- 12 – zwölf
- 13 – dreizehn
- 14 – vierzehn
- 15 – fünfzehn
- 16 – sechzehn
- 17 – siebzehn
- 18 – achtzehn
- 19 – neunzehn
- 20 – zwanzig
Remember, when using these numbers formally, it is essential to pronounce the full word. For example, “siebzehn” instead of “sieben” for 17. This will help maintain the necessary level of formality.
Informal Numbers in German
Now, let’s move on to informal numbers, which are often used in everyday conversations. Here are the informal German numbers from 21 to 100:
- 21 – einundzwanzig
- 22 – zweiundzwanzig
- 30 – dreißig
- 40 – vierzig
- 50 – fünfzig
- 60 – sechzig
- 70 – siebzig
- 80 – achtzig
- 90 – neunzig
- 100 – hundert
When using these numbers informally, it is common to drop the “und” (and) between the tens and units digit. For example, “einundzwanzig” becomes “ein zwanzig” or “achtzig” remains the same instead of “acht und zwanzig” for 80.
Counting in German
Now, let’s explore counting in German with larger numbers. Here are a few examples to help you get started:
200 – zweihundert
500 – fünfhundert
1,000 – eintausend
2,000 – zweitausend
1,000,000 – eine Million
As you can see, the pattern for larger numbers is “digit + hundert/tausend/Million.” Remember to pronounce each part individually to maintain clarity in your speech.
Tips for Mastering German Numbers
Here are a few tips to help you on your journey to mastering German numbers:
- Practice Pronunciation: Numbers can be challenging, so practice their pronunciation regularly to improve your accuracy.
- Listen to Native Speakers: Listening to native speakers will help you grasp the correct intonation and fluency when saying German numbers.
- Take Advantage of Resources: Utilize online resources, mobile apps, and language courses that focus specifically on numbers and counting.
- Break Numbers into Parts: For larger numbers, break them into smaller parts to make them easier to remember. For example, “142” becomes “einhundertzweiundvierzig.”
- Use Numbers in Context: Incorporate numbers into your daily life. For example, when shopping, try to say prices in German.
Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t master German numbers immediately. Keep practicing and soon you’ll find yourself counting effortlessly!
In Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we explored how to say German numbers both formally and informally. We covered the basic numbers, formal and informal ways of counting, and provided plenty of tips and examples to help you on your learning journey. Remember to practice regularly, listen to native speakers, and utilize available resources to enhance your skills in saying German numbers.
Vielen Dank for joining us on this exciting language adventure. Alles Gute (All the best) as you continue your German language journey!
