In German language learning, numbers play a crucial role when it comes to communicating time, dates, addresses, and even basic counting. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say the numbers from 1 to 20 in German. Whether you’re planning a trip to a German-speaking country or simply want to expand your language skills, mastering these numbers is a great starting point. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Way of Saying German Numbers 1-20
Formal language usage is generally appropriate in official settings, during business interactions, or when speaking to people you don’t know well. Here are the formal ways to express numbers 1 to 20 in German:
- Eins – One
- Zwei – Two
- Drei – Three
- Vier – Four
- Fünf – Five
- Sechs – Six
- Sieben – Seven
- Acht – Eight
- Neun – Nine
- Zehn – Ten
- Elf – Eleven
- Zwölf – Twelve
- Dreizehn – Thirteen
- Vierzehn – Fourteen
- Fünfzehn – Fifteen
- Sechzehn – Sixteen
- Siebzehn – Seventeen
- Achtzehn – Eighteen
- Neunzehn – Nineteen
- Zwanzig – Twenty
Informal Way of Saying German Numbers 1-20
Informal language usage is suitable in casual conversations, among friends, or with family members. Here are the informal ways to express numbers 1 to 20 in German:
- Eins – One
- Zwo – Two
- Drei – Three
- Vier – Four
- Fünf – Five
- Sechs – Six
- Sieben – Seven
- Acht – Eight
- Neun – Nine
- Zehn – Ten
- Elf – Eleven
- Zwölf – Twelve
- Dreizehn – Thirteen
- Vierzehn – Fourteen
- Fünfzehn – Fifteen
- Sechzehn – Sixteen
- Siebzehn – Seventeen
- Achtzehn – Eighteen
- Neunzehn – Nineteen
- Zwanzig – Twenty
Note that the informal version of “zwei” is “zwo,” which is more commonly used in informal contexts and specific regions like Austria and southern Germany.
Tips for Learning and Remembering German Numbers 1-20
Learning numbers in any language can be challenging, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll master the German numbers 1 to 20 in no time:
- Start with the basics: Begin by learning the numbers one to ten before moving on to the higher numbers.
- Practice counting: Regularly count objects or people you come across in your daily life using German numbers. This will help reinforce your learning.
- Use flashcards: Create flashcards with numbers written in German on one side and the English translation on the other. Test yourself regularly to improve retention.
- Listen and repeat: Find audio resources or language learning apps that provide pronunciation practice. Listen carefully to the native speakers and try to imitate their pronunciation.
- Associate numbers with images: Connect each number to a mental image or a specific object. For example, for the number four, imagine four chairs.
- Memorize number patterns: Many numbers follow a pattern in German. For example, numbers from 13 to 19 end with “zehn” (ten) after the corresponding single-digit number.
- Practice with a partner: Find a language learning partner or join a study group to practice speaking and counting together.
Example:
If you want to say the number 15 in German, you can break it down into “fünf” (five) and “zehn” (ten). So, “fünfzehn” is the German word for fifteen.
With consistent practice and regular exposure to German numbers, you will gradually become more familiar and comfortable with using them in everyday conversations.
Now that you have learned the formal and informal ways to say German numbers from 1 to 20, you are ready to start incorporating them into your language learning journey. Remember to have fun and celebrate your progress along the way. Viel Glück! (Good luck!)
