Nummer eins
/ˈnʊmɐ aɪ̯ns/word by word
The English phrase "number one" is translated into German as Nummer eins.
Nummer eins is used to refer to the first item in a list or the person who holds the top position in a ranking.
Which one should you use?
While Nummer eins refers to the numerical rank or position, the German adjectives erste, erster and erstes are used to mean "first".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnʊmɐ aɪ̯ns/
Did you know?
- Even though Nummer eins means 'number one', it is never used as a term of endearment like 'my number one' in German, as it sounds strictly competitive or functional.
- The word Nummer is not originally German, but was borrowed from the Italian numero and the Latin numerus.
Examples in context
- Ich war lange Zeit die Nummer Eins.I was number one for a long time.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone held the position of Nummer eins for a long time.Tatoeba #12703992 by Waldelfe, translation #11523209 by CK
- Die Zeit ist die Todesursache Nummer eins.Time is the number one killer.This sentence shows how Nummer eins can be used to identify a primary cause or killer.Tatoeba #6548239 by brauchinet, translation #6547978 by Hybrid
- Aus der Plastiktüte wurde der Staatsfeind Nummer eins.The plastic bag has become public enemy number one.This sentence demonstrates the use of Nummer eins in the phrase "public enemy number one".Tatoeba #2143135 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2143098 by Dreamk33
- Ich bin Nummer eins.I am number one.
- Diese Arbeit ist die Nummer eins auf meiner Prioritätenliste.This task is number one on my priority list.
- Sie hat den ersten Platz im Wettbewerb gewonnen.She won first place in the competition.
- Das ist meine erste Wahl.That's my first choice.
- Das ist meine Nummer Eins.That's my number one.
- Das ist der Nummer-Eins-Song dieser Woche.That's the number one song of this week.
- Du bist spitze!You're great!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are discussing their favorite movies.
- JuliaWelcher Film ist für dich Nummer eins?Which movie is number one for you?
- FelixFür mich ist es der erste Teil.For me, it is the first part.
- JuliaIch finde den zweiten Teil besser.I think the second part is better.
- FelixDann ist der für dich Nummer eins.Then that one is number one for you.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Nummer, eins) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Nummer, eins, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
