Germans have a unique way of counting and expressing numbers. Whether you’re learning German for personal or professional reasons, understanding how to say numbers is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways of expressing numbers in German, along with useful tips, examples, and regional variations.
Table of Contents
1. Basic Cardinal Numbers
Germans use basic cardinal numbers to express quantities, prices, dates, and more. Here are the numbers from 1 to 10:
- 1: eins
- 2: zwei
- 3: drei
- 4: vier
- 5: fünf
- 6: sechs
- 7: sieben
- 8: acht
- 9: neun
- 10: zehn
2. Tens and Beyond
When it comes to larger numbers, Germans combine the words for the corresponding tens with the words for the units. Let’s see:
- 20: zwanzig
- 30: dreißig
- 40: vierzig
- 50: fünfzig
- 60: sechzig
- 70: siebzig
- 80: achtzig
- 90: neunzig
- 100: einhundert
- 200: zweihundert
- 1000: eintausend
For numbers above 1000, it is customary to simply combine the words for thousands, hundreds, tens, and units. For example:
- 235: zweihundertfünfunddreißig
- 567: fünfhundertsiebenundsechzig
- 999: neunhundertneunundneunzig
3. Ordinal Numbers
To express order or rank, Germans use ordinal numbers. Here are the first ten ordinal numbers:
- 1st: erste
- 2nd: zweite
- 3rd: dritte
- 4th: vierte
- 5th: fünfte
- 6th: sechste
- 7th: siebte
- 8th: achte
- 9th: neunte
- 10th: zehnte
4. Formal and Informal Ways
Germans differentiate between formal and informal when it comes to addressing others. The way numbers are said can also vary depending on the formality. The following examples illustrate the differences:
Informal: Ich habe zwei Äpfel gekauft. (I bought two apples.)
Formal: Ich habe zwei Äpfel gekauft. (I bought two apples.)
As you can see, unlike in some languages, the numbers themselves do not change based on formality.
5. Pronunciation Tips
Pronouncing numbers in German can be a bit tricky, especially for non-native speakers. Here are some helpful tips:
- Practice the guttural “ch” sound for numbers containing “acht” or “achtzig.” (e.g., acht – eight, achtzig – eighty)
- Pay attention to the umlauted vowels “ä,” “ö,” and “ü” and pronounce them with the correct sound.
- Break down larger numbers into smaller chunks for easier pronunciation.
For example, to say 456 in German, you can break it down into “vierhundertsechsundfünfzig” (four hundred, six, fifty-six) and pronounce it slowly, ensuring clarity.
6. Regional Variations
As with any language, regional variations exist in Germany. While the cardinal and ordinal numbers remain the same, there might be differences in pronunciation or colloquial terms used for numbers in different states or cities.
For example, in some regions, instead of saying “siebzig” for 70, people may say “sibbe” or “siem.” These variations are usually understood by Germans from other regions, so they won’t cause major misunderstandings.
Conclusion
Mastering how to say numbers in German is an essential skill that will greatly enhance your language learning journey. By practicing the basic cardinal and ordinal numbers, understanding formality, and paying attention to pronunciation tips, you’ll soon be able to confidently express numbers in German. Remember, consistency is key to achieving fluency, so make sure to practice regularly and immerse yourself in German culture whenever possible.
