Zahlen
/ˈtsaːln̩/
The German phrase for "numbers" is Zahlen.
Zahlen refers to symbols or words used to count or measure quantities.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of Zahlen is Zahl.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtsaːln̩/
What mistakes should you avoid?
In German, periods are used for thousands and commas are used as decimal points, such as 1.234,56 for 1,234.56.
Did you know?
- The German verb zahlen means 'to pay', making it a linguistic relative of 'numbers' because both stem from the idea of 'counting' or 'calculating' a debt.
- German speakers use the term Ziffer for the individual digits 0 through 9, whereas Zahl refers to the complete number formed by them.
- The German word for 'number' in a sequence, like a telephone number, is often 'Rufnummer' (call-number) rather than just 'Nummer'.
Examples in context
- Die Zahlen lügen nicht.The numbers don't lie.This example shows how to use Zahlen to state that numbers are truthful.Tatoeba #3926613 by brauchinet, translation #10791835 by ddnktr
- Tom kann gut mit Zahlen.Tom is good with numbers.This example shows how to describe someone who is good with Zahlen.Tatoeba #11782223 by mashi, translation #7979922 by CK
- Bitte addiere die Zahlen.Please add up the numbers.This example shows a request to add up the Zahlen.Tatoeba #817928 by Zaghawa, translation #271026 by CK
- In diesem Jahr reisten über fünfzigtausend Touristen nach Deutschland.This year, over fifty thousand tourists traveled to Germany.
- Die neuen Produkte haben zweihunderttausend Euro gekostet.The new products cost two hundred thousand euros.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are studying for a math test together.
- LauraDiese Zahlen sind wirklich sehr kompliziert.These numbers are really very complicated.
- LukasIch glaube, du hast die Zahlen falsch gelesen.I think you read the numbers wrong.
- LauraOh, du hast recht, Lukas!Oh, you are right, Lukas!
- LukasJetzt passen die Zahlen endlich zusammen.Now the numbers finally fit together.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry zahlen.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zahlen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
