eins, zwei, drei
/aɪ̯ns t͡svaɪ dʁaɪ̯/word by word
The English phrase "one, two, three" is translated into German as eins, zwei, drei.
This phrase consists of the first three cardinal numbers used for counting.
Which one should you use?
The form eins is used for counting (one, two, three…), whereas ein is used when the number functions as an article or adjective (e.g., ein Hund – one dog).
How do you pronounce it?
/aɪ̯ns tsvaɪ dʁaɪ̯/
Did you know?
- The word zwo is a rare variant of zwei. While it once indicated a specific grammatical gender, it is now sometimes used to avoid confusion with zwei over the phone or radio.
Examples in context
- Wir haben zwei Tickets für das Konzert.We have two tickets for the concert.
- Meine Schwester hat drei Kinder.My sister has three children.
- Eins, zwei, drei, und los!One, two, three, and go!
- Zähl bitte: eins, zwei, drei.Please count: one, two, three.
- Ich kann nur eins, zwei, drei zählen.I can only count one, two, three.
Example conversation
Julian is teaching Julia how to count in German.
- JulianSag mal: eins, zwei, drei.Say: one, two, three.
- JuliaEins, zwei, drei. Habe ich das richtig gemacht?One, two, three. Did I do that correctly?
- JulianJa, Julia, das war perfekt!Yes, Julia, that was perfect!
- JuliaDanke, Julian, das ist sehr einfach.Thanks, Julian, that is very easy.
