Guten Tag! If you’re looking to learn how to say “third” in German, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will explore the various ways to express this concept in both formal and informal contexts. We’ll also touch upon regional variations when necessary. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to use the word “third” accurately and confidently. Los geht’s! (Let’s get started!)
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Third” in German
When it comes to formal settings, there are a few ways to express “third” in German. Two commonly used terms are “dritte” and “dritter.” Let’s examine each one:
1. “Dritte”
“Dritte” is the feminine form of “third.” This form is used when referring to a feminine noun. For example, you could say:
“Die dritte Etage” (The third floor)
“Die dritte Person” (The third person)
Keep in mind that “dritte” changes to “dritten” in the accusative case. Here’s an example:
“Wir haben die dritte Runde gewonnen.” (We won the third round.)
2. “Dritter”
“Dritter” is the masculine form of “third.” It is used when referring to a masculine noun. For instance:
“Der dritte Versuch” (The third attempt)
“Der dritte Tag” (The third day)
Similar to “dritte,” “dritter” changes to “dritten” in the accusative case:
“Er hat den dritten Platz belegt.” (He took the third place.)
Informal and Conversational Ways to Say “Third”
When it comes to more informal situations, Germans often opt for using the cardinal numbers instead of the ordinal ones. Here’s how you can use cardinal numbers to express “third” in German:
1. “Drei” (Three)
In informal contexts, simply saying “drei” (three) instead of using the ordinal form is quite common. For example:
“Ich bin im dritten Stock.” (I’m on the third floor.)
“Er ist zum dritten Mal hier.” (He is here for the third time.)
2. “Zum dritten” (For the Third Time)
Another way to express “third” informally is by using the phrase “zum dritten” (for the third time). It conveys the same meaning while being less specific. Here’s an example:
“Sie hat ihn schon zum dritten Mal getroffen.” (She has already met him for the third time.)
Regional Variations
German is spoken in various regions, and sometimes you may encounter regional variations in how “third” is conveyed. Let’s take a brief look at some of these:
1. “Dridd” (Berlin Dialect)
In the Berlin dialect, you might come across the word “dridd” being used instead of “dritte” or “dritter.” This informal variant is unique to the region and is widely understood in Berlin:
“Die dridde Ampel links abbiegen.” (Turn left at the third traffic light.)
2. “Drittens” (Swiss German)
In Swiss German, the term “drittens” is used instead of “dritte” or “dritter.” It is employed to indicate “thirdly” as an adverb. Here’s an example:
“Z’erscht muesch Kaffi mache, denn Tee, und drittens ou öppis z’ässe.” (First, make coffee, then tea, and thirdly, eat something.)
Key Takeaways
Gut gemacht! (Well done!) By now, you have learned several ways to say “third” in German. Let’s summarize what we’ve covered:
- In formal contexts, use “dritte” for feminine nouns and “dritter” for masculine nouns.
- In informal situations, it’s common to use the cardinal number “drei” instead of the ordinal form.
- You can also use the phrase “zum dritten” (for the third time) when expressing “third” informally.
- Regional variations exist, such as “dridd” in the Berlin dialect and “drittens” in Swiss German.
Now, you’re ready to confidently use the word “third” in various contexts when speaking German. Practice regularly, and soon you’ll master it effortlessly. Viel Erfolg! (Good luck!)
