Language/German/Vocabulary/Counting-and-Numbers

How to Count in German

Numbers are fundamental in any language, and German is no exception. With practice, learners can confidently navigate through various situations involving numbers, enhancing their overall proficiency in the German language.

In the study of the German language, mastering the basics of counting and numbers is essential. This comprehensive guide delves into the German numerical system, providing learners with the tools to understand and use numbers in everyday situations, from shopping to telling time.

Basic Counting: 1-20

Starting with the basics, German numbers from one to twenty are the foundation of the counting system.

1-10

Eins, zwei, drei, vier, fünf, sechs, sieben, acht, neun, zehn

11-20

Elf, zwölf, dreizehn, vierzehn, fünfzehn, sechzehn, siebzehn, achtzehn, neunzehn, zwanzig

Note: German numbers from 13-19 are formed by combining the unit's digit with the word for ten ('zehn'), similar to the English '-teen'.

Tens and Hundreds

Understanding tens and hundreds is crucial for forming larger numbers.

Tens (21-100)

German numbers in the tens follow a 'unit-tens' structure, such as einundzwanzig (21), zweiundzwanzig (22), etc., up to hundert (100).

Hundreds (100-999)

The hundreds are straightforward in German: hundert (100), zweihundert (200), dreihundert (300), etc.

Thousands and Beyond

For larger numbers, German uses a similar structure to English.

Thousands

Tausend (1000), zweitausend (2000), dreitausend (3000), etc.

Larger Numbers

German follows the same magnitudes as English: Million (million), Milliarde (billion), Billion (trillion), etc.

Special Number Usage

German has unique ways of using numbers in various contexts.

Ordinal Numbers

Used for dates and sequences, like erste (first), zweite (second), dritte (third), etc.

Decimal Numbers

Commas are used for decimals (e.g., 3,5 for 3.5), and 'Punkt' is used to read them out.

Time

Telling time in German uses both the 12-hour and 24-hour systems.

Money and Shopping

Prices in shops are read differently, such as zwei Euro fünfzig (€2.50).

Practice Exercises

By completing these exercises, you will have a stronger grasp of how to use and understand German numbers in various everyday contexts. Consistent practice is key to fluency.

To reinforce your mastery of German numbers, try these comprehensive exercises:

Translation to German

Translate the following numbers from English to German:

1. 45
2. 382
3. 1,011
4. 58
5. 199
6. 2,500
7. 16
8. 843
9. 77
10. 9,100

Writing in German Context

Express these scenarios in German:

1. Price: €3.75
2. Time: 2:30 PM
3. Date: The third of March
4. Price: €12.99
5. Time: 11:45 AM
6. Date: The 15th of August
7. Number of items: 32 apples
8. Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes
9. Floor number: 7th floor
10. Distance: 8 kilometers

Solutions

Translation to German

1. 45 - Fünfundvierzig 2. 382 - Dreihundertzweiundachtzig 3. 1,011 - Eintausendelf 4. 58 - Achtundfünfzig 5. 199 - Einhundertneunundneunzig 6. 2,500 - Zweitausendfünfhundert 7. 16 - Sechzehn 8. 843 - Achthundertdreiundvierzig 9. 77 - Siebenundsiebzig 10. 9,100 - Neuntausendeinhundert

Writing in German Context

1. Price: €3.75 - Drei Euro fünfundsiebzig 2. Time: 2:30 PM - Vierzehn Uhr dreißig (14:30 Uhr) 3. Date: The third of March - Der dritte März 4. Price: €12.99 - Zwölf Euro neunundneunzig 5. Time: 11:45 AM - Elf Uhr fünfundvierzig (11:45 Uhr) 6. Date: The 15th of August - Der fünfzehnte August 7. Number of items: 32 apples - Zweiunddreißig Äpfel 8. Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes - Drei Stunden und zwanzig Minuten 9. Floor number: 7th floor - Siebter Stock 10. Distance: 8 kilometers - Acht Kilometer