Numbers in German: A Comprehensive Guide42

German, like many other languages, has its unique way of expressing numbers. While the basic principles are similar to English, there are some key differences to be aware of. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of German numbers, including their spelling, pronunciation, and usage.

Cardinal Numbers

Cardinal numbers are used to count objects or indicate a specific quantity. The most common cardinal numbers in German are:
eins (1)
zwei (2)
drei (3)
vier (4)
fünf (5)
sechs (6)
sieben (7)
acht (8)
neun (9)
zehn (10)

Numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by adding "-zehn" to the number in the units place. For example, "elf" (11) is "eins" + "zehn", and "neunzehn" (19) is "neun" + "zehn".

Tens are formed by adding "-zig" to the number in the tens place. For example, "zwanzig" (20) is "zwei" + "zig", and "neunzig" (90) is "neun" + "zig".

Hundreds are formed by adding "-hundert" to the number in the hundreds place. For example, "einhundert" (100) is "eins" + "hundert", and "neunhundert" (900) is "neun" + "hundert".

Thousands are formed by adding "-tausend" to the number in the thousands place. For example, "eintausend" (1,000) is "eins" + "tausend", and "neuntausend" (9,000) is "neun" + "tausend".

Millions are formed by adding "-Million" to the number in the millions place. For example, "eine Million" (1,000,000) is "eins" + "Million", and "neun Millionen" (9,000,000) is "neun" + "Million".

Ordinal Numbers

Ordinal numbers are used to indicate the position of something in a sequence. The most common ordinal numbers in German are:
erste (1st)
zweite (2nd)
dritte (3rd)
vierte (4th)
fünfte (5th)
sechste (6th)
siebte (7th)
achte (8th)
neunte (9th)
zehnte (10th)

Ordinal numbers are formed by adding "-te" to the cardinal number. For example, "erste" (1st) is "eins" + "te", and "neunte" (9th) is "neun" + "te".

Fractional Numbers

Fractional numbers are used to represent parts of a whole. The most common fractional numbers in German are:
halb (1/2)
drittel (1/3)
viertel (1/4)
fünftel (1/5)
sechstel (1/6)
siebtel (1/7)
achtel (1/8)
neuntel (1/9)
zehntel (1/10)

Fractional numbers are formed by adding "-tel" to the cardinal number. For example, "halb" (1/2) is "eins" + "halb", and "neuntel" (1/9) is "neun" + "tel".

Decimal Numbers

Decimal numbers are used to represent numbers with decimal places. The decimal point in German is represented by a comma (,). The most common decimal numbers in German are:
komma fünf (0.5)
komma zwei fünf (0.25)
komma sieben fünf (0.75)

Decimal numbers are formed by reading the whole number followed by the decimal point and the decimal places. For example, "komma fünf" (0.5) is read as "eins komma fünf".

Conclusion

German numbers may seem complex at first, but with a little practice, they become quite easy to understand and use. By following the rules outlined in this guide, you will be able to count, express quantities, and use fractional and decimal numbers confidently.

2025-01-26

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