Learning German numbers is one of the first steps for any beginner. Numbers appear in everyday situations like shopping, time, and dates. In this guide, you’ll learn how to count from 1 to 100 in German with correct pronunciation, grammar context, and real-life examples.
Why Learning German Numbers Is Important for Beginners
Everyday Situations That Require Numbers
Knowing German numbers helps you handle real-life tasks such as:
- Asking about prices – Wie viel kostet das? (How much does this cost?)
- Reading dates – am dritten Januar (on January third)
- Telling time – Es ist acht Uhr (It is eight o’clock)
Building a Foundation for Grammar and Vocabulary
Numbers help you understand plural forms, gender rules, and sentence structure. For example, articles often change with numbers:
ein Apfel (one apple) → zwei Äpfel (two apples)
Basic German Numbers from 1 to 10 (With Pronunciation)
List of Numbers with Spelling
| Number | German | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | eins | [aɪns] |
| 2 | zwei | [tsvaɪ] |
| 3 | drei | [dʁaɪ] |
| 4 | vier | [fiːɐ̯] |
| 5 | fünf | [fʏnf] |
| 6 | sechs | [zɛks] |
| 7 | sieben | [ˈziːbən] |
| 8 | acht | [axt] |
| 9 | neun | [nɔʏn] |
| 10 | zehn | [tseːn] |
How to Pronounce Each Number
Practice slowly and repeat out loud. Watch for “z” sounds in zwei and the umlaut in fünf.
Example sentence: Ich habe drei Bücher. – I have three books. [dʁaɪ]
Counting from 11 to 20 in German – Key Patterns and Exceptions
Pattern of ‘zehn’ and Irregular Numbers
- 11 – elf (not “einzehn”)
- 12 – zwölf
- 13 – dreizehn
- 14 – vierzehn
- 15 – fünfzehn (drops the umlaut)
- 16 – sechzehn (drops “s”)
- 17 – siebzehn (shortens “sieben”)
- 18 – achtzehn
- 19 – neunzehn
- 20 – zwanzig
Pronunciation and Memory Tips
Break down the compound structure. For example, vierzehn = vier (4) + zehn (10).
Example: Ich bin neunzehn Jahre alt. – I am 19 years old. [nɔʏntseːn]
German Numbers from 21 to 100 – Structure and Examples
How German Builds Numbers Backwards (e.g. einundzwanzig)
From 21 to 99, German combines units + “und” + tens:
- 21 – einundzwanzig (one and twenty)
- 32 – zweiunddreißig
- 47 – siebenundvierzig
Multiples of 10 and Their Patterns
- 30 – dreißig
- 40 – vierzig
- 50 – fünfzig
- 60 – sechzig
- 70 – siebzig
- 80 – achtzig
- 90 – neunzig
- 100 – hundert
Sample Sentences with 21–100
Ich habe zweiundvierzig Euro. – I have forty-two euros. [ˈt͡svaɪ̯ʊntˌfiːɐ̯t͡sɪç]
Er lebt seit hundert Tagen in Berlin. – He has been living in Berlin for 100 days.
How to Pronounce German Numbers Clearly and Confidently
Tips for Tricky Pronunciations
- Focus on the “ch” in acht and sechzig
- Listen to how “ß” in dreißig sounds like a soft “s”
- Practice compound forms like neunundachtzig slowly
Audio Examples and Practice Methods
Use YouTube or language apps like Forvo and Anki with audio decks to hear and repeat each German number.
Record yourself saying: Ich bin achtundzwanzig Jahre alt. – I am 28 years old. [ˈaxtʊntˌt͡svantsɪç]
Best Tips to Memorize German Numbers Fast
Chunking and Repetition Strategies
Break numbers into chunks and repeat them in short intervals. For example, learn 1–10, then 11–20, and so on. Use the “spaced repetition” technique daily.
Example: Repeat eins, zwei, drei… multiple times aloud. Then write them down from memory.
Flashcards and Mnemonics
Create flashcards with the German number on one side and the English translation on the other.
Use mnemonics like: “vier sounds like ‘fear’ – 4 letters!”
Apps like Anki or Quizlet help you practice German numbers with spaced repetition.
How to Use German Numbers in Daily Life
Shopping and Prices
Understanding prices is one of the most useful applications.
Wie viel kostet das? – How much does that cost?
Es kostet neunundachtzig Cent. – It costs 89 cents.
Talking About Age and Phone Numbers
Ich bin dreißig Jahre alt. – I am 30 years old.
Meine Telefonnummer ist null eins sieben sechs zwei vier drei. – My phone number is 01762 243.
Note: In German, phone numbers are often spoken digit by digit.
Essential Phrases and Dialogues Using Numbers
Asking for the Time
Wie spät ist es? – What time is it?
Es ist zehn Uhr dreißig. – It’s 10:30.
Making Appointments
Ich habe einen Termin am zwölften Mai. – I have an appointment on the 12th of May.
Ordinal numbers are key here (see next section).
Talking About Quantities
Ich brauche fünf Eier. – I need five eggs.
Wir haben nur zwei Flaschen Wasser. – We only have two bottles of water.
German Ordinal Numbers – First, Second, Third, etc.
How to Form Ordinals in German
From 1st to 19th: Add “-te” to the base number.
- erste (first), zweite (second), dritte (third), vierte (fourth)…
From 20th onward: Add “-ste”
- zwanzigste (20th), einunddreißigste (31st)
Examples in Context (Dates, Rankings)
Heute ist der dritte Januar. – Today is the third of January.
Er wurde Erster im Wettbewerb. – He came first in the competition.
How German Numbers Change with Cases (Nominative, Accusative, etc.)
Declension Rules with Articles
Numbers usually don’t decline, but the associated article and noun do.
- ein Hund (a dog – nominative)
- einen Hund (a dog – accusative)
- zwei Hunde (two dogs – no article change but noun pluralized)
Example Sentences in Different Cases
Ich sehe einen Mann. – I see one man. (Accusative)
Das ist der dritte Tag. – That is the third day. (Nominative)
Ich gebe dem zweiten Kind ein Geschenk. – I give the second child a gift. (Dative)
Using German Numbers in Sentences – Real-Life Examples
Conversational Examples
Using German numbers naturally in conversations helps you sound more fluent.
Ich nehme drei Kaffee, bitte. – I’ll take three coffees, please.
Wir treffen uns um sechzehn Uhr. – We’ll meet at 4 PM.
Formal vs. Informal Use
In formal contexts like the workplace or public offices, use full numbers and polite forms.
Könnten Sie mir bitte fünf Kopien machen? – Could you please make five copies for me?
Informally: Gib mir mal zwei Euro. – Give me two euros.
Special Uses of German Numbers: Dates, Time, and Money
How to Say Dates in German
Dates use ordinal numbers with the definite article.
Heute ist der achtzehnte Juni. – Today is the 18th of June.
Format: der + ordinal + month
Time Expressions with Numbers
Es ist Viertel nach sieben. – It’s a quarter past seven.
Um halb neun – At 8:30 (“half to nine” in German)
Counting and Spending Money
Ich habe nur zehn Euro. – I only have ten euros.
Das kostet zweiundvierzig Cent. – That costs 42 cents.
Common Mistakes with German Numbers – And How to Avoid Them
Mixing Up Number Order
German numbers from 21 to 99 are said “backwards.”
❌ zwanzigeins → ✅ einundzwanzig (21)
Tip: Always say the unit first, then “und”, then the ten.
Mispronunciations That Change Meaning
Common traps:
- vier (4) vs. fünf (5) – fiːɐ̯ vs. fʏnf
- sieben (7) vs. siebenundzwanzig – Don’t drop the “en” too early
Use audio tools to perfect your pronunciation of German numbers.
Fun Ways to Learn German Numbers – Games and Activities
Online Number Games
Websites like Digital Dialects and Duolingo offer interactive ways to test number skills.
Tip: Play German number bingo with a partner for quick learning!
Printable Board Games
Create or download number matching games, dice-based counting games, and flashcard challenges.
Use colors and symbols to reinforce memory.
Free Printable German Number Charts for Beginners
Downloadable Charts for 1–100
Get your free chart showing all German numbers from 1 to 100 with spelling and pronunciation.
- eins – [aɪns]
- zehn – [tseːn]
- fünfzig – [ˈfʏnf.t͡sɪç]
- neunundneunzig – [ˈnɔʏnʊntˌnɔʏnt͡sɪç]
Color-Coded and Visual Learning Tools
Use color to group 1–10, 11–20, and so on. Visual learners retain better with infographics.
You can also post the chart near your study area to reinforce daily exposure.
Practice Quiz: Test Your German Number Knowledge
Beginner-Level Multiple Choice Quiz
Question 1: What is “17” in German?
- a) siebzehn
- b) siebenzehn
- c) siebzig
Correct Answer: a) siebzehn
Question 2: What does “dreiundvierzig” mean?
- a) 43
- b) 34
- c) 24
Correct Answer: a) 43
Fill-in-the-Blank Number Sentences
Ich habe _______ Bücher. (I have 12 books.)
Answer: zwölf
Heute ist der _______ Januar. (Today is the 1st of January.)
Answer: erste
Download PDF and Audio – German Numbers from 1 to 100
What’s Included in the PDF
- Numbers from 1 to 100 with spelling, pronunciation, and IPA
- Color-coded learning chart
- Common phrases using numbers
- Mini grammar tips for each section
How to Use the Audio for Practice
Download the MP3 and listen while repeating out loud. Focus on tricky parts like:
- acht – [axt]
- siebzehn – [ˈziːp͡tseːn]
- neunundneunzig – [ˈnɔʏnʊntˌnɔʏnt͡sɪç]
Practice speaking each number with a pause, then quiz yourself.
Conclusion: Practice Daily to Master German Numbers
Final Tips for Long-Term Retention
- Use flashcards and spaced repetition tools (Anki, Quizlet)
- Practice in real-world scenarios: prices, time, dates
- Group numbers by type (1–10, teens, tens, etc.)
Resources to Continue Learning
Here are some recommended tools:
- Duolingo – Daily practice with gamification
- Memrise – Real-world videos
- Forvo – Hear native pronunciation of German numbers
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About German Numbers
What is the fastest way to learn German numbers?
Use chunking methods, daily repetition, and flashcards. Apps like Anki and Duolingo are also very helpful.
How do Germans say numbers over 100?
They start with the hundreds and continue with unit + “und” + tens. For example: 123 is “einhundertdreiundzwanzig”.
Are German numbers gendered like other nouns?
No, the numbers themselves are gender-neutral. But the articles and nouns they modify may change depending on gender and case.
Why does 21 come out as einundzwanzig in German?
German builds compound numbers backwards: unit + “und” + tens. So 21 is literally “one and twenty”.
What’s the difference between dreißig and dreizehn?
“Dreißig” means 30, while “dreizehn” means 13. Listen for the “-zehn” (teen) and “-ßig” (ty) endings.
Can I skip learning numbers and just focus on words?
No. Numbers are essential in everyday German: prices, age, time, addresses, and more.