Numbers are everywhere, so you better learn how to use German numbers in everyday situations. So let’s get started!
Use German numbers in everyday situations
When learning a new language, using numbers is important in becoming proficient. This is especially true for German, as the language has a complex numeric system that can confuse English speakers.
This article will explore how to use German numbers in everyday situations, including counting, telling time, and making purchases.
By this article’s end, you have a solid foundation in German numbers and can confidently use them in various contexts.
Counting in German
Counting in German is relatively straightforward, but there are a few key points to remember.
First, the basic numerals from 1-10 are as follows:
1 – eins 2 – zwei 3 – drei 4 – vier 5 – fünf 6 – sechs 7 – sieben 8 – acht 9 – neun 10 – zehn
To count from 11-19, the base number is combined with “zehn,” as in the following examples:
11 – elf 12 – zwölf 13 – dreizehn 14 – vierzehn 15 – fünfzehn 16 – sechzehn 17 – siebzehn 18 – achtzehn 19 – neunzehn
From 20-100, the numbers are formed by combining a multiple of ten with the appropriate base number. For example:
20 – zwanzig 30 – dreißig 40 – vierzig 50 – fünfzig 60 – sechzig 70 – siebzig 80 – achtzig 90 – neunzig
To count beyond 100, the word “hundert” (hundred) is used, followed by the appropriate base number. For example:
101 – einhunderteins 200 – zweihundert 312 – dreihundertzwölf
It’s also important to know the ordinal numbers in German, as they are used to indicate the order of things. The ordinal numbers from 1-10 are as follows:
1st – erste 2nd – zweite 3rd – dritte 4th – vierte 5th – fünfte 6th – sechste 7th – siebte 8th – achte 9th – neunte 10th – zehnte
By understanding how to count in German and use ordinal numbers, you will be able to confidently use numbers in a variety of everyday situations.
Telling time in German
Telling time in German is more complex than counting, but it can become second nature with practice.
The structure of telling time in German is as follows:
Es ist + [hour] + [minute] + Uhr
So, for example, to say, “It is 3 o’clock,” you would say:
Es ist drei Uhr.
To specify a time with half hours, you would use the word “halb” (half) instead of the minute value. For example:
Es ist halb vier. (It is half past 3.)
To specify a time with quarters, you would use the word “Viertel” (quarter) instead of the minute value. For example:
Es ist viertel nach vier. (It is a quarter past 4.) Es ist viertel vor vier. (It is a quarter to 4.)
It’s also important to know the names of the hours in German, as these will be used when telling time. Here are the names of the hours from 1-12:
1 – eins 2 – zwei 3 – drei 4 – vier 5 – fünf 6 – sechs 7 – sieben 8 – acht 9 – neun 10 – zehn 11 – elf 12 – zwölf
You’ll easily tell the time in German with practice and memorization.
Making purchases in German
If you are in a German-speaking country and need to make a purchase, it’s important to know how to communicate effectively with the seller. Here are some key phrases and vocabulary words to help you make purchases in German:
Asking for prices:
- Wie viel kostet das? (How much does this cost?)
- Könnten Sie mir sagen, was das kostet? (How much does it cost?)
Understanding prices and making payments:
- Das kostet x Euro. (This costs x euros.)
- Ich möchte das bezahlen. (I would like to pay for this.)
- Ich bezahle mit Kreditkarte. (I will pay with a credit card.)
- Ich bezahle bar. (I will pay in cash.)
Using monetary denominations:
- ein Euro (one euro)
- fünf Euro (five euros)
- zehn Euro (ten euros)
- fünfzig Euro (fifty euros)
By knowing these phrases and vocabulary words, you’ll be able to make purchases confidently in German and communicate your needs to the seller.
Practice exercises
To practice using German numbers in everyday situations, here are a few activities you can try:
- Counting objects:
- Gather a group of objects and practice counting them in German. Start with small numbers and gradually increase in difficulty.
- As you count, pay attention to the specific rules for forming numbers from 11-19 and 20-100.
- Telling time in German:
- Practice telling time at half-hour and quarter-hour intervals.
- Start with simple times, such as “It is 2 o’clock,” and gradually increase in difficulty.
- Making simple purchases in German:
- Practice asking for prices and making payments using the phrases and vocabulary words covered in the previous section.
- You can do this with a friend or by using online resources to simulate a real-life shopping experience.
By regularly practicing these exercises, you’ll become more confident in using German numbers and can apply them in everyday situations.
Final words
Learning to use numbers in German is an important step in becoming proficient in the language. By understanding how to count, tell time, and make purchases, you’ll be able to confidently navigate a variety of everyday situations in German.
While the German number system may seem complex at first, with practice and a bit of memorization, you’ll be able to use numbers easily.
And remember to regularly practice counting, telling time, and making purchases in German to continue improving your skills.
With a solid foundation in using German numbers, you’ll be well on becoming proficient in the language.
