Cardinal Numbers in German

In this lesson, we will learn about German numbers and how to form them from 0 to 9999. Numbers are essential in everyday life, as we use them for counting, shopping, and telling time. Below is an overview of different numbers.

1. Numbers from 0 to 12

2. Numbers from 13 to 19

To form numbers from 13 to 19, we add „zehn“ to numbers 3 through 9. Note that for 16 and 17, we drop the endings „s“ and „en“.

3. Tens: 20, 30, 40 to 90

For tens, we use „zig“. There are exceptions to note.

4. Numbers from 21 to 99

For numbers from 21 to 99, the formation is done in the order of „units and tens“. Note that for „eins“ the ending is dropped.

5. Hundreds: 100, 200 to 900

To form a hundred, we add „hundert“.

6. Numbers from 101 to 999

Here, we read the hundred number followed by the tens and units.

7. Thousand numbers: 1000 to 9000

The thousand numbers are formed by adding „tausend“.

8. Multiple digits: 1001 to 9999

Read the thousands, then the hundreds, and the tens.

Conclusion

You now know the basic German numbers and how to form them up to 9999. Practice these frequently to be confident and fluent in using German numbers.