Numbers in German: How to count

Now that we’ve covered some key grammar lessons, let’s focus on expanding your vocabulary by learning the German numbers.

Counting in German is quite straightforward. Once you’ve memorized the first ten numbers, the rest are predictable and easy to grasp. Let’s get started!

Numbers 1 - 10

First, let’s learn the basics: how to count from 1 to 10 in German. While the numbers often sound similar to their English counterparts, they aren’t exactly the same.

Listen closely to the pronunciation and repeat the words out loud. Pay attention to the spelling, as you’ll need to memorize them. These numbers will be the foundation for constructing larger numbers in German.

Great job! 🎉

You’ve passed the biggest hurdle. Let’s continue with numbers 11 to 20.

Numbers 11 - 20

This set of numbers is notable because 11 (elf) and 12 (zwölf) are unique and need to be memorized, just like 1 to 10. However, starting from 13 (dreizehn), you’ll notice a pattern, and you’ll recognize parts of the numbers you’ve already learned.

Numbers 21 - 30

Up until 20, German numbers are fairly similar to their English translations: ten = zehn, fifteen = fünfzehn. But from 21 onwards, things change a bit.

In English, we say “twenty-one,” but in German, it’s einundzwanzig (literally “one and twenty”). This composition remains so for most numbers.

Now, let’s count to 100 in German, in multiples of 10. From 20 to 90, you’ll notice that the numbers end with -ig.

Based on the patterns you’ve learned so far, try saying these numbers out loud in German.

Now, test your skills by writing the numbers down in this exercise.

Finally, here are some important larger numbers to memorize.

Well done! 🎉

You now know the German numbers, and can use them in conversation. Head over to our next lesson on German restaurant phrases, where you’ll learn how to apply these numbers in everyday situations.