Numfred Blog

Learn German Numbers: Tips, Challenges, Training and Mini Quiz

Have you ever wondered why Germans say numbers from 21 onwards "backwards"? You're not alone – many learners struggle with this! The reversed order of units and tens is a real challenge for many language learners.

In this article, you'll discover what makes German numbers special, how to avoid common mistakes, and which strategies you can use to specifically train your number recognition skills.

Why are German numbers so difficult to understand?

German numbers have a unique feature that distinguishes them from many other languages: From 21 onwards, the units are spoken before the tens. While in English you say "twenty-one" (20-1), in German it's "einundzwanzig" (1-and-20). This reversed order used to exist in many languages – including Old English! However, most languages have abandoned it over time. In German (and Dutch), it has remained. For learners, this means: You need to "reprogram" your brain for this order.

But the German number system presents several hurdles for German learners! Here are the most common problems in practice:

• Units before tens: The biggest hurdle: In German, we say "einundzwanzig" (21) – so first the units, then the tens. In many other languages, it's exactly the opposite.
• Similar-sounding numbers: Some number pairs sound very similar and can easily be confused in quick conversations. For example: sechzehn (16) vs. sechzig (60) or siebzehn (17) vs. siebzig (70). The ending "-zehn" vs. "-zig" is crucial here.
• Long compound words: German numbers are written as one single long word: "fünfundzwanzig" (25), "neunundneunzig" (99).
• Special rules for "eins": The number alone is "eins", but in compound numbers it becomes "ein": einundzwanzig, einundvierzig.

The Basics: Numbers from 0 to 20

These numbers form the foundation; you should master them confidently:

• 0–10: null, eins, zwei, drei, vier, fünf, sechs, sieben, acht, neun, zehn
• 11–20: elf, zwölf, dreizehn, vierzehn, fünfzehn, sechzehn, siebzehn, achtzehn, neunzehn, zwanzig

Tip: Pay special attention to "sechzehn" (not "sechszehn") and "siebzehn" (not "siebenzehn") – letters are dropped in each case!

From 21 onwards: Understanding the system

From 21 onwards, units and tens are combined – but be careful, units first, then "und", then tens:

• 21 = einundzwanzig (one-and-twenty)
• 34 = vierunddreißig (four-and-thirty)
• 99 = neunundneunzig (nine-and-ninety)

Important ten numbers:

• 30 = dreißig (with "ß"!)
• 40 = vierzig
• 50 = fünfzig
• 60 = sechzig
• 70 = siebzig
• 80 = achtzig
• 90 = neunzig

Test your German number comprehension: Can you match these numbers correctly?

5 Tips to better understand German numbers

• Regular listening: Listen to German news and podcasts.
• Repeat aloud: Say numbers out loud to internalize the pronunciation and reversed order.
• Practice numbers in daily life: Read prices, times, or phone numbers aloud in German.
• Be aware of mistakes: Note down numbers you often confuse (e.g., sechzehn vs. sechzig) and practice them specifically.
• Targeted listening training: Use specialized tools that focus on listening comprehension of numbers.

App for targeted number training

There's an iPhone app dedicated exclusively to listening comprehension of numbers in foreign languages. With Numfred, you can specifically learn German numbers:

Download the app on the App Store:

More information about German numbers

Would you like to dive deeper into the topic? Then check out our comprehensive guide to German numbers from 1-100. There you'll find:

• All numbers from 1-100 at a glance
• Detailed explanations of the structure and system
• Tips for telling time, money amounts, and years
• An interactive quiz to test your number knowledge
• And much more…

Looking for more tips? Visit our Blog for more articles and exercises.

Conclusion

German numbers follow a clear system. Yes, the reversed order might feel strange at first – but with daily listening practice (even 5 minutes a day!), you'll quickly internalize the pattern.

Start today: Try the mini quiz above or use an app like Numfred. The more you listen to and repeat numbers, the easier it becomes.