4. German language A1 : Numbers (Zahlen) 21–100

4. German language A1 : Numbers (Zahlen) 21–100

Yesterday, we tackled the basics: German numbers from 0 to 20. Today, we’re stepping it up a notch and diving into numbers 21 to 100.

And guess what? It’s easier than you think—because once you know the patterns, German numbers become like Lego blocks: you just snap pieces together!


🧩 The German Number Reversal: “One and Twenty”

Unlike English, where we say “twenty-one” and “twenty-two,” German numbers flip the order.

For example:

  • 21 in German is einundzwanzig → literally “one and twenty”
  • 22 is zweiundzwanzig“two and twenty”

This reversed structure applies to all numbers from 21 to 99.


🔢 German Numbers 21 to 29

Here’s how the pattern looks in action:

NumberGermanTranslation
21einundzwanzigone and twenty
22zweiundzwanzigtwo and twenty
23dreiundzwanzigthree and twenty
24vierundzwanzigfour and twenty
25fünfundzwanzigfive and twenty
26sechsundzwanzigsix and twenty
27siebenundzwanzigseven and twenty
28achtundzwanzigeight and twenty
29neunundzwanzignine and twenty

🎯 Pattern:
ones + und (and) + tens


🔟 Numbers by Tens (30–100)

Now let’s learn the tens, which you’ll combine with the ones above.

NumberGermanNotes
30dreißig“ß” sounds like “ss”
40vierzig
50fünfzig
60sechzigfrom “sechs” → drop the “s”
70siebzigfrom “sieben” → drop the “-en”
80achtzig
90neunzig
100einhundert“hundert” = hundred

🧠 Combining Numbers (31–99)

Once you know the tens, creating any number from 31 to 99 is easy. Just reverse the order, insert “und”, and apply the spelling tweaks for 6 (sechs → sech) and 7 (sieben → sieb).

Here are a few examples:

NumberGermanLiteral Meaning
31einunddreißigone and thirty
42zweiundvierzigtwo and forty
56sechsundfünfzigsix and fifty
78achtundsiebzigeight and seventy
99neunundneunzignine and ninety

📌 Reminder:
Always say the ones digit first, then “und”, then the tens. Like a little riddle!


📝 Vocabulary Highlight

WordMeaning
die Zahlnumber (singular)
die Zahlennumbers (plural)

These are essential when asking about prices, dates, or even your hotel room number in Germany.


🧩 Tips to Make Learning Easier

Learning German numbers doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s a smart sequence:

  1. Master 1–12 first
  2. 🔟 Learn the tens (20, 30, 40…)
  3. 🧠 Use the reverse-order trick to build 21–99
  4. 🗣️ Practice out loud—walking, commuting, or in the shower!

You’ll be surprised how naturally it starts to flow.


🎯 Ready to Count Like a Pro?

Try saying this out loud with confidence:

Einundzwanzig, zweiundzwanzig, dreiundzwanzig, vierundzwanzig…

You’re doing great!


💬 Final Thoughts

German numbers are brilliantly structured once you crack the code. With just a few rules and a little practice, you’ll be navigating German prices, dates, and times like a native.

So, what are you waiting for?

Start counting in German today — from einundzwanzig to einhundert!
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