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:
| Number | German | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | einundzwanzig | one and twenty |
| 22 | zweiundzwanzig | two and twenty |
| 23 | dreiundzwanzig | three and twenty |
| 24 | vierundzwanzig | four and twenty |
| 25 | fünfundzwanzig | five and twenty |
| 26 | sechsundzwanzig | six and twenty |
| 27 | siebenundzwanzig | seven and twenty |
| 28 | achtundzwanzig | eight and twenty |
| 29 | neunundzwanzig | nine 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.
| Number | German | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | dreißig | “ß” sounds like “ss” |
| 40 | vierzig | |
| 50 | fünfzig | |
| 60 | sechzig | from “sechs” → drop the “s” |
| 70 | siebzig | from “sieben” → drop the “-en” |
| 80 | achtzig | |
| 90 | neunzig | |
| 100 | einhundert | “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:
| Number | German | Literal Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | einunddreißig | one and thirty |
| 42 | zweiundvierzig | two and forty |
| 56 | sechsundfünfzig | six and fifty |
| 78 | achtundsiebzig | eight and seventy |
| 99 | neunundneunzig | nine and ninety |
📌 Reminder:
Always say the ones digit first, then “und”, then the tens. Like a little riddle!
📝 Vocabulary Highlight
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| die Zahl | number (singular) |
| die Zahlen | numbers (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:
- ✅ Master 1–12 first
- 🔟 Learn the tens (20, 30, 40…)
- 🧠 Use the reverse-order trick to build 21–99
- 🗣️ 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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