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?