German Numbers 0–20: Counting in German
After this lesson you can count to twenty and give your phone number.
German Numbers 0–20: Counting in German
Numbers up to twelve have to be learned one by one. From thirteen they become a machine: the unit plus -zehn, every time.
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Kulturnotiz
Germans count on their fingers starting with the thumb — thumb is one, thumb-plus-index is two. Hold up an index finger alone to order "one beer" and you may well get two, because the bartender reads it as the second finger. In a loud Kneipe, use your thumb.
Common questions
+Why is sixteen sechzehn and not sechszehn?
The s of sechs is dropped for ease of pronunciation — sechszehn would put three consonants together. The same shortening produces sechzig for sixty.
+When do I say eins and when ein?
Eins is the bare number, used when counting or giving a figure. Before a noun it behaves like the article: ein Kilo, eine Minute, ein Bier.
+What is zwo, and should I use it?
Zwo is an alternative to zwei, used when clarity matters — phone numbers, addresses, announcements. You do not have to say it, but you should recognise it.
+Do I need numbers before the rest of the grammar?
Yes, more than most learners expect. Prices, times, addresses, ages and dates all come up in your first conversations, and every one of them needs numbers.