Understanding the Basics: German Numbers up to One Thousand
Before diving into numbers over one thousand, it is essential to have a solid grasp of the basics. In German, the word for one thousand is tausend. Counting from one to one thousand goes as follows:
- 1 – eins
- 10 – zehn
- 100 – hundert
- 1,000 – tausend
These foundational numbers are the building blocks for forming larger numbers. If you’re unsure about these, check out other resources on the Talkpal blog to reinforce your basics before moving on.
Forming Numbers Over One Thousand in German
Numbers over one thousand in German are created by combining the basic number words in a logical sequence. The general pattern is:
[Number of thousands] + tausend + [number of hundreds] + hundert + [number below one hundred]
Examples
- 1,234 – eintausendzweihundertvierunddreißig
- 3,456 – dreitausendvierhundertsechsundfünfzig
- 10,000 – zehntausend
Notice how German often strings words together, creating long compound words. While this can appear overwhelming, the structure remains consistent and logical.
Detailed Breakdown: Step-by-Step Construction
Thousands
For numbers in the thousands, simply state the number of thousands followed by tausend:
- 1,000 – eintausend
- 5,000 – fünftausend
- 12,000 – zwölftausend
Hundreds
After thousands, hundreds are added in the same way:
- 2,100 – zweitausendeinhundert
- 7,500 – siebentausendfünfhundert
Tens and Units
For tens and units, continue the sequence without spaces:
- 2,345 – zweitausenddreihundertfünfundvierzig
- 9,876 – neuntausendachthundertsechsundsiebzig
Note: In German, numbers between 21 and 99 are formed by saying the unit first, then the tens (e.g., 45 is fünfundvierzig, literally “five and forty”).
Numbers Beyond Ten Thousand
The pattern continues as numbers get larger. For tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, and millions:
- 20,000 – zwanzigtausend
- 100,000 – hunderttausend
- 1,000,000 – eine Million
German uses singular and plural forms for “million” and higher (e.g., eine Million, zwei Millionen).
Tips for Pronouncing and Writing Large German Numbers
- Practice breaking numbers down: Split large numbers into groups (thousands, hundreds, tens, units) for easier pronunciation and understanding.
- Pay attention to word order: Remember that German places units before tens, unlike English.
- Practice with real-life examples: Try reading prices, dates, or statistics in German to get used to large numbers.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Forgetting compound structure: Don’t insert spaces or pause between the segments of a large number.
- Misplacing units and tens: Always say the unit before the ten (e.g., sechsundvierzig for 46).
- Incorrect pluralization: Use the correct singular or plural for “Million” and above.
Practice Exercises
- Write out the following numbers in German: 4,512; 16,789; 132,045.
- Say large numbers aloud to reinforce pronunciation.
- Listen to native speakers reading numbers on news sites or Talkpal’s audio resources.
Conclusion: Mastering Large Numbers in German
Saying numbers over one thousand in German is a valuable skill for learners at all levels. With practice, the patterns become second nature, making it easier to handle real-life situations confidently. For more tips, exercises, and personalized language practice, explore the Talkpal AI language learning blog and take your German skills to new heights.
