Learning to count in German is an essential first step for anyone wanting to master the language. Whether you plan to travel, work, or study in a German-speaking country, having a good grasp of numbers will help you in various everyday situations. This article will guide you on how to count from 1 to 50 in German, providing you with useful tips and tricks to make learning easier.

Basic Numbers from 1 to 10

Before diving into counting up to 50, it’s essential to get a solid understanding of the numbers from 1 to 10. These foundational numbers are:

1 – Eins
2 – Zwei
3 – Drei
4 – Vier
5 – Fünf
6 – Sechs
7 – Sieben
8 – Acht
9 – Neun
10 – Zehn

Take some time to familiarize yourself with these numbers, as they will be the building blocks for counting higher.

Numbers from 11 to 20

Once you’re comfortable with the numbers 1 to 10, you can move on to the next set, which are the numbers from 11 to 20. These numbers are slightly different from English, so pay close attention to their structure.

11 – Elf
12 – Zwölf
13 – Dreizehn
14 – Vierzehn
15 – Fünfzehn
16 – Sechzehn
17 – Siebzehn
18 – Achtzehn
19 – Neunzehn
20 – Zwanzig

Notice that for numbers 13 through 19, the German language uses a format similar to “three-ten” (dreizehn) and “four-ten” (vierzehn).

Counting by Tens

Now that you’ve mastered the numbers up to 20, it’s time to learn how to count by tens up to 50. These numbers form the foundation for counting higher numbers.

10 – Zehn
20 – Zwanzig
30 – Dreißig
40 – Vierzig
50 – Fünfzig

Understanding these multiples of ten is crucial, as they will be used repeatedly as you count higher.

Numbers from 21 to 29

German numbers from 21 to 29 follow a unique pattern. They are constructed by placing the unit number first, followed by the word “und” (which means “and”), and then the tens number. For example:

21 – Einundzwanzig
22 – Zweiundzwanzig
23 – Dreiundzwanzig
24 – Vierundzwanzig
25 – Fünfundzwanzig
26 – Sechsundzwanzig
27 – Siebenundzwanzig
28 – Achtundzwanzig
29 – Neunundzwanzig

Notice that “eins” becomes “ein” when used in compound numbers. This pattern continues for other numbers as well.

Numbers from 30 to 39

Once you understand the pattern for the 20s, counting through the 30s becomes much easier. The structure remains the same, using “und” to connect the units and tens.

30 – Dreißig
31 – Einunddreißig
32 – Zweiunddreißig
33 – Dreiunddreißig
34 – Vierunddreißig
35 – Fünfunddreißig
36 – Sechsunddreißig
37 – Siebenunddreißig
38 – Achtunddreißig
39 – Neununddreißig

Numbers from 40 to 49

The same pattern continues as you count through the 40s. The tens number changes to “vierzig,” but the formation of the numbers remains consistent.

40 – Vierzig
41 – Einundvierzig
42 – Zweiundvierzig
43 – Dreiundvierzig
44 – Vierundvierzig
45 – Fünfundvierzig
46 – Sechsundvierzig
47 – Siebenundvierzig
48 – Achtundvierzig
49 – Neunundvierzig

Reaching 50

Finally, the number 50 in German is straightforward:

50 – Fünfzig

Congratulations! You now know how to count from 1 to 50 in German.

Tips for Learning German Numbers

Learning a new language can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can make the process more manageable. Here are some tips to help you master German numbers:

Practice Regularly: Consistency is key when learning a new language. Set aside time each day to practice counting in German.

Use Flashcards: Flashcards can be a great way to memorize numbers. Write the number in German on one side and the English translation on the other.

Engage with Native Speakers: If possible, practice speaking with native German speakers. This will help you get used to the pronunciation and usage of numbers in everyday conversation.

Listen to German Media: Listening to German songs, watching German movies, or tuning into German radio can expose you to the natural use of numbers in context.

Use Apps and Online Resources: There are many apps and websites designed to help you learn German. Utilize these resources for additional practice and reinforcement.

Break Down Larger Numbers: For numbers above 20, break them down into smaller parts to understand their structure. For example, “einundzwanzig” (21) can be broken down into “ein” (one) + “und” (and) + “zwanzig” (twenty).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning a new language often comes with common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for when learning to count in German:

Mispronunciation: German pronunciation can be tricky, especially for beginners. Pay attention to how native speakers pronounce numbers and try to mimic their accent and intonation.

Forgetting “und”: Remember to use “und” when forming compound numbers. For example, “einundzwanzig” (21) should not be written or pronounced as “einzwanzig.”

Mixing Up Numbers: It’s easy to confuse numbers that sound similar, such as “dreißig” (30) and “dreizehn” (13). Practice these numbers to ensure you can distinguish between them.

Skipping Practice: Regular practice is crucial for retention. Avoid taking long breaks between study sessions to keep the numbers fresh in your memory.

Ignoring Context: Understanding how numbers are used in context is important. Practice using numbers in sentences and real-life situations to gain a better grasp.

Advanced Counting: Beyond 50

Once you’ve mastered counting to 50, you might want to continue learning higher numbers. The patterns you’ve learned so far will help you count to 100 and beyond.

60 – Sechzig
70 – Siebzig
80 – Achtzig
90 – Neunzig
100 – Hundert

For numbers in between, simply follow the same pattern of combining the unit number, “und,” and the tens number. For example:

55 – Fünfundfünfzig
67 – Siebenundsechzig
89 – Neunundachtzig

Using Numbers in Everyday Situations

Understanding numbers is crucial for many everyday activities. Here are a few scenarios where knowing how to count in German will come in handy:

Shopping: Whether you’re at a grocery store or a market, knowing numbers will help you understand prices and quantities.

Traveling: From navigating train schedules to understanding distances, numbers are essential when traveling in German-speaking countries.

Dining Out: When ordering food, you might need to specify quantities, such as how many items you want or the price of a meal.

Phone Numbers: Exchanging contact information requires a good grasp of numbers.

Addresses: Understanding numbers will help you find addresses and navigate cities more effectively.

Resources for Further Learning

To continue improving your German, consider exploring the following resources:

Language Learning Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, and Rosetta Stone offer structured lessons and practice exercises.

Online Courses: Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer courses taught by experienced instructors.

Language Exchange Programs: Websites like Tandem and ConversationExchange connect you with native speakers for language practice.

Books and Workbooks: Consider purchasing German language books and workbooks for additional practice and reference.

German Media: Engage with German TV shows, movies, music, and podcasts to immerse yourself in the language.

Conclusion

Learning how to count to 50 in German is a fundamental skill that will serve as a foundation for further language learning. By understanding the structure and patterns of German numbers, practicing regularly, and engaging with native speakers, you can master counting in German. Whether you’re traveling, working, or simply expanding your linguistic skills, knowing how to count in German will open up new opportunities and enrich your experience. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be counting in German with confidence!