Numbers 13–99
A1 · Beginner · Basics
The rule
Units come before tens: einundzwanzig = one-and-twenty.
How it works
German numbers from 13 to 99 put the units before the tens, joined with und: einundzwanzig (21), dreiunddreißig (33). Numbers from 13 to 19 end in -zehn and use the form dreizehn, vierzehn and so on. Multiples of ten are zwanzig, dreißig, vierzig, fünfzig, sechzig, siebzig, achtzig and neunzig.
When to use it
Say and write numbers from 13 to 99, which place the units before the tens.
Use cases
- Giving ages and prices
- Reading phone numbers
- Counting items in a shop or restaurant
Examples
- dreiundvierzig – 43
- Ich bin siebenundzwanzig Jahre alt. – I am 27 years old.
- Das kostet neunundneunzig Cent. – That costs 99 cents.
- Er wohnt in der Hausnummer 42. – He lives at house number 42.
Common mistake
Saying the tens first, as in English, so 21 becomes "zwanzigeins" instead of "einundzwanzig".
Memory tip
Say the units first, add und, then the tens: 21 = einundzwanzig.