Numbers 1 to 10 in German
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Quick Answer
| Numeral | English | German | Romanisation | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | One | eins | eyens | |
| 2 | Two | zwei | tsvy | |
| 3 | Three | drei | dry | |
| 4 | Four | vier | feer | |
| 5 | Five | fünf | fuunf | |
| 6 | Six | sechs | zeks | |
| 7 | Seven | sieben | zee-ben | |
| 8 | Eight | acht | ahkt | |
| 9 | Nine | neun | noyn | |
| 10 | Ten | zehn | tsayn |
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How to Count in German
Counting in German is highly structured and shares many similarities with English, as both are Germanic languages. Learning the numbers 1 to 10 is your first step toward mastering German numbers, which follow a very logical pattern as you count higher.
When counting sequentially (1, 2, 3...), you use the base forms listed above. However, note that the number 1 (eins) drops the 's' when used before a noun (e.g., ein Hund - one dog) and changes endings based on gender and case.
German numbers are pronounced clearly and forcefully. Practice saying them aloud: eins, zwei, drei, vier, fünf, sechs, sieben, acht, neun, zehn.
Pronunciation Tips
German pronunciation rules are very consistent. Once you learn how certain letter combinations sound, you can read almost any German word. Here are tips for numbers 1-10:
- Zwei (2) & Zehn (10): The German 'z' is always pronounced like "ts" in English (like the end of "cats"). So, zwei is "tsvy" and zehn is "tsayn".
- Vier (4): The German 'v' is pronounced like an English 'f'. The 'ie' combination makes a long "ee" sound. So, vier sounds like "feer".
- Fünf (5): The umlaut (ü) requires you to round your lips as if saying "oo", but try to say "ee". It is a tight, forward sound.
- Sechs (6): The 'chs' combination in German makes an "x" or "ks" sound. The 's' at the beginning sounds like an English 'z'. So, it sounds like "zeks".
- Acht (8): The 'ch' after an 'a' is a guttural sound made in the back of the throat, similar to the Scottish "loch".
- Neun (9): The 'eu' combination is pronounced like "oy" in English (like in "boy").
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'eins' sometimes become 'ein' or 'eine'?
When counting alone, it is 'eins'. When used as an adjective before a noun (meaning 'one' or 'a/an'), it changes to match the gender and case of the noun (e.g., ein Mann, eine Frau).
How do you pronounce the 'z' in German?
The German 'z' is always pronounced as a sharp 'ts' sound, never like the buzzing English 'z'.
What is the difference between 'zwei' and 'zwo'?
Over the phone or radio, Germans sometimes say 'zwo' instead of 'zwei' to avoid confusion with 'drei' (3), as they sound similar over poor connections.
How do you pronounce the umlaut in 'fünf'?
Shape your lips like you are going to whistle or say 'oo', but try to say the letter 'e' (as in 'see').
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