Numbers 1-10

Level 1

German numbers 0–10 are the foundation of counting. While most are straightforward, the number 1 (eins) changes when it comes before a noun, and all numbers are capitalized when used as nouns.

How It Works

1. Counting vs. Describing:
When you count (0, 1, 2, 3...) or say a number by itself, use eins. However, when 'one' is used before a noun, it acts exactly like an indefinite article. This means it changes based on gender and case: ein (Masculine/Neuter Nominative), eine (Feminine), einen (Masculine Accusative), einem (Dative), or einer (Dative/Genitive). Numbers 2–10 are generally indeclinable, though in formal contexts, zwei and drei can take the genitive endings zweier and dreier.

2. Zero and Phone Numbers:
The number null (zero) is used for counting down, temperatures, and phone numbers. In phone numbers, each digit is usually spoken individually.

3. Capitalization:
Numbers are lowercase when used as adjectives (drei Hunde). However, they are capitalized when used as nouns, such as school grades or the number itself (eine Eins schreiben - to get an 'A'; die Nummer Vier).

4. The 'Uhr' and Compound Rule:
In time expressions, use eins if you don't say 'o'clock' (um eins). With Uhr, it becomes ein Uhr. In compound numbers, the '-s' is dropped before und (einundzwanzig), but it is kept if it is the final digit and no noun follows (hunderteins).

5. Pronunciation and Variants:

  • zwei/zehn: 'z' sounds like 'ts'.
  • vier: 'v' sounds like 'f'.
  • sechs: 'chs' sounds like 'ks'.
  • zwo: Often used instead of zwei on the phone to avoid confusion with drei.

Examples (5)

  1. Eins, zwei, drei, vier, fünf!

    One, two, three, four, five!

    Word by Word: One, two, three, four, five!

    This shows the standard counting forms used in isolation.

  2. Ich habe ein Buch und zwei Stifte.

    I have one book and two pens.

    Word by Word: I have one book and two pens.

    Notice how 'eins' becomes 'ein' before the neuter noun 'Buch', following the rules of the indefinite article.

  3. Wir treffen uns um eins oder um ein Uhr.

    We are meeting at one or at one o'clock.

    Word by Word: We meet us at one or at one clock.

    When used alone, we say 'eins'. However, when followed by the word 'Uhr', it always becomes 'ein'.

  4. Das macht neun Euro, bitte.

    That makes nine euros, please.

    Word by Word: That makes nine Euro, please.

    Numbers 2-10 do not change their form when used as simple determiners.

  5. Ich sehe einen Hund.

    I see one dog.

    Word by Word: I see one dog.

    Because 'eins' functions like an indefinite article, it changes to 'einen' in the accusative case.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'eins' directly before a noun.

    Ich habe eins Katze.
    Ich habe eine Katze.

    When 'one' describes a noun, it must decline like an article (ein/eine). 'Eins' is only for counting or standalone use.

  • Pronouncing 'z' like an English 'z'.

    zwei (pronounced like 'z-way')
    zwei (pronounced like 'ts-vye')

    The German 'z' is always a sharp 'ts' sound. Pronouncing it softly can make it hard for natives to understand.

  • Confusing 'vier' (4) and 'für' (for).

    Das ist vier dich.
    Das ist für dich.

    Vier (4) has a long 'ee' sound [i:], while für (for) has the rounded 'ü' sound [y:].

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Numbers 1-10Level 1