Numbers 1 to 20

Zahlen — Numbers in German!#

Numbers are some of the most useful words in any language. Once you know how to count in German, you can use numbers every day — to count toys, tell your age, or play counting games with friends. Let's get started!

Numbers 1 to 5#

Here are the first five numbers in German:

Let's practice! Hold up your fingers as you count: eins, zwei, drei, vier, fünf!

Do you notice anything? drei sounds just like the English word "dry"! And vier sounds almost like "fear". These little tricks help you remember.

Numbers 6 to 10#

Here are the next five numbers:

Now count from one to ten out loud: eins, zwei, drei, vier, fünf, sechs, sieben, acht, neun, zehn!

Memory Tricks#

• sechs sounds a little like "socks" — imagine six silly socks!
• sieben sounds like "sea-ben" — imagine seven fish in the sea!
• acht sounds like you are clearing your throat — "acht!"
• neun sounds like "nine" almost — so easy!
• zehn sounds like "tsane" — think of a train going "zehn zehn!"

Counting Song#

Try singing these numbers to the tune of a simple song. Start with your fingers on both hands. Each time you say a number, put up a finger.

Eins, zwei, drei, vier, fünf, sechs, sieben, acht, neun, zehn!

Well done! You have counted to ten in German. That is a fantastic start — Wunderbar!