Number Comprehension
Number comprehension involves understanding numbers in different contexts: prices, quantities, ages, phone numbers, and more.
This lesson covers how to use and understand numbers in various real-life situations in German.
Explanation
Numbers are used in many contexts: prices (zehn Euro), quantities (drei Äpfel), ages (zwanzig Jahre alt), phone numbers, addresses, and time.
When reading numbers aloud, say each digit separately for phone numbers: 'null-sechs-eins-zwei' (0612).
For prices, use 'Euro' (singular) or 'Euro' (plural - same form): 'zehn Euro' (ten euros).
For ages, use 'Jahre alt' (years old) or just 'Jahre': 'Ich bin zwanzig Jahre alt' (I am twenty years old).
Numbers in Different Contexts
| Context | Example | Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Das kostet zehn Euro. | That costs ten euros. | Use 'Euro' (same for singular/plural) |
| Quantity | Ich habe drei Äpfel. | I have three apples. | Number + noun (no article needed) |
| Age | Ich bin zwanzig Jahre alt. | I am twenty years old. | Use 'Jahre alt' or 'Jahre' |
| Phone | null-sechs-eins-zwei | 0612 | Say each digit separately |
| Address | Hauptstraße fünfzehn | Main Street 15 | Number comes after street name |
| Time | Es ist drei Uhr. | It is three o'clock. | Use 'Uhr' for o'clock |
Examples
Das Buch kostet fünfzehn Euro.
The book costs fifteen euros.
Ich habe zwei Kinder.
I have two children.
Meine Telefonnummer ist null-sechs-eins-zwei-drei.
My phone number is 06123.
Er wohnt in der Hauptstraße achtzehn.
He lives at Main Street 18.
Ich bin fünfundzwanzig Jahre alt.
I am twenty-five years old.
Common Mistakes
zehn Euros
zehn Euro
The word 'Euro' doesn't change in plural. Use 'Euro' for both singular and plural.
Ich bin zwanzig Jahre
Ich bin zwanzig Jahre alt
When stating age, use 'Jahre alt' (years old) or at least 'Jahre'. 'alt' is commonly included.
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with interactive exercises. Practice makes perfect!
Start Exercises →Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which article to use?
German articles (der, die, das) depend on the gender of the noun. While there are some patterns, many nouns must be memorized. Practice and exposure to German will help you learn them naturally.
What's the difference between definite and indefinite articles?
Definite articles (der, die, das) mean 'the' and refer to specific things. Indefinite articles (ein, eine) mean 'a/an' and refer to non-specific things. Both must match the noun's gender: use 'ein' for masculine/neuter and 'eine' for feminine.
Are there rules for determining noun gender?
While there are some helpful patterns (e.g., words ending in -ung are usually feminine), there are many exceptions. The best approach is to learn nouns with their articles from the beginning.
What happens if I use the wrong article?
While using the wrong article is a common mistake, native speakers will usually still understand you. However, using the correct article is important for sounding natural and fluent in German.