If you’re learning German, you’ve probably encountered numbers that go beyond just counting—like when you need to say “first,” “second,” or “third.” These are called ordinal numbers, and they’re a key part of the language, used in everything from dates to rankings. But don’t worry! Learning how to form and use German ordinal numbers is easier than you might think.

In this blog, we’ll break down the rules, provide plenty of examples, and even share some common mistakes to watch out for. By the end, you’ll feel confident using ordinal numbers in all kinds of everyday situations. Whether you’re talking about your birthday, giving directions, or discussing the chapters in a book, you’ll have the tools you need to speak like a pro. Let’s dive in!

Ordinal numbers are words that identify the position of an object in a sequence such as first, second, twentieth, etc. In German ordinal numbers work just as their English counterparts, but are formed and agree with nouns differently. Correctly understanding German ordinal numbers is important because they are used in formal and informal contexts.

For instance, ordinal numbers are normally employed to represent dates, ranks, or instructions. Some examples would be:

The first of March (Der erste März)

The third place (Der dritte Platz)

fourth floor (vierte Etage)

All these numbers respond to the question “Which one?” They are essential for accuracy and clarity in communication.

In German, ordinal numbers are formed by adding particular endings to basic numbers. The formation rules are quite regular, and thus, relatively straightforward to apply, once basic patterns are internalized and learned. The formation of numbers below and above 20 does slightly differ.

For the numbers 1 up to 19, one simply adds the suffix “-te” to the base number. Let’s explain it in detail:

1st – erste

2nd – zweite

3rd – dritte

4th-  vierte

5th- fünfte

6th- sechste

7th- siebte

8th- achte

9th- neunte

10th- zehnte

11th- elfte

12th – zwölfte

13th- dreizehnte

14th- vierzehnte

15th- fünfzehnte

16th- sechzehnte

17th- siebzehnten

18th- achtzehnte

19th- neunzehnte

For numbers 20 and above, the suffix changes to “-ste.” Here’s how it looks:

20th- zwanzigste

21st- einundzwanzigste

22nd- zweiundzwanzigste

30th- dreißigste

40th- vierzig ste

50th- fünfzigste

100th- hundertste

101st- hunderterste

Some ordinal adjectives are irregular and do not build their ordinal adjectives in the normal way. There are two most common irregularities:

1 – Eins would become erste (1st) not “einste.”

3 – drei becomes dritte (3rd)

7- seiben becomes seibte (7th)

8 – acht becomes achte(8th)

Knowing these irregularities is very fundamental for the right usage, mainly the written form or speaking on some formal occasion

In German, nouns have genders, and ordinal numbers have to agree with the gender and case of the noun to which they refer. It means that an ordinal number will change its ending to match the gender of a corresponding noun and the case used.  According to the gender, der, die, or das is added before the ordinal number. For example:

• Die erste Frau – The first woman

Additionally, ordinal numbers must also agree with the case of the noun (nominative, accusative, dative, genitive). This requires the correct use of articles and endings.

In German-speaking countries, ordinal numbers are deeply embedded in the culture, especially in terms of how dates and historical events are referenced. For instance:

• Public Holidays: Der erste Mai (The first of May) is celebrated as International Workers’ Day.
• Historical Events: Der neunte November (The ninth of November) is a significant date in German history, marking events like the fall of the Berlin Wall.
• Festivals: Das Oktoberfest often ends on the first Sunday in October, with dates frequently referred to using ordinal numbers.

Knowing these cultural allusions can improve your understanding of and application of ordinal numbers, particularly in historical and customary debate threads.

To use ordinal numbers in German correctly, it’s essential to practice forming sentences that incorporate these numbers in various contexts. Here are some examples:

1. Ich habe am zweiten Juli Geburtstag- I was born on the second of July.
2. Der fünfte Teilnehmer war der schnellste- The fifth participant was the fastest.
3. Wir feiern den zehnten Hochzeitstag- We are celebrating our tenth wedding anniversary.
4. Das dritte Kapitel ist das interessanteste- The third chapter is the most interesting.
5. Der zwanzigste April ist ein historischer Tag- The twentieth of April is a historic day.

These examples show how ordinal numbers are used across different situations, from birthdays and competitions to historical events and literature.

One of the most common mistakes among German learners is using ordinal numbers because of their different endings and their agreement with gender and case. Let’s look at some of the common mistakes and how to avoid them:

1. Confusing Endings:

A common mistake is using the wrong ending for ordinal numbers, particularly for those above 20.

Eg: Twentieth Street

• Incorrect: Die zwanzigste Straße
• Correct: Die zwanzigste Straße

Always remember that numbers from 1-19 use “-te,” while 20 and above use “-ste.”

2. Incorrect Gender Agreement:

Another frequent error is mismatching the gender of the ordinal number with the noun it describes.

Eg: The second women

• Incorrect: Der zweite Frau
• Correct: Die zweite Frau

Ensuring the ordinal number matches the noun’s gender is crucial for grammatical accuracy.

3. Misusing Ordinal Numbers with Dates:

Dates are a common source of confusion, especially for beginners. Ordinal numbers must agree with the date format, and the correct article is required. For example,

I have a birthday on the third of March.

• Incorrect: Ich habe am dritten März Geburtstag.

Correct: Ich habe am dritten März Geburtstag.

To avoid these mistakes, regular practice is essential. Engage with German content, such as newspapers or television shows, where ordinal numbers are frequently used. Writing out sentences and speaking with native speakers can also help reinforce correct usage.

For learners looking to deepen their understanding, there are more advanced applications of German ordinal numbers to consider. These include:

Ordinal Numbers in Fractions

In mathematics or scientific contexts, ordinal numbers can be used to describe fractions. For example,

• Ein Drittel – One third
• Ein Viertel – One fourth
• Ein Fünftel -One fifth

When discussing time periods, ordinal numbers describe decades or centuries, like:

• Das zwanzigste Jahrhundert -The twentieth century
• Die Zwanziger Jahre -The nineteen twenties.

Ordinal Numbers in Legal and Formal Documents

In legal or formal contexts, ordinal numbers are often used to reference articles, clauses, or sections:

• Der erste Absatz – The first paragraph)
• Der dritte Artikel -The third article

These advanced uses require a firm grasp of the basic rules, as well as an understanding of the context in which these ordinal numbers are applied.

Understanding German ordinal numbers is a crucial step in mastering the language. These numbers help you describe order and position clearly, whether you’re talking about dates, rankings, or other sequences.

To solidify your skills, practice using ordinal numbers in various contexts and pay attention to gender and case agreement. Regular use in conversations and writing will help you become more comfortable and fluent. Mistakes are a natural part of learning, so view them as opportunities to improve.

By integrating ordinal numbers into your daily language practice, you’ll enhance your ability to communicate effectively in German. Keep exploring and applying what you’ve learned, and you’ll continue to make significant progress in your German language journey. Happy learning!