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German numbers become practical when you can hear prices, times, dates, quantities, sizes, and phone numbers. Pay special attention to the reversed order from 21 onward: einundzwanzig is literally one-and-twenty. In shops, combine numbers with polite requests, payment questions, exchanges, and receipts so you can complete the transaction instead of only naming an amount.
Number patterns
| German | Meaning / use |
|---|---|
| null bis zwölf | 0–12 must be learned directly |
| dreizehn bis neunzehn | Mostly unit + zehn |
| zwanzig, dreißig, vierzig | 20, 30, 40 |
| einundzwanzig | 21: one-and-twenty |
| neunundneunzig | 99: nine-and-ninety |
| hundert | 100 |
| zweihundertfünfzig | 250 |
| tausend | 1,000 |
| zehn Komma fünf | 10.5 |
| 19,95 Euro | neunzehn Euro fünfundneunzig |
Shopping phrases
| German | Meaning / use |
|---|---|
| Was kostet das? | What does that cost? |
| Haben Sie das in Größe M? | Do you have that in size M? |
| Kann ich das anprobieren? | Can I try that on? |
| Wo ist die Umkleidekabine? | Where is the fitting room? |
| Haben Sie eine andere Farbe? | Do you have another color? |
| Ich schaue mich nur um | I am just looking around |
| Ich nehme es | I will take it |
| Kann ich mit Karte zahlen? | Can I pay by card? |
| Brauchen Sie den Kassenbon? | Do you need the receipt? |
| Ich möchte das umtauschen | I would like to exchange that |
| Das ist kaputt | That is broken |
| Bekomme ich eine Rückerstattung? | Can I get a refund? |
At a clothing shop
Customer: Entschuldigung, haben Sie diese Jacke in Größe L?
Clerk: Ja, einen Moment. Möchten Sie sie anprobieren?
Customer: Gern. Wo ist die Umkleidekabine?
Clerk: Hinten rechts.
Customer: Danke. Was kostet die Jacke?
Clerk: Sie kostet neunundsiebzig Euro neunzig.
Common mistakes
- Hearing 24 as 42 because the unit comes first.
- Using a decimal point when German writing expects a decimal comma.
- Leaving before checking the total and receipt.
- Not learning size, quantity, and return-policy questions together.
Practice exercise
Read ten random two-digit prices aloud, then have someone dictate them out of order. Role-play buying clothing, groceries, and a train ticket. Include a card failure and one return.
FAQ
How are phone numbers spoken?
Speakers may group digits differently. Confirm by repeating the groups slowly.
What is EC-Karte?
It is an older but still heard term associated with Germany’s debit-card system; current branding may differ, while mit Karte remains the useful general phrase.
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