Ordinal Numbers (1st to 10th)
In Dutch, ordinal numbers (first, second, third, etc.) are mostly formed by adding a suffix to the base number.
For numbers 1 through 19, the regular suffix is -de. Since these ordinal numbers end in -e, they act like adjectives and sit in front of the noun.
1st to 3rd: Eerste, Tweede, Derde
- eerste (1st): An exception, taking the -ste suffix.
- tweede (2nd): Regular, adding -de to twee.
- derde (3rd): Irregular, changing the stem of drie.
| Is that your first dog? | Is dat jouw eerste hond? |
| We live in the second house. | We wonen in het tweede huis. |
| That is the third question. | Dat is de derde vraag. |
4th to 7th: The Regulars
Numbers four through seven regularly add -de to the base number:
- vierde (4th)
- vijfde (5th)
- zesde (6th)
- zevende (7th)
| The fourth and the fifth coat are very beautiful. | De vierde en de vijfde jas zijn erg mooi. |
| Which train is the sixth? | Welke trein is de zesde? |
| Where is the seventh book? | Waar is het zevende boek? |
8th to 10th: Achtste, Negende, Tiende
Nine and ten are regular, adding -de. Eight is an exception: because acht already ends in t, it takes the -ste suffix instead to make pronunciation easier.
- achtste (8th)
- negende (9th)
- tiende (10th)
| I see the eighth and the ninth student. | Ik zie de achtste en de negende student. |
| This is the tenth cookie! | Dit is het tiende koekje! |
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