In English, we say the tens first, then the ones (twenty-one). German does the exact opposite: you say the ones, then und (and), and finally the tens. The entire number is written together as one single word.
- 21 = einundzwanzig (one-and-twenty)
- 34 = vierunddreißig (four-and-thirty)
Note: The number one is normally eins, but it drops the "-s" when forming compound numbers (like einundzwanzig or einundfünfzig).
Let's see some numbers in action using das Prozent (percent).
Talking About Weight
To describe how heavy something is, use the adjective schwer (heavy) and the verb wiegen (to weigh).
For exact measurements, you will use das Kilo (kilo) and das Gramm (gram). Notice that in German, these standard units of measurement generally do not take a plural ending after numbers.
Length and Distance
To describe distance or how long an object is, use the adjective lang (long) alongside der Zentimeter (centimeter), der Meter (meter), or der Kilometer (kilometer).
Volume
When measuring liquids, use der Liter (liter). Just like the other units of measurement, it stays in its singular form even when the number attached to it is greater than one.
