Question 1

Why is 30 spelled dreißig instead of dreizig?

Accepted Answer

In German, most tens end in -zig (like zwanzig for 20 and vierzig for 40). However, 30 is the only exception and is spelled with an ß (Eszett) instead of a z. It still sounds very similar, but it is a special spelling you just have to memorize!

Question 2

Why does the sentence use dem Kellner instead of der Kellner?

Accepted Answer

Kellner is a masculine noun (the waiter). Because we are giving something to him, he is the indirect object of the sentence. In German, indirect objects take the dative case, which changes the masculine word for the from der to dem.

Question 3

The English translation says thirty euros, but the German is just Euro. Doesn't it need an 's' for plural?

Accepted Answer

In German, masculine and neuter units of currency and measurement (like Euro or Meter) usually do not change their form when they become plural. So whether it is one or thirty, the word remains Euro.

Question 4

Can I use bezahlen here instead of zahlen?

Accepted Answer

Yes! zahlen and bezahlen both mean to pay and are very similar. zahlen is often used when mentioning a specific amount of money (like dreißig Euro), while bezahlen is great for talking about settling a whole bill, but they are often interchangeable in everyday speech.

Wir zahlen dem Kellner dreißig Euro.

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