German ordinal numbers with examples – A1‑B2 guide

German ordinal numbers are formed by adding the suffix -te or -ste to the cardinal base, and they are used for dates, rankings, and floor numbers. Below you’ll learn the rules, see dozens of examples, and get a quick practice routine you can start now.

What are German ordinal numbers and how are they formed?

Ordinal numbers answer the question “which one in order?” and in German they follow a simple pattern: take the cardinal number, drop any ending that conflicts, and attach -te for most numbers up to twenty, then -ste for numbers ending in -s, -z, or -ß, and for all numbers above twenty.

Examples:

• erste (first)
• zweite (second)
• dritte (third)
• vierte (fourth)
• fünfte (fifth)
• sechste (sixth)
• siebte (seventh)
• achte (eighth)
• neunte (ninth)
• zehnte (tenth)

For numbers above twenty the -ste suffix is standard: einundzwanzigste (twenty‑first), zweiunddreißigste (thirty‑second), vierundvierzigste (forty‑fourth). The numbers tool lets you hear each form spoken aloud.

When do I use -te versus -ste suffix?

The choice depends on the sound at the end of the base number. Use -te when the base ends in a vowel or a consonant that is not s, ß, or z. Use -ste after bases ending in s, ß, or z, and for all numbers from twenty onward.

Rule of thumb:

1. If the cardinal ends with a, e, i, o, u, ä, ö, ü, add -te. Example: fünf → fünfte (fifth).
2. If it ends with s, ß, z, add -ste. Example: sechs → sechste (sixth) – note the vowel change.
3. For numbers 21 and higher, always add -ste. Example: einunddreißig → einunddreißigste (thirty‑first).

Practice the contrast with the listen-and-repeat tool to lock the pronunciation in your ear.

How are ordinal numbers written in dates and addresses?

In German, dates are usually written with cardinal numbers followed by a period, not with ordinals, e.g., 12. April (12 April). However, when you spell out a date in a sentence, you use the ordinal form: "Am ersten Mai" (on the first of May).

For floor numbers and street addresses, ordinals are common: "Ich wohne im zweiten Stock" (I live on the second floor) or "Hausnummer fünfte" (house number five).

Check the everyday phrases list for more context sentences you can copy into your practice journal.

Practical steps to practice German ordinal numbers today

Follow this short routine to turn passive knowledge into active recall:

1. Write the cardinal numbers 1‑30 on a sheet of paper.
2. Next to each, add the correct ordinal form using the rules above.
3. Read each pair aloud, emphasizing the suffix (-te or -ste).
4. Cover the ordinal column and try to recall it within 5 seconds.
5. Record yourself saying the ordinals and compare with the repeat tool to spot pronunciation gaps.

Doing this 5 minutes each day builds a solid mental map of the pattern.

Use German Buddy to master ordinal numbers

German Buddy’s free prompt library includes daily writing tasks that ask you to describe schedules, appointments, and floor locations – perfect for inserting ordinal numbers. After you write, the app gives a gentle correction and a tip, helping you internalise the right suffix.

With the Conversation mode you can role‑play a hotel check‑in: "Welcher Stock möchten Sie?" – you answer with zweiten or dritten floor. The app’s feedback highlights any misuse instantly.

How to practise this exact topic in the German Buddy app

Start a custom practice session in the “Vocabulary Swipe” deck, filter for the tag “ordinal”. Swipe through each word, say it aloud, and let the app correct you. You get 7 days of unlimited practice, then a free daily allowance that never runs out. start practising free.

FAQ

Do I need to memorize every ordinal form?

No. Learn the two suffix rules (-te vs -ste) and practice the most common numbers (1‑20, 21, 30, 40, 50). The pattern will let you generate higher numbers on the fly.

Why does "sechste" have an extra vowel?

The base "sechs" drops the final s before adding -te, resulting in sechste. This vowel insertion keeps pronunciation smooth.

Can ordinal numbers be used with nouns in the plural?

Ordinals themselves do not change for plural, but the accompanying noun does. Example: "die ersten drei Kapitel" (the first three chapters). The ordinal stays singular.

Is it ever correct to write ordinals with a period, like "1."?

In formal documents, German sometimes uses a period after the cardinal number to indicate an ordinal, especially in lists ("1. Kapitel"). However, in running text the word form (erste) is preferred.