dreizehn
dreizehn en 30 segundos
- Dreizehn means thirteen (13) in German.
- It's a basic number for counting and quantities.
- Used for age, price, and item counts.
- Pronounced roughly 'dray-tsehn'.
The German word dreizehn is the German word for the number thirteen. It is a cardinal number, meaning it is used for counting and indicating quantity. In German, numbers are fundamental to everyday communication, and dreizehn is one of the basic numbers that learners encounter early on, typically at the CEFR A1 level. You will hear and use dreizehn in a wide variety of contexts, from simple counting to more complex statements involving age, time, dates, prices, and quantities of items. It's a number that bridges the gap between the single digits and the teens, making it a crucial stepping stone in mastering German numerical vocabulary. Understanding dreizehn allows you to engage in more detailed conversations and understand more specific information. For instance, when asking about someone's age, they might reply with dreizehn Jahre alt (thirteen years old), or when discussing a price, an item might cost dreizehn Euro. The number thirteen itself carries various cultural associations in different parts of the world, but in German, its primary function is purely numerical. It is not typically associated with any specific superstitions or special meanings beyond its mathematical value. When you are learning German, mastering the numbers from eleven to twenty is particularly important because they have a slightly different structure compared to the numbers in English. While English uses suffixes like '-teen', German numbers in this range are formed by combining the units digit with '-zehn' (meaning 'ten'). For dreizehn, it is derived from 'drei' (three) and 'zehn' (ten), literally meaning 'three-ten'. This pattern continues for numbers twelve through nineteen, with variations for eleven and twelve. Therefore, learning dreizehn is part of a larger system that, once understood, makes learning the subsequent numbers much easier. It's a building block for more complex numerical expressions and essential for everyday interactions in German-speaking environments. Without a solid grasp of these basic numbers, many common conversations and transactions would be difficult to navigate. The consistent structure of German numbers in the teens provides a logical framework for memorization, making dreizehn a relatively straightforward word to learn and retain. Its utility extends to understanding dates, times, quantities of objects, and even distances, making it a versatile and indispensable part of your German vocabulary. As you progress in your German studies, you'll find that dreizehn appears in countless scenarios, reinforcing its importance in practical communication.
- Basic Form
- dreizehn
- Meaning
- Thirteen (13)
- CEFR Level
- A1
In Deutschland sind es dreizehn Bundesländer.
Using dreizehn in German sentences is straightforward, as it functions as a cardinal number. It is typically used to indicate quantity, age, time, or specific items. When forming sentences, dreizehn generally precedes the noun it quantifies, similar to English. However, unlike some other German numbers or adjectives, dreizehn does not change its form based on the gender, number, or case of the noun it modifies. This makes it one of the simpler numerical words to integrate into your grammar. For example, to say 'thirteen books,' you would say 'dreizehn Bücher'. To indicate age, 'He is thirteen years old' translates to 'Er ist dreizehn Jahre alt.' When referring to dates, such as the thirteenth of a month, you would say 'der dreizehnte' (the thirteenth), where '-te' is an ordinal suffix. However, for the cardinal number itself, dreizehn remains constant. Prices are another common area where you'll encounter dreizehn; for instance, 'Das kostet dreizehn Euro' (That costs thirteen Euros). When counting objects, the structure is direct: 'dreizehn Äpfel' (thirteen apples). Even in more complex sentences, dreizehn retains its invariant form. For instance, 'Ich habe dreizehn Freunde getroffen' (I met thirteen friends). The number dreizehn is a part of the German number system from elf (eleven) to neunzehn (nineteen), which are formed by combining the unit digit with '-zehn'. So, 'drei' (three) + 'zehn' (ten) = dreizehn. This consistent pattern is a key aspect of learning German numbers. It’s important to distinguish between cardinal numbers like dreizehn and ordinal numbers like 'der dreizehnte'. While the cardinal number refers to quantity, the ordinal number refers to position or order. You will find dreizehn used in dialogues about shopping, discussing plans, stating facts, or describing quantities of things. For example, a sentence like 'Auf dem Tisch liegen dreizehn Stifte' (There are thirteen pens on the table) is a very common and direct application. The simplicity of its grammatical behavior makes dreizehn a foundational element for building more complex German sentences. As you become more comfortable with German sentence structure, you will naturally incorporate dreizehn into your own speech and writing with ease.
- Quantity
- Ich habe dreizehn Euro.
- Age
- Sie ist dreizehn Jahre alt.
- Item Count
- Wir brauchen dreizehn Stühle.
Auf dem Markt kaufte ich dreizehn rote Äpfel.
The number dreizehn is a ubiquitous part of the German language, appearing in countless everyday situations. You will frequently hear it when people are discussing quantities of items. For example, in a supermarket, a cashier might say, 'Das macht dreizehn Euro und fünfzig Cent' (That comes to thirteen Euros and fifty cents). When shopping for fruits or vegetables, you might ask for 'dreizehn Kartoffeln, bitte' (thirteen potatoes, please). Children learning to count will often use dreizehn in their games and practice. Age is another very common context. If you meet a young teenager, they are likely to be dreizehn years old, and when asked their age, they will respond with 'Ich bin dreizehn.' In educational settings, teachers use numbers constantly. A math class might involve problems with dreizehn items, or a history lesson might refer to the thirteenth century. Dates are another frequent occurrence. While the ordinal 'der dreizehnte' is used for the day, the cardinal number dreizehn might appear in discussions about the number of days in a period, or in contexts where the number itself is the focus. For instance, 'Wir haben noch dreizehn Tage bis zum Urlaub' (We have thirteen more days until vacation). Transportation can also involve dreizehn; for example, a bus route might be line dreizehn, or a train ticket might be for carriage number dreizehn. In casual conversations among friends, you might hear about sharing something into dreizehn pieces, or discussing the number of people attending an event. Even in less direct contexts, like describing a recipe that requires dreizehn grams of an ingredient, the number will be used. Listen to German radio, watch German television, or interact with native speakers, and you will quickly realize how often this seemingly simple number is used. It's a fundamental part of spoken and written German, essential for understanding everyday transactions, personal details, and factual statements. The consistent pronunciation and invariant grammatical form of dreizehn make it an accessible word for learners to pick up and use confidently in various scenarios. Its presence is so pervasive that once you start actively listening for it, you'll notice it everywhere.
- Shopping
- The price of an item.
- Age
- Someone's age, especially a teenager.
- Counting
- Quantifying objects or people.
- Dates
- Referring to a duration or number of days.
Der Bus mit der Nummer dreizehn fährt um acht Uhr ab.
When learning the number dreizehn, English speakers might make a few common mistakes. The most frequent error is related to pronunciation. German 'r' sounds can be tricky, and the 'ei' diphthong in dreizehn needs to be pronounced correctly, similar to the 'eye' sound in English 'my'. A mispronunciation might sound like 'dray-tsen' or 'dree-tsen' instead of the correct 'dray-tsehn'. Another common pitfall is confusing cardinal numbers with ordinal numbers. While dreizehn means 'thirteen' (quantity), the ordinal number for 'the thirteenth' is 'der dreizehnte'. Learners might incorrectly use dreizehn when they mean the ordinal form, for example, saying 'Ich wohne in der dreizehn Straße' when they should say 'in der dreizehnten Straße'. Grammatically, dreizehn is an invariant number, meaning it does not change its form based on the gender, number, or case of the noun it modifies. A mistake might be to try and add an ending to it, thinking it behaves like an adjective. For instance, incorrectly saying 'dreizehnen Bücher' instead of the correct 'dreizehn Bücher'. Some learners might also struggle with the German number system's structure for teens. While English uses a consistent '-teen' suffix, German combines the unit digit with '-zehn'. Forgetting this pattern and trying to create a direct translation or using a non-existent German word for thirteen is a possibility. Finally, confusion can arise from the number thirteen's cultural associations in some English-speaking countries (e.g., bad luck). While this doesn't directly affect the German word's meaning or usage, it might lead to an overthinking or hesitation in using the number, which is purely numerical in German context. To avoid these mistakes, focus on clear pronunciation, understand the difference between cardinal and ordinal numbers, remember that dreizehn is invariant, and practice using it in various sentence structures. Listening to native speakers will greatly help in internalizing the correct pronunciation and usage.
- Pronunciation
- Incorrectly pronouncing the 'ei' diphthong or the German 'r'.
- Cardinal vs. Ordinal
- Using dreizehn when 'der dreizehnte' is needed.
- Grammatical Form
- Attempting to inflect dreizehn like an adjective.
Falsch: Ich wohne in der dreizehnen Straße. Richtig: Ich wohne in der dreizehnten Straße.
When discussing the number thirteen in German, there are several related terms and concepts to consider. The most direct alternative is simply the numeral itself, '13', which is often used in writing. However, in spoken German or when spelling out numbers, dreizehn is the standard. Other numbers in the same range are similar in structure: 'elf' (eleven), 'zwölf' (twelve), 'vierzehn' (fourteen), 'fünfzehn' (fifteen), 'sechzehn' (sixteen), 'siebzehn' (seventeen), 'achtzehn' (eighteen), and 'neunzehn' (nineteen). These all follow the pattern of combining a base number with '-zehn', except for elf and zwölf. For example, 'vierzehn' is 'vier' (four) + 'zehn' (ten). The ordinal number 'der dreizehnte' (the thirteenth) is a crucial distinction. While dreizehn refers to quantity, 'der dreizehnte' refers to position in a sequence, such as the thirteenth day of the month or the thirteenth person in line. You might also encounter numbers that are multiples of ten, like 'zwanzig' (twenty), 'dreißig' (thirty), and so on. These are foundational numbers that help build larger numbers. For instance, numbers like 'einundzwanzig' (twenty-one) are formed by stating the unit digit first, then the ten. In terms of synonyms, there aren't really any direct synonyms for dreizehn in the way there are for nouns or verbs. It's a specific numerical value. However, if you want to express 'a small group' or 'a few', you might use words like 'einige' or 'ein paar', but these are vague approximations and not specific quantities. When discussing age, dreizehn is often used in conjunction with 'Jahre alt' (years old). In contexts where a precise number isn't needed, or if the exact number is unknown but estimated to be around thirteen, one might use phrases like 'ungefähr dreizehn' (approximately thirteen) or 'um die dreizehn' (around thirteen). It's important to note that in German, unlike in some English contexts, the number thirteen does not carry inherent negative connotations or superstitions. It is treated purely as a mathematical quantity. Therefore, when choosing vocabulary, stick to dreizehn for the cardinal number thirteen and 'der dreizehnte' for the ordinal number. Avoid using vague terms when a specific number is required, and always remember the structural similarities and differences between German teens and other number groups.
- Related Numbers (Teens)
- elf (11), zwölf (12), vierzehn (14), fünfzehn (15), sechzehn (16), siebzehn (17), achtzehn (18), neunzehn (19).
- Ordinal Number
- der dreizehnte (the thirteenth)
- Approximations
- ungefähr dreizehn (approximately thirteen), um die dreizehn (around thirteen)
Ich habe dreizehn Bücher, aber mein Freund hat nur zwölf.
How Formal Is It?
Dato curioso
The pattern of forming numbers thirteen through nineteen by combining the unit digit with 'zehn' (ten) is a hallmark of the Germanic languages. For example, English 'thirteen' shares a similar root with 'three' and 'ten', while Dutch has 'dertiien' (drie + tien) and Swedish has 'tretton' (tre + tio). This shared structure highlights the common ancestry of these languages.
Guía de pronunciación
- Pronouncing 'ei' as a long 'ee' sound.
- Mispronouncing the 'z' as a voiced 'z' sound instead of 'ts'.
- Not emphasizing the first syllable.
- Adding an extra vowel sound before the final 'n'.
- Rolling the 'r' too strongly, making it sound distinctly German rather than natural.
Nivel de dificultad
As a basic cardinal number at the A1 level, <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> is very easy to read and understand in context. Learners will encounter it frequently in written materials.
Writing <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> is straightforward once the spelling is learned. Its invariant nature simplifies its use in sentences.
Pronunciation is key, but the word is generally easy to say correctly with practice. Its frequent use makes it easy to incorporate into spoken German.
Recognizing <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> when spoken is easy due to its commonality and distinct pronunciation.
Qué aprender después
Requisitos previos
Aprende después
Avanzado
Gramática que debes saber
Cardinal Numbers in German
Numbers like dreizehn are used for counting. They generally precede the noun they quantify and do not change form.
Ordinal Numbers in German
Ordinal numbers, like 'der dreizehnte' (the thirteenth), indicate order or position and change form based on gender, number, and case.
Invariant Adjectives/Numerals
Dreizehn is an example of an invariant numeral, meaning it does not take endings like typical adjectives.
German Number System (Teens)
Numbers from 13 to 19 are formed by combining the unit digit with '-zehn'. For example, dreizehn = drei + zehn.
Noun-Adjective Agreement
While dreizehn itself is invariant, the nouns it modifies will follow agreement rules. For example, 'dreizehn Bucher' (plural noun).
Ejemplos por nivel
Ich habe drei plus zehn. Das ist dreizehn.
I have three plus ten. That is thirteen.
Simple addition leading to the number.
Hier sind dreizehn Äpfel.
Here are thirteen apples.
Cardinal number used for quantity.
Mein Bruder ist dreizehn Jahre alt.
My brother is thirteen years old.
Expressing age with the cardinal number.
Ich sehe dreizehn Autos.
I see thirteen cars.
Counting objects in a visual scene.
Das kostet dreizehn Euro.
That costs thirteen Euros.
Stating a price.
Wir sind dreizehn.
We are thirteen.
Stating the size of a group.
Gib mir bitte dreizehn Kugelschreiber.
Please give me thirteen pens.
Requesting a specific quantity.
Der Zug hat dreizehn Wagen.
The train has thirteen carriages.
Describing a component count.
Auf meinem Schreibtisch liegen dreizehn Bücher.
There are thirteen books on my desk.
Using the number to describe a collection of items.
Für das Projekt brauchen wir dreizehn Stifte.
For the project, we need thirteen pens.
Expressing a required quantity for a task.
Meine kleine Schwester wird bald dreizehn.
My little sister is turning thirteen soon.
Talking about future age.
Ich habe dreizehn Freunde eingeladen.
I invited thirteen friends.
Quantifying people invited to an event.
Der Flugpreis beträgt dreizehn Euro.
The flight price is thirteen Euros.
Stating a price in a specific context.
Wir warten seit dreizehn Minuten.
We have been waiting for thirteen minutes.
Indicating a duration of time.
Das ist der dreizehnte Tag im Monat.
That is the thirteenth day of the month.
Using the ordinal number for a date (note: the prompt uses the cardinal, but this is a common related concept). The sentence given is technically cardinal, but implies the date context.
Ich habe dreizehn Ideen für dich.
I have thirteen ideas for you.
Quantifying abstract concepts.
Die Veranstaltung zieht normalerweise dreizehn Prozent der Bevölkerung an.
The event usually attracts thirteen percent of the population.
Using percentages.
Wir haben noch dreizehn Tage Zeit, bis die Prüfung beginnt.
We still have thirteen days until the exam begins.
Referring to remaining time before an event.
Er hat sich dreizehn verschiedene Bücher über Geschichte gekauft.
He bought thirteen different books about history.
Quantifying specific items within a category.
Die Buslinie dreizehn fährt direkt ins Stadtzentrum.
Bus line thirteen goes directly to the city center.
Referring to a numbered route or line.
Sie hat dreizehn Jahre lang Klavier gespielt.
She played the piano for thirteen years.
Indicating a duration of practice or activity.
In dieser Bäckerei kosten drei Brötchen dreizehn Euro.
In this bakery, three rolls cost thirteen Euros.
Complex pricing scenario.
Mit dreizehn Jahren begann er, seine Leidenschaft für Musik zu entdecken.
At thirteen years old, he began to discover his passion for music.
Describing the age at which a significant event occurred.
Die Studie umfasste dreizehn Teilnehmer aus verschiedenen Altersgruppen.
The study included thirteen participants from different age groups.
Specifying the number of participants in research.
Die Analyse ergab, dass dreizehn Prozent der Befragten mit der neuen Politik unzufrieden waren.
The analysis revealed that thirteen percent of the respondents were dissatisfied with the new policy.
Reporting findings from an analysis, using percentages.
Es ist wichtig zu bedenken, dass die durchschnittliche Wartezeit um die dreizehn Minuten liegt.
It is important to consider that the average waiting time is around thirteen minutes.
Using approximations with numbers.
Der Künstler hat dreizehn Skulpturen für die Ausstellung geschaffen.
The artist has created thirteen sculptures for the exhibition.
Quantifying artistic creations for an event.
Die Verhandlungen dauerten dreizehn Stunden und führten schließlich zu einer Einigung.
The negotiations lasted thirteen hours and finally led to an agreement.
Indicating a long duration of a specific event.
Aufgrund der aktuellen Marktlage werden voraussichtlich nur dreizehn neue Mitarbeiter eingestellt.
Due to the current market situation, only thirteen new employees are expected to be hired.
Expressing a limited number of hires due to economic factors.
Die Auswertung der Daten zeigte eine signifikante Korrelation bei dreizehn von vierzig Fällen.
The data evaluation showed a significant correlation in thirteen out of forty cases.
Expressing a proportion within a larger set.
Er feierte seinen dreizehnten Geburtstag mit einer großen Party.
He celebrated his thirteenth birthday with a big party.
Describing a significant birthday celebration.
Die Stadt plant, dreizehn neue Parks innerhalb der nächsten fünf Jahre zu eröffnen.
The city plans to open thirteen new parks within the next five years.
Stating future urban development plans.
Die statistische Signifikanz der Ergebnisse ist bei p < 0.05 zu beobachten, wobei dreizehn Beobachtungen als Ausreißer klassifiziert wurden.
The statistical significance of the results can be observed at p < 0.05, with thirteen observations classified as outliers.
Using numbers in a highly technical scientific context.
Es wird angenommen, dass die Ursprünge des Rituals auf die Zeit vor dreizehn Jahrhunderten zurückgehen.
It is assumed that the origins of the ritual date back thirteen centuries.
Referring to historical periods using centuries.
Die ökonomische Analyse prognostiziert für das kommende Quartal ein Wachstum von knapp dreizehn Prozent.
The economic analysis predicts growth of just under thirteen percent for the coming quarter.
Using precise financial forecasting language.
In der komplexen Symphonie sind dreizehn verschiedene Instrumente prominent vertreten.
In the complex symphony, thirteen different instruments are prominently featured.
Describing the composition of an artistic work.
Die archäologische Grabung legte Artefakte frei, die auf eine Siedlungsdauer von mindestens dreizehn Generationen schließen lassen.
The archaeological excavation uncovered artifacts suggesting a settlement duration of at least thirteen generations.
Estimating historical duration based on evidence.
Trotz anfänglicher Skepsis konnte das Projekt dreizehn wichtige Meilensteine erfolgreich abschließen.
Despite initial skepticism, the project successfully completed thirteen important milestones.
Highlighting achievements in project management.
Die Verteilung der Stimmen zeigte eine klare Präferenz, wobei dreizehn von zwanzig Abgeordneten für den Antrag stimmten.
The vote distribution showed a clear preference, with thirteen out of twenty representatives voting for the motion.
Reporting voting results with precise numbers.
Die Forschungsarbeit identifizierte dreizehn potenzielle Risikofaktoren, die weiter untersucht werden müssen.
The research paper identified thirteen potential risk factors that require further investigation.
Identifying and categorizing factors in research.
Die Quantenfeldtheorie postuliert die Existenz von dreizehn fundamentalen Teilchen, die für die Gravitation verantwortlich sind.
Quantum field theory postulates the existence of thirteen fundamental particles responsible for gravity.
Using numbers in highly specialized theoretical physics.
Die historische Rekonstruktion legt nahe, dass die Stadtgründung etwa dreizehn Jahrhunderte vor Christus erfolgte.
The historical reconstruction suggests that the city was founded approximately thirteen centuries before Christ.
Precise historical dating, potentially with slight ambiguity.
Das juristische Gutachten erörtert dreizehn Präzedenzfälle, die für die aktuelle Rechtsfrage relevant sind.
The legal opinion discusses thirteen precedents relevant to the current legal question.
Referencing legal precedents in sophisticated argumentation.
Die literarische Analyse von Goethes Werk enthüllt dreizehn unterschwellige Motive, die seine philosophischen Ansichten widerspiegeln.
The literary analysis of Goethe's work reveals thirteen underlying motifs reflecting his philosophical views.
Interpreting subtle themes in literature.
Die seismische Aktivität in der Region korreliert mit dreizehn geologischen Verwerfungslinien, die bisher unentdeckt blieben.
The seismic activity in the region correlates with thirteen geological fault lines that remained undiscovered until now.
Interpreting complex scientific data.
Die Debatte um die Reform zog sich über dreizehn Sitzungsperioden hin, wobei jede Periode neue Herausforderungen mit sich brachte.
The debate on the reform spanned thirteen session periods, with each period bringing new challenges.
Describing a protracted and complex process.
Die Erforschung der Biodiversität ergab die Existenz von dreizehn bisher unbekannten Arten in diesem abgelegenen Ökosystem.
The biodiversity research revealed the existence of thirteen previously unknown species in this remote ecosystem.
Reporting significant findings in scientific exploration.
Die Analyse der politischen Landschaft zeigt, dass dreizehn Fraktionen um Einfluss ringen.
The analysis of the political landscape shows that thirteen factions are vying for influence.
Describing intricate political dynamics.
Colocaciones comunes
Frases Comunes
— This phrase is used by a thirteen-year-old to state their age.
Wenn jemand fragt, wie alt du bist, und du dreizehn bist, sagst du: 'Ich bin dreizehn Jahre alt.'
— This phrase is used to state the price of an item or service is thirteen Euros.
Beim Einkaufen sagst du: 'Entschuldigung, was kostet das? - Das kostet dreizehn Euro.'
— This phrase is used to indicate that thirteen of something are needed.
Wenn du eine Liste für eine Party erstellst, könntest du sagen: 'Wir brauchen dreizehn Stühle.'
— This phrase is used to state that the quantity of something is thirteen.
Wenn du etwas zählst und fertig bist, kannst du sagen: 'Okay, es sind dreizehn.'
— This phrase is used in mathematical contexts, meaning thirteen plus some other number or variable.
Im Mathematikunterricht hörst du vielleicht: 'Was ist dreizehn plus fünf?'
— This refers to the thirteenth day of a month or a sequence.
Der dreizehnte Tag im Monat ist mein Geburtstag.
— This phrase indicates a proportion, meaning thirteen out of a total of twenty.
In der Klasse waren dreizehn von zwanzig Schülern anwesend.
— This means waiting for a duration of thirteen minutes.
Wir müssen noch dreizehn Minuten warten, bis der Bus kommt.
— This means to repeat something thirteen times.
Bitte wiederhole den Satz dreizehn Mal.
— This means approximately thirteen, used for estimations.
Es kamen etwa dreizehn Leute zur Besprechung.
Se confunde a menudo con
While related, 'dreizehnte' is the ordinal number (the thirteenth), used for order and position, whereas dreizehn is the cardinal number (thirteen) for quantity.
This is simply the next number in sequence (fourteen). Confusion might arise from mishearing or misremembering due to similar pronunciation patterns of German teen numbers.
This is the base number 'three'. Learners might confuse the root word with the full number for thirteen, especially when first learning the number system.
Modismos y expresiones
— This refers to a 'thirteenth salary', often a Christmas bonus or an extra month's salary paid annually in some countries. It is not related to the number thirteen itself having a negative connotation.
Viele Unternehmen zahlen ihren Mitarbeitern ein dreizehntes Gehalt als Weihnachtsbonus.
Formal/Workplace— This phrase means 'to be unlucky' or 'to have bad luck'. It's an idiom where the number thirteen is associated with misfortune, similar to some English-speaking cultures.
Heute ist mein Glückstag nicht, ich bin heute auf Nummer dreizehn.
Informal— This describes the age when a young person starts to explore and understand the world around them, often associated with the beginning of adolescence.
Mit dreizehn Jahren beginnt man oft, die Welt mit eigenen Augen zu sehen.
Figurative/General— This is a playful way to say someone is extremely lucky, implying a supernatural amount of good fortune.
Er hat im Lotto gewonnen, er muss dreizehnmal Glück haben!
Informal/Exaggeration— This implies giving someone an opportunity beyond the expected or reasonable number of chances.
Nach so vielen Fehlern werde ich ihm keine dreizehnte Chance mehr geben.
Figurative/General— This idiom refers to being the last person in a group, often implying they are the least important or an afterthought.
Er kam als dreizehnter im Bunde zur Besprechung und wurde kaum beachtet.
Informal/Figurative— This idiom suggests a very convoluted or complicated way of thinking, perhaps overly so.
Man muss nicht dreizehnmal um die Ecke denken, um diese einfache Lösung zu finden.
Figurative/Informal— This is a poetic or literary phrase referring to a long period, often associated with significant events or changes.
Seit dem Krieg ist es wie das dreizehnte Kometenjahr vergangen.
Literary/Figurative— Similar to 'Auf Nummer dreizehn', this emphasizes a string of bad luck.
Sein Auto ist kaputt gegangen, dann hat er seinen Schlüssel verloren – er hatte wirklich dreizehnmal Pech gehabt.
Informal— This implies giving an additional, perhaps unnecessary or excessive, piece of advice or comment.
Der Lehrer gab jedem Schüler eine dreizehnte Note, die nicht auf dem Zeugnis stand.
Figurative/EducationalFácil de confundir
Both terms relate to the number thirteen and share similar sounds.
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Dreizehn</mark> refers to the quantity 'thirteen'. 'Der <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehnte</mark>' refers to the order or position, 'the thirteenth'. The latter takes grammatical endings.
Ich habe <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Euro. (I have thirteen Euros.) vs. Der <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehnte</mark> Mai ist mein Geburtstag. (The thirteenth of May is my birthday.)
Both are numbers in the teens and follow a similar structural pattern (unit + zehn).
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Dreizehn</mark> means thirteen. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Vierzehn</mark> means fourteen. The initial sound is different ('drei' vs 'vier').
Ich kaufe <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Äpfel. (I am buying thirteen apples.) vs. Ich kaufe <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>vierzehn</mark> Birnen. (I am buying fourteen pears.)
It immediately precedes thirteen and is part of the early teen numbers.
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Zwölf</mark> means twelve. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Dreizehn</mark> means thirteen. The sounds are distinct ('zwölf' vs 'dreizehn').
Er ist <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>zwölf</mark> Jahre alt. (He is twelve years old.) vs. Sie ist <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Jahre alt. (She is thirteen years old.)
It is the base number that forms <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark>.
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Drei</mark> means three. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Dreizehn</mark> means thirteen. The latter is significantly larger and includes the concept of ten.
Ich habe <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>drei</mark> Hunde. (I have three dogs.) vs. Ich habe <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Hunde. (I have thirteen dogs.)
It is the second component part of <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark>.
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Zehn</mark> means ten. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Dreizehn</mark> means thirteen. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Dreizehn</mark> is greater than <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>zehn</mark>.
Das sind <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>zehn</mark> Finger. (These are ten fingers.) vs. Das sind <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Finger. (These are thirteen fingers.)
Patrones de oraciones
Number + Noun (plural)
<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Stifte
Ich bin + Number + Jahre alt.
Ich bin <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Jahre alt.
Das kostet + Number + Währung.
Das kostet <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Euro.
Hier sind + Number + Noun (plural).
Hier sind <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Äpfel.
Wir brauchen + Number + Noun (plural).
Wir brauchen <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Karten.
Location + liegen/stehen + Number + Noun (plural).
Auf dem Tisch liegen <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Bücher.
Wir haben noch + Number + Tage/Wochen.
Wir haben noch <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Tage.
Subjekt + hat/haben + Number + Noun (plural) + als/für...
Die Gruppe hat <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Mitglieder.
Familia de palabras
Sustantivos
Adjetivos
Relacionado
Cómo usarlo
Very High
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Pronouncing 'dreizehn' as 'dray-tsen' with a hard 'ts' sound at the end.
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The final 'n' is often syllabic, similar to the end of 'button' but lighter, or a soft 'en' sound.
Native speakers often pronounce the final syllable more like a soft 'n' or a syllabic 'n' rather than a distinct 'en'. This is a subtle point, but listening to native speakers helps.
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Using <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> when 'der <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehnte</mark>' is needed.
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Use <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> for quantity and 'der <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehnte</mark>' for order.
This is a common confusion between cardinal and ordinal numbers. <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Dreizehn</mark> tells you 'how many', while 'der dreizehnte' tells you 'which one' in a sequence.
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Adding grammatical endings to <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> as if it were an adjective.
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<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>Dreizehn</mark> is invariant and does not take endings.
Learners sometimes mistakenly treat numbers like adjectives and try to add endings (e.g., '<mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehnen</mark> Bücher'). This is incorrect; the number itself remains <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark>.
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Mispronouncing the 'ei' diphthong as 'ee' or 'eye'.
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The 'ei' sounds like 'ay' in 'say' or 'day'.
The German 'ei' diphthong is consistently pronounced like the 'ay' in English words like 'say' or 'day'. Incorrectly pronouncing it can make the word unrecognizable.
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Confusing <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> with similar-sounding numbers like 'sechzehn' or 'vierzehn'.
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Listen carefully to the initial sound ('drei' vs 'sech' vs 'vier') and the vowel sounds.
While many teen numbers have a similar '-zehn' ending, the initial parts are distinct. Paying attention to the beginning of the word is crucial for distinguishing them, especially when listening.
Consejos
Master the 'ei' and 'z'
The 'ei' in dreizehn sounds like 'ay' in 'say'. The 'z' sounds like 'ts' in 'cats'. Practice saying 'drei-tsehn' clearly. Listen to native speakers pronounce it to perfect your accent.
Invariant Number
Dreizehn is invariant, meaning it never changes its form. You don't add endings to it, unlike some adjectives. It's always dreizehn before a noun, regardless of case or gender.
Everyday Use
You'll hear dreizehn constantly in daily life: prices, ages, quantities of items. Actively listen for it when interacting with German speakers or media.
Cardinal vs. Ordinal
Remember that dreizehn is for quantity (thirteen), while 'der dreizehnte' is for order (the thirteenth). They are not interchangeable.
Link to 'Three' and 'Ten'
Break dreizehn into 'drei' (three) and 'zehn' (ten). Visualizing three plus ten items can help you remember the meaning.
Count Everything!
Practice counting objects around you in German, using dreizehn and other numbers. The more you use it, the more natural it will become.
Neutral Number
Don't worry about 'unlucky thirteen' in German. Dreizehn is a standard, neutral number with no inherent negative connotations in most contexts.
Number Pattern
Understand that dreizehn follows the pattern of combining the unit digit with '-zehn'. This pattern applies to numbers 13-19, making them easier to learn.
Use in Sentences
Try creating sentences using dreizehn in different contexts: age, price, quantity. This reinforces both the word and its grammatical function.
Active Listening
When listening to German, actively try to identify the number dreizehn. Pay attention to the context to understand its meaning.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
Think of 'three-teen'. In German, it's 'drei-zehn'. Imagine a clock showing three o'clock (drei Uhr) and then imagine it's the thirteenth hour of the day (which is 1 PM, but for memorization, just link the sounds). So, 'drei' sounds like 'dry', and 'zehn' sounds like 'ten'. Picture a dry, ten-dollar bill, and it's the thirteenth one in your wallet.
Asociación visual
Visualize the number 13. Break it down: '3' (drei) and '10' (zehn). Imagine a group of three apples and a group of ten apples, and you combine them to get thirteen. Or picture a clock showing 3:00, and then imagine that it's the 13th hour of the day (1 PM).
Word Web
Desafío
Try to count from one to twenty in German, focusing on the pattern for numbers eleven through nineteen. Pay special attention to dreizehn. Say it aloud ten times, then write it down five times. Try to create a sentence using dreizehn about something you own or see.
Origen de la palabra
The German word dreizehn originates from Old High German. It is a compound word formed by combining the number 'drei' (three) with the word 'zehn' (ten). This structure is consistent with how numbers from eleven to nineteen are formed in German, reflecting a Germanic linguistic heritage.
Significado original: Literally translates to 'three-ten', indicating the quantity of three units beyond ten.
Indo-European, Germanic branchContexto cultural
The number thirteen itself is not a sensitive topic in German culture. Its usage is primarily functional. However, like in any culture, discussing specific quantities or financial matters should be done with appropriate context and respect.
In many English-speaking countries, the number thirteen is often considered unlucky, leading to phenomena like skipping the 13th floor in buildings or avoiding the number in general. This contrasts with its neutral, purely numerical function in German.
Practica en la vida real
Contextos reales
Shopping and Prices
- Das kostet <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Euro.
- Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?
- Haben Sie das auch in einer anderen Größe?
Age
- Ich bin <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Jahre alt.
- Wie alt bist du?
- Meine Tochter wird bald vierzehn.
Counting Objects
- Ich habe <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Bücher.
- Kannst du mir <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Stifte geben?
- Wie viele Äpfel sind das?
Time and Dates
- Wir haben noch <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> Tage.
- Der <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehnte</mark> Mai.
- Wann beginnt der Kurs?
Transportation
- Der Bus Nummer <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark> fährt hier ab.
- Mein Sitzplatz ist in Reihe <mark class='bg-violet-200 dark:bg-violet-800 px-0.5 rounded'>dreizehn</mark>.
- Wo ist die nächste Haltestelle?
Inicios de conversación
"What's your favorite number and why?"
"If you could have any superpower, what would it be?"
"What are your plans for the weekend?"
"Tell me about your hobbies."
"What's the last interesting thing you learned?"
Temas para diario
Describe a time you had to count many things. What was the total number?
Write about a memorable birthday, perhaps your thirteenth.
Imagine you are buying something that costs exactly thirteen Euros. What is it and why do you want it?
If you had thirteen wishes, what would you wish for?
Reflect on a situation where you had to wait for thirteen minutes. How did you feel?
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasThe pronunciation is roughly 'dray-tsehn'. The 'ei' sounds like 'ay' in 'say', and the 'z' sounds like 'ts' in 'cats'. The stress is on the first syllable: DREI-zehn. Listen to native speakers for the most accurate pronunciation.
Unlike in some English-speaking cultures, the number thirteen (dreizehn) does not carry strong negative superstitions in Germany. While the idiom 'auf Nummer dreizehn sein' (to be unlucky) exists, the number itself is generally treated as a neutral cardinal number for counting and quantities.
No, as a cardinal number, dreizehn is invariant. It does not change its ending based on the gender, number, or case of the noun it modifies. For example, it's always 'dreizehn Bücher', not 'dreizehnen Bücher'.
'Dreizehn' is the cardinal number for thirteen, used for quantity (e.g., 'dreizehn Äpfel' - thirteen apples). 'Der dreizehnte' is the ordinal number for the thirteenth, used for order or position (e.g., 'der dreizehnte Mai' - the thirteenth of May).
Numbers from thirteen to nineteen in German are typically formed by combining the unit digit with '-zehn' (ten). So, dreizehn is 'drei' (three) + 'zehn' (ten).
Yes, dreizehn can be used as a noun, usually in its capitalized form 'Dreizehn', when referring to the number itself as an abstract concept or entity. For example, 'Die Zahl Dreizehn ist ungewöhnlich.' (The number thirteen is unusual.)
Common phrases include 'Ich bin dreizehn Jahre alt.' (I am thirteen years old.), 'Das kostet dreizehn Euro.' (That costs thirteen Euros.), and 'Wir brauchen dreizehn Stück.' (We need thirteen pieces.)
Yes, the term 'dreizehntes Gehalt' exists and refers to a thirteenth salary, often paid as a Christmas bonus or an annual extra payment in some companies and countries. This is a positive association with the number.
Practice by counting objects around you, stating prices, or talking about the ages of people you know. Try to form sentences using the patterns provided, and listen to German audio to get used to hearing it in context.
It comes from Old High German 'drīzehhan', meaning 'three-ten', combining 'drei' (three) and 'zehn' (ten).
Ponte a prueba 10 preguntas
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Summary
Dreizehn is the German word for the number thirteen (13). It's a fundamental cardinal number used for counting, stating quantities, ages, prices, and in various everyday contexts. It maintains an invariant form in sentences, simplifying its grammatical usage.
- Dreizehn means thirteen (13) in German.
- It's a basic number for counting and quantities.
- Used for age, price, and item counts.
- Pronounced roughly 'dray-tsehn'.
Master the 'ei' and 'z'
The 'ei' in dreizehn sounds like 'ay' in 'say'. The 'z' sounds like 'ts' in 'cats'. Practice saying 'drei-tsehn' clearly. Listen to native speakers pronounce it to perfect your accent.
Invariant Number
Dreizehn is invariant, meaning it never changes its form. You don't add endings to it, unlike some adjectives. It's always dreizehn before a noun, regardless of case or gender.
Everyday Use
You'll hear dreizehn constantly in daily life: prices, ages, quantities of items. Actively listen for it when interacting with German speakers or media.
Cardinal vs. Ordinal
Remember that dreizehn is for quantity (thirteen), while 'der dreizehnte' is for order (the thirteenth). They are not interchangeable.
Contenido relacionado
Más palabras de general
ab
A1A partir de; desde. 'A partir de las ocho estamos allí.' (Ab acht Uhr sind wir da.)
abends
A2Por la tarde/noche. 'Leo por las noches.'
aber
A1La palabra 'aber' significa 'pero'. Se usa para conectar dos ideas que contrastan.
abgelegen
B1remote
ablehnen
A2Rechazar o declinar una oferta. El juez rechazó la petición.
abschließen
A2Cerrar algo con llave. Finalizar formalmente unos estudios o firmar un contrato o seguro.
abseits
A2Abseits significa que algo está lejos del área principal o del camino habitual.
acht
A1El número ocho (8).
Achte
A1Octavo (número ordinal).
achten
A2Prestar atención a algo (con 'auf') o respetar a alguien.