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A1 adjective #1,300 most common 12 min read

Fünfte

Top 1,300

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Fünfte in 30 Seconds

Explanation Fünfte in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'fünfte' is primarily used for basic counting, dates, and simple positions. Learners should focus on the fact that 'fünfte' is the ordinal version of 'fünf'. The most common usage at this level is in dates (e.g., 'der fünfte Mai') and floors in a building ('der fünfte Stock'). It is important to realize that unlike English, German ordinal numbers almost always need an article (der, die, das). At this stage, you don't need to worry too much about complex declensions, but you should recognize that the ending might change from '-e' to '-en' when you see words like 'am' (am fünften). Focus on memorizing the basic form 'fünfte' and its use in the nominative case with 'der/die/das'. Practice saying your birthday or today's date using ordinal numbers to get comfortable with the 'ü' sound and the '-te' suffix. This word is essential for basic survival German, such as following directions or understanding a schedule.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'fünfte' in more varied sentences and begin to pay attention to basic declension. You will use it to describe sequences in your daily routine, such as 'das fünfte Mal' (the fifth time) or 'die fünfte Woche' (the fifth week). You should also be comfortable using it in the dative case after prepositions of time and place, such as 'im fünften Stock' or 'seit dem fünften Januar'. At this level, you should also learn the word 'fünftens' to help structure short spoken presentations or lists. You will encounter 'fünfte' in simple stories and news reports, often referring to rankings in sports or the order of events. Understanding that 'fünfte' acts like an adjective and follows the same ending rules as 'gut' or 'groß' when preceded by an article is a key milestone for A2 learners. You should also be able to distinguish between 'fünf' (quantity) and 'fünfte' (order) in listening exercises.

By B1, you are expected to use 'fünfte' accurately across all four cases (Nominative, Accusative, Dative, Genitive). You should be able to decline it correctly with both definite and indefinite articles, as well as with possessive pronouns (e.g., 'mein fünfter Versuch'). You will use 'fünfte' in more complex discussions, such as talking about history (e.g., 'Karl der Fünfte') or analyzing data (e.g., 'jeder fünfte Deutsche'). At this level, you should also become familiar with the idiom 'das fünfte Rad am Wagen' and understand its cultural context. Your writing should use 'fünftens' to provide a clear structure to your arguments. You will also start to encounter the fractional noun 'Fünftel' and should be able to use it correctly in sentences about proportions or statistics. B1 learners should also be aware of the 'Fünfte Jahreszeit' and its significance in German culture, particularly if they live in or visit the Rhineland.

At the B2 level, 'fünfte' is used with high precision in both formal and informal contexts. You should have no trouble with the declension, even in complex sentences with multiple adjectives. You will use 'fünfte' in professional settings, such as referring to the 'fünfte Quartal' (metaphorically) or 'die fünfte Verhandlungsrunde'. You should be able to understand and use 'fünfte' in abstract ways, such as discussing the 'fünfte Dimension' in a scientific or philosophical context. Your listening skills should be sharp enough to catch the difference between 'fünfte' and 'fünfzigste' in fast-paced speech. You will also encounter 'fünfte' in more sophisticated literature and journalism, where it might be used to create a sense of rhythm or emphasis. At B2, you should also be comfortable using ordinal numbers as substantives (e.g., 'Der Fünfte von links') and know when to capitalize them. You can also explain the difference between 'fünffach' and 'fünfte' to others.

At the C1 level, your use of 'fünfte' is near-native. You can use it in highly formal academic or legal writing, understanding the nuances of how ordinal numbers function in titles and citations. You are familiar with rare or archaic uses of ordinal numbers and can appreciate the stylistic choice of using 'fünftens' versus other transition words. You understand the historical weight of 'fünfte' in names like 'Die Fünfte Kolonne' (The Fifth Column) and can discuss the political implications of such terms. Your pronunciation is perfect, including the subtle shifts in vowel length and the crispness of the consonants. You can effortlessly switch between 'fünfte' as an adjective and 'Fünfte' as a noun. You also have a deep understanding of the 'Fünfte Jahreszeit' and can discuss its regional variations and historical origins in detail. At this level, 'fünfte' is just one tool in a very large and well-organized linguistic toolbox.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'fünfte' and all its related forms. You can use it with poetic flair or clinical precision. You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other Indo-European languages. You can use 'fünfte' in puns, wordplay, and complex metaphors that require a deep cultural and linguistic background. Whether you are analyzing a symphony by Mahler, discussing the legal ramifications of a 'fünfte Instanz', or writing a satirical piece about the 'fünfte Jahreszeit', you do so with the ease of a highly educated native speaker. There are no grammatical structures involving 'fünfte' that you do not understand or cannot use correctly. You can also identify regional dialects where the pronunciation or usage of ordinal numbers might vary slightly. For you, 'fünfte' is not just a number; it is a versatile element of the German language that you can manipulate to express the finest shades of meaning.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Fünfte in 30 Seconds

Fünfte is the German ordinal number for 'fifth', used to describe positions in a sequence.
It acts as an adjective and requires declension endings (e.g., -e, -er, -en) based on gender and case.
Commonly used for dates, floors in buildings, school grades, and historical titles.
Key cultural uses include 'Beethovens Fünfte' and the 'Fünfte Jahreszeit' (Carnival).

The German word fünfte is the ordinal number for 'fifth'. In the German language, ordinal numbers function as adjectives, meaning they must agree in gender, number, and case with the noun they modify. This word is derived from the cardinal number fünf (five) by adding the suffix -te. For numbers between 1 and 19, German typically adds -te to form the ordinal, whereas for 20 and above, the suffix -ste is used. The word 'fünfte' is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in contexts ranging from calendar dates and floor levels in buildings to historical titles and rankings in competitions.

Temporal Context: When stating dates, Germans use ordinal numbers. For example, 'der fünfte Mai' (the fifth of May). Note that in writing, this is often abbreviated as '5.'.

Heute ist mein fünfter Arbeitstag in der neuen Firma.

In a social or professional hierarchy, 'fünfte' denotes a specific rank. If someone finishes a race in 'fünfter Stelle' (fifth place), it implies a high level of achievement but also a narrow miss of the podium. In music, particularly classical music, 'fünfte' is synonymous with some of the greatest works ever composed, most notably Beethoven's Fifth Symphony (Beethovens Fünfte Sinfonie). The word carries a sense of sequence and order, essential for navigating German bureaucracy, where you might be told to go to the 'fünfte Tür links' (fifth door on the left).

Spatial Context: In German architecture, the 'fünfte Stock' refers to the fifth floor above the ground floor (Erdgeschoss). In American English, this would technically be the sixth floor.

Das Büro befindet sich in der fünften Etage.

Culturally, 'fünfte' is also linked to the 'Fünfte Jahreszeit' (Fifth Season), a term used in many German-speaking regions to describe the Carnival season (Karneval, Fasching, or Fastnacht). This period, starting on November 11th at 11:11 AM, represents a time of subversion, joy, and tradition that sits outside the standard four seasons. Using 'fünfte' in this context immediately signals a deep understanding of German cultural nuances. Furthermore, in historical contexts, it distinguishes monarchs, such as 'Karl der Fünfte' (Charles V), where the ordinal is capitalized and declined as part of the proper name.

Mathematical Context: In fractions, 'fünfte' becomes 'Fünftel'. For example, 'ein Fünftel' (one fifth). While related, 'fünfte' describes position, while 'Fünftel' describes a part of a whole.

Karl der Fünfte war ein mächtiger Kaiser.

Dies ist bereits die fünfte Tasse Kaffee heute.

Using fünfte correctly requires a solid grasp of German adjective declension. Because it is an ordinal number, it almost always appears with a determiner (like an article or a possessive pronoun). The ending of the word changes based on the gender of the noun it precedes and the grammatical case of the sentence. This can be intimidating for beginners, but the patterns are consistent. For example, in the nominative case with a definite article, the ending is usually -e (der fünfte Mann, die fünfte Frau, das fünfte Kind). However, in the dative case, it changes to -en (mit dem fünften Mann).

Nominative Case: Used for the subject. 'Der fünfte Versuch war erfolgreich.' (The fifth attempt was successful.) Here, 'Versuch' is masculine, and the definite article 'der' is used.

Die fünfte Sinfonie von Beethoven ist weltbekannt.

When using 'fünfte' in the accusative case (direct objects), the masculine form changes. 'Ich sehe den fünften Läufer' (I see the fifth runner). Notice the -en ending. For feminine and neuter nouns in the accusative, the ending remains -e, matching the nominative. This distinction is vital for clear communication. In the dative case, which often follows prepositions like in, an, von, or mit, all genders take the -en ending: 'In der fünften Woche' (In the fifth week), 'An seinem fünften Geburtstag' (On his fifth birthday).

Dative Case Usage: Commonly used for dates and locations. 'Wir treffen uns am fünften Juni.' (We are meeting on the fifth of June.) 'Am' is a contraction of 'an dem', requiring the dative ending '-en'.

Er wohnt im fünften Stock eines Altbaus.

Another important usage is in the genitive case, which indicates possession or relation. 'Die Farbe des fünften Autos ist rot' (The color of the fifth car is red). Like the dative, the genitive also uses the -en ending for the ordinal number. It is also worth noting that when 'fünfte' is used as a substantive (a noun), it is capitalized: 'Er ist der Fünfte in der Schlange' (He is the fifth one in the queue). In this instance, 'Fünfte' acts as a person or thing itself.

Plural Usage: While rare, you might refer to multiple 'fifth' items in different sets. 'Die fünften Klassen der Schule machen einen Ausflug.' (The fifth-grade classes of the school are going on a trip.)

Das ist nun schon das fünfte Mal, dass er anruft.

Finally, consider the adverbial form 'fünftens' (fifthly), which is used when listing points in an argument. While 'fünfte' is an adjective, 'fünftens' is an adverb and does not decline. 'Erstens, zweitens... fünftens.' This is a very structured way to present information in formal German writing or speeches. Understanding the transition from the adjective 'fünfte' to the adverb 'fünftens' is a hallmark of moving from A1 to B1 proficiency.

In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, you will hear fünfte in a variety of everyday situations. One of the most common places is in an elevator (Aufzug). As the voice announces the floors, you will hear 'Fünfter Stock' or 'Fünfte Etage'. In public transport, especially in larger cities like Berlin or Munich, announcements for platforms or connections might involve ordinal numbers: 'Der Zug fährt von Gleis fünf' (cardinal), but 'Die fünfte Haltestelle ist der Hauptbahnhof' (ordinal). Hearing the distinction between the number itself and its position in a sequence is key for navigation.

In the Classroom: German students are grouped into 'Klassen'. A student in their fifth year of school is in the 'fünfte Klasse'. You will often hear parents say, 'Mein Sohn kommt jetzt in die fünfte Klasse'.

In der fünften Klasse lernen die Kinder oft eine zweite Fremdsprache.

In the world of sports and media, 'fünfte' is used constantly. During the Bundesliga (German football league) season, commentators will discuss the 'fünfte Spieltag' (fifth matchday) or a player's 'fünfte gelbe Karte' (fifth yellow card), which in Germany leads to an automatic one-match suspension. This specific rule makes the word 'fünfte' particularly significant in sports news. Similarly, in news broadcasts, you might hear about the 'fünfte Jahrestag' (fifth anniversary) of a significant political event or a 'fünfte Verhandlungsrunde' (fifth round of negotiations) between unions and employers.

Cultural Festivals: In the Rhineland, especially Cologne and Düsseldorf, you will hear people talking about the 'Fünfte Jahreszeit'. This refers to Karneval, which is a massive part of the local identity.

Alaaf! Die fünfte Jahreszeit hat endlich begonnen!

In history and tourism, 'fünfte' appears in the names of historical figures and monuments. If you visit the 'Residenz' in Munich or the 'Hofburg' in Vienna, guides will mention various emperors like 'Karl V.' (Karl der Fünfte). In restaurants, you might hear a waiter confirming an order: 'Das ist dann das fünfte Hauptgericht für diesen Tisch.' Even in mundane shopping experiences, if you are the fifth person in a queue, the cashier might call out 'Der Fünfte bitte!', inviting you to a newly opened register. The word is deeply embedded in the logistical and cultural fabric of German-speaking society.

Music and Arts: Radio announcers frequently introduce 'Beethovens Fünfte' or 'Mahlers Fünfte', referring to their respective fifth symphonies. The word is often used as a shorthand for the entire work.

Wir hören heute Abend Beethovens Fünfte im Konzerthaus.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when learning fünfte is confusing it with the cardinal number fünf. In English, we often use the cardinal number in contexts where German strictly requires the ordinal. For example, in English, we say 'May five' or 'May fifth', but in German, you must say 'der fünfte Mai'. Using 'fünf Mai' is a classic beginner mistake that sounds jarring to native ears. Another common error is forgetting the 't' in the middle. Learners sometimes say 'fünfe' instead of 'fünfte', likely because they are trying to apply a simple plural ending rather than the ordinal suffix.

Declension Errors: Learners often fail to change the ending to '-en' in the dative or accusative masculine. Saying 'am fünfte Juni' instead of 'am fünften Juni' is a very common mistake.

Falsch: Ich wohne im fünfte Stock.
Richtig: Ich wohne im fünften Stock.

Another area of confusion is the difference between 'fünfte' (fifth) and 'fünftel' (a fifth part). While they look similar, 'fünftel' is a noun used for fractions and does not decline like an adjective. Saying 'Ich möchte ein fünfte Stück Kuchen' is incorrect; it should be 'ein Fünftel vom Kuchen' or 'das fünfte Stück Kuchen' (the fifth piece of cake), depending on whether you mean a fraction or a position in a sequence. Additionally, English speakers often struggle with the capitalization of 'Fünfte' when it is used as a noun. In German, if you say 'the fifth one', you must write 'der Fünfte'.

The 'Fifth Wheel' Confusion: In English, we say 'third wheel'. In German, the idiom is 'das fünfte Rad am Wagen'. Using 'dritte' here would be a literal translation that doesn't exist in German.

Falsch: Ich fühle mich wie das dritte Rad.
Richtig: Ich fühle mich wie das fünfte Rad am Wagen.

Finally, pronunciation can be a hurdle. The 'ü' sound followed by 'nf' and then 't' requires a bit of vocal gymnastics for those not used to umlauts. Some learners drop the 'n' or fail to round their lips for the 'ü', making the word sound like 'finfte' or 'fufte'. Clear articulation of the 'ü' and the 'n' is necessary to be understood. Practice saying 'fünf' first, then add the 'te' suffix to build muscle memory. Remember, the 't' should be crisp and distinct, not swallowed.

Ordinal vs. Cardinal in Lists: When listing items, don't use 'fünf' for the fifth point. Use 'fünftens'. Using 'fünf' at the start of a sentence to mean 'fifthly' is grammatically incorrect.

Falsch: Fünf, wir müssen das Klima schützen.
Richtig: Fünftens, wir müssen das Klima schützen.

While fünfte is the standard word for 'fifth', there are several related words that learners should distinguish to improve their precision. The most obvious is fünf (five), the cardinal number. While 'fünf' counts quantity, 'fünfte' denotes position. Another important relative is fünftens (fifthly), which is an adverb used exclusively for structuring arguments or lists. Unlike 'fünfte', 'fünftens' never changes its form regardless of the context. Then there is fünffach (fivefold or quintuple), used to describe something that has five parts or has increased by five times.

Fünfte vs. Fünftel: 'Fünfte' is an adjective (the fifth person). 'Fünftel' is a neuter noun (one fifth of the cake). Use 'Fünftel' for math and 'fünfte' for order.

Er hat ein Fünftel seines Einkommens gespart.

In terms of alternatives, you might use letzte (last) if the fifth item is also the final one in a sequence of five. For example, in a five-day work week, Friday is both the 'fünfte Tag' and the 'letzte Tag'. If you are talking about a group of five people, you might use der Fünferbund (a group of five) or das Quintett (a quintet, specifically in music). In some specific contexts, like school grades, 'fünf' is a noun meaning a failing grade (E or F in the US/UK), and you would say 'Er hat eine Fünf in Mathe bekommen'. This is different from being in the 'fünfte Klasse'.

Fünfte vs. Vierte/Sechste: Always remember the sequence: vierte (4th), fünfte (5th), sechste (6th). The '-te' suffix is consistent for all these numbers.

Das fünffache Gehalt zu verdienen, ist ein Traum vieler Menschen.

For more abstract sequences, you might use nachfolgende (subsequent) or nächste (next). If you have already mentioned four items, the 'fünfte' is the 'nächste'. In legal or highly formal German, you might encounter quinto (borrowed from Latin) in very specific numbering systems, though this is extremely rare. For most learners, mastering the distinction between 'fünf', 'fünfte', 'fünftens', and 'Fünftel' will cover 99% of all communication needs. Each word serves a distinct grammatical purpose, and using them correctly demonstrates a high level of linguistic control.

Fünfzigste: The ordinal for 50. Note the '-ste' suffix which applies to all numbers 20 and above. 'Das ist mein fünfzigster Geburtstag.'

Wir feiern heute das fünfzigste Jubiläum der Firma.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The 'ü' in 'fünf' and 'fünfte' is a result of i-mutation (Umlaut) that occurred in Old High German, where the following vowel influenced the stem vowel.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈfʏnftə/

US /ˈfʏnftə/

The stress is on the first syllable: FÜNF-te.

Rhymes With

Zünfte (guilds) Künfte (arts/skills) Einkünfte (income) Auskünfte (information) Vernünfte (reasons - rare) Unterkünfte (accommodations) Zusammenkünfte (meetings) Ankünfte (arrivals)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ü' like 'u' (foonfte) or 'i' (finfte).
Dropping the 'n' (füfte).
Dropping the 't' (fünfe).
Pronouncing the final 'e' too strongly like 'ay'.
Confusing the 'f' and 'v' sounds.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Easy to recognize as it looks like 'fünf'.

Writing 3/5

Requires knowledge of adjective declension endings.

Speaking 3/5

The 'ü' sound and 'nft' cluster can be tricky.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear, but watch for the difference between 'fünf' and 'fünfte'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

fünf erste zweite dritte vierte

Learn Next

sechste siebte achte neunte zehnte

Advanced

fünftens Fünftel fünffach fünfzigste fünfzehnte

Grammar to Know

Ordinal numbers 1-19 add '-te'.

vierte, fünfte, sechste...

Ordinal numbers 20+ add '-ste'.

zwanzigste, einundzwanzigste...

Ordinal numbers function as adjectives and must be declined.

ein fünfter Tag (masc. nom. strong)

Dates in German always use ordinal numbers with a period.

5. Mai = der fünfte Mai

Substantivized ordinal numbers are capitalized.

Er ist der Fünfte.

Examples by Level

Heute ist der fünfte Mai.

Today is the fifth of May.

Ordinal numbers for dates always take the '-te' ending in the nominative.

Das ist mein fünftes Buch.

That is my fifth book.

Neuter noun 'Buch' with possessive 'mein' leads to '-es' ending in nominative.

Ich wohne im fünften Stock.

I live on the fifth floor.

'im' is 'in dem' (dative), so the ending is '-en'.

Die fünfte Tür links ist das Bad.

The fifth door on the left is the bathroom.

Feminine noun 'Tür' with definite article 'die' leads to '-e' ending.

Er ist der fünfte Läufer.

He is the fifth runner.

Masculine noun 'Läufer' with definite article 'der' leads to '-e' ending.

Das ist die fünfte Woche im Kurs.

This is the fifth week in the course.

Feminine noun 'Woche' in nominative.

Wir treffen uns am fünften Juni.

We are meeting on the fifth of June.

'am' (an dem) triggers the dative '-en' ending.

Das fünfte Kind heißt Lukas.

The fifth child is named Lukas.

Neuter noun 'Kind' in nominative.

Ich habe das fünfte Mal angerufen.

I called for the fifth time.

Accusative neuter 'Mal' with 'das' takes '-e'.

In der fünften Klasse lernt man Englisch.

In the fifth grade, one learns English.

Dative feminine 'Klasse' with 'in der' takes '-en'.

Das ist sein fünfter Geburtstag.

That is his fifth birthday.

Masculine nominative with possessive 'sein' takes '-er'.

Wir gehen in die fünfte Reihe.

We are going to the fifth row.

Accusative feminine 'Reihe' with 'in die' takes '-e'.

Der fünfte Tag der Woche ist Freitag.

The fifth day of the week is Friday.

Masculine nominative 'Tag' with 'der' takes '-e'.

Sie hat den fünften Platz gewonnen.

She won fifth place.

Accusative masculine 'Platz' with 'den' takes '-en'.

Komm am fünften Tag wieder.

Come back on the fifth day.

Dative masculine 'Tag' with 'am' takes '-en'.

Das ist die fünfte Aufgabe auf der Seite.

That is the fifth task on the page.

Feminine nominative 'Aufgabe' with 'die' takes '-e'.

Beethovens fünfte Sinfonie ist sehr berühmt.

Beethoven's fifth symphony is very famous.

Feminine nominative 'Sinfonie' with possessive 'Beethovens' takes '-e'.

Jeder fünfte Deutsche besitzt ein Fahrrad.

Every fifth German owns a bicycle.

Masculine nominative 'Deutsche' (substantive) with 'jeder' takes '-e'.

Ich fühle mich wie das fünfte Rad am Wagen.

I feel like the fifth wheel on the wagon.

Idiomatic expression using neuter nominative 'Rad'.

Karl der Fünfte war ein bedeutender Herrscher.

Charles V was a significant ruler.

Ordinal numbers in titles are capitalized and declined.

Das ist bereits die fünfte Tasse Kaffee heute.

This is already the fifth cup of coffee today.

Feminine nominative 'Tasse' with 'die' takes '-e'.

Er scheiterte an seinem fünften Versuch.

He failed on his fifth attempt.

Dative masculine 'Versuch' with 'an seinem' takes '-en'.

Die fünfte Jahreszeit beginnt im November.

The fifth season begins in November.

Cultural term for Carnival season.

Wir brauchen noch ein fünftes Mitglied.

We still need a fifth member.

Accusative neuter 'Mitglied' with 'ein' takes '-es'.

Die fünfte Verhandlungsrunde blieb ohne Ergebnis.

The fifth round of negotiations remained without result.

Feminine nominative 'Verhandlungsrunde'.

Er wurde zum fünften Mal zum Präsidenten gewählt.

He was elected president for the fifth time.

Dative neuter 'Mal' with 'zum' (zu dem) takes '-en'.

Die fünfte Kolonne arbeitete im Geheimen.

The fifth column worked in secret.

Historical/political term 'Fünfte Kolonne'.

Wir müssen das fünfte Kapitel noch einmal überarbeiten.

We need to revise the fifth chapter once more.

Accusative neuter 'Kapitel' with 'das' takes '-e'.

In der fünften Dimension gelten andere Gesetze.

In the fifth dimension, different laws apply.

Dative feminine 'Dimension' with 'in der' takes '-en'.

Das ist die fünfte Beschwerde in dieser Woche.

That is the fifth complaint this week.

Feminine nominative 'Beschwerde'.

Er ist der fünfte Erbe in der Thronfolge.

He is the fifth heir in the line of succession.

Masculine nominative 'Erbe' with 'der' takes '-e'.

Die fünfte Säule des Islams ist die Haddsch.

The fifth pillar of Islam is the Hajj.

Religious context.

Die fünfte Gewalt im Staat sind oft die sozialen Medien.

The fifth power in the state is often social media.

Metaphorical extension of the 'four powers'.

Er zitierte aus der fünften Auflage des Lexikons.

He quoted from the fifth edition of the encyclopedia.

Dative feminine 'Auflage' with 'aus der' takes '-en'.

Die fünfte Sinfonie von Mahler ist ein Meisterwerk.

Mahler's fifth symphony is a masterpiece.

Musicology context.

Wir befinden uns im fünften Akt des Dramas.

We are in the fifth act of the drama.

Literary/dramatic context.

Die fünfte Erweiterung des Vertrags wurde unterzeichnet.

The fifth extension of the contract was signed.

Formal legal context.

Es handelt sich um die fünfte Instanz des Verfahrens.

It concerns the fifth instance of the proceedings.

Legal terminology.

Die fünfte Hürde war die schwierigste im Rennen.

The fifth hurdle was the most difficult in the race.

Feminine nominative 'Hürde'.

Er analysierte die fünfte Strophe des Gedichts.

He analyzed the fifth stanza of the poem.

Literary analysis.

Die fünfte Kolonne der Verschwörer wurde enttarnt.

The fifth column of conspirators was exposed.

Advanced political vocabulary.

In der fünften Dekade seines Lebens fand er Frieden.

In the fifth decade of his life, he found peace.

Elevated literary style.

Die fünfte Essenz der Alchemie ist das Quintessenz.

The fifth essence of alchemy is the quintessence.

Historical/philosophical context.

Er beherrscht die fünfte Kunst der Rhetorik perfekt.

He masters the fifth art of rhetoric perfectly.

Classical education context.

Die fünfte Dimension der Zeit ist schwer fassbar.

The fifth dimension of time is elusive.

Theoretical physics context.

Es war die fünfte Reinkarnation des Lamas.

It was the fifth reincarnation of the Lama.

Spiritual/religious context.

Die fünfte Wand im Theater bricht mit der Tradition.

The fifth wall in theater breaks with tradition.

Advanced theater theory.

Er ist der fünfte Träger dieses hohen Amtes.

He is the fifth holder of this high office.

Formal administrative language.

Common Collocations

der fünfte Stock

die fünfte Klasse

der fünfte Mai

Beethovens Fünfte

das fünfte Rad am Wagen

die fünfte Jahreszeit

jeder fünfte

zum fünften Mal

der fünfte Platz

Karl der Fünfte

Common Phrases

Am fünften...

— Used to start a sentence about a date. It implies 'On the fifth of...'

Am fünften Juni habe ich Geburtstag.

Der Fünfte bitte!

— A call used in queues or waiting rooms. It means 'The fifth person, please!'

Der Fünfte in der Reihe bitte an Kasse zwei!

Das fünfte Element

— Refers to the movie or the philosophical concept of quintessence.

Hast du den Film 'Das fünfte Element' gesehen?

In der fünften Woche

— Refers to a duration or a specific point in a timeline.

In der fünften Woche des Projekts gab es Probleme.

Mein fünfter Sinn

— Often used metaphorically to refer to intuition or a specific physical sense.

Mein fünfter Sinn sagt mir, dass etwas nicht stimmt.

Die fünfte Dimension

— A concept in physics or science fiction.

Er schreibt ein Buch über die fünfte Dimension.

Das fünfte Rad

— Short for the idiom 'fifth wheel'.

Ich will nicht das fünfte Rad sein.

Seit dem fünften...

— Used to describe something that has been happening since a certain date.

Seit dem fünften März bin ich krank.

Bis zum fünften...

— Used to set a deadline.

Bitte schicken Sie das Formular bis zum fünften April zurück.

Vom fünften bis zum...

— Used to describe a range of dates.

Ich bin vom fünften bis zum zehnten im Urlaub.

Often Confused With

Fünfte vs fünf

Cardinal vs. Ordinal. Use 'fünf' for quantity, 'fünfte' for position.

Fünfte vs fünfzigste

5th vs. 50th. Easy to mix up in fast speech.

Fünfte vs fünfzehnte

5th vs. 15th. Pay attention to the 'zehn' in the middle.

Idioms & Expressions

"Das fünfte Rad am Wagen sein"

— To be superfluous or unwanted in a group situation.

Bei dem Date meiner Freunde fühlte ich mich wie das fünfte Rad am Wagen.

informal

"Die fünfte Jahreszeit"

— Refers to the Carnival season in Germany.

In Köln ist die fünfte Jahreszeit die wichtigste Zeit des Jahres.

neutral/cultural

"Die fünfte Kolonne"

— A group of people who undermine a larger group from within, usually in favor of an enemy.

Man warnte vor der fünften Kolonne im eigenen Land.

formal/political

"Sich wie der Fünfte im Bunde fühlen"

— To feel like a late but welcome addition to a group (rare/literary).

Nach dem Gespräch fühlte er sich wie der Fünfte im Bunde.

literary

"Die fünfte Gewalt"

— Refers to social media or bloggers as an extension of the traditional four powers (legislative, executive, judicial, press).

Die fünfte Gewalt beeinflusst die Wahlen massiv.

journalistic

"Der fünfte Kontinent"

— A common German nickname for Australia.

Nächstes Jahr reise ich auf den fünften Kontinent.

neutral

"Das fünfte Evangelium"

— Metaphorically used for something highly authoritative but not part of the original set.

Für ihn ist dieses Buch das fünfte Evangelium.

literary

"Die fünfte Wand durchbrechen"

— An extension of 'breaking the fourth wall', often involving the audience's physical space.

Das Stück durchbricht die fünfte Wand.

academic/arts

"Jeder fünfte"

— A statistical shorthand for 20% of a population.

Jeder fünfte Baum im Wald ist krank.

neutral

"Fünfte Kolonne des Teufels"

— An archaic/religious term for tempters or sinners.

Er sah in ihnen die fünfte Kolonne des Teufels.

archaic

Easily Confused

Fünfte vs Fünftel

Similar spelling and root.

'Fünftel' is a noun meaning 1/5. 'Fünfte' is an adjective meaning 5th.

Ein Fünftel der Klasse fehlt heute.

Fünfte vs fünffach

Both start with 'fünf-'.

'fünffach' means five times as much (quantity). 'fünfte' means the position.

Er hat das fünffache Gehalt.

Fünfte vs fünftens

Both are related to the number 5.

'fünftens' is an adverb used for lists. 'fünfte' is an adjective for nouns.

Fünftens: Das Wetter war schlecht.

Fünfte vs fünfzig

Phonetic similarity.

'fünfzig' is 50. 'fünf' is 5.

Er ist fünfzig Jahre alt.

Fünfte vs fünfe

Dialect or colloquial usage.

'fünfe' is a colloquial way to say 'fünf' or a plural form, not the ordinal.

Lass mal gerade fünfe sein (idiom).

Sentence Patterns

Heute ist der [Ordinal] [Month].

Heute ist der fünfte August.

Ich wohne im [Ordinal] Stock.

Ich wohne im fünften Stock.

Das ist das [Ordinal] Mal.

Das ist das fünfte Mal.

Er geht in die [Ordinal] Klasse.

Er geht in die fünfte Klasse.

Jeder [Ordinal] [Noun]...

Jeder fünfte Student...

Ich fühle mich wie das [Ordinal] Rad am Wagen.

Ich fühle mich wie das fünfte Rad am Wagen.

[Name] der [Ordinal]

Karl der Fünfte

[Ordinal], [Statement].

Fünftens, wir müssen sparen.

Word Family

Nouns

Fünf (five)

Fünftel (one fifth)

Fünfer (a five-euro note/a group of five)

Fünfzig (fifty)

Verbs

fünfteln (to divide into five parts)

Adjectives

fünffach (fivefold)

fünfjährig (five-year-old)

fünfseitig (five-sided)

fünfzehn (fifteen)

fünfzigste (fiftieth)

fünfmal (five times)

fünfhundert (five hundred)

fünfstellig (five-digit)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in daily communication.

Common Mistakes

Heute ist fünf Mai. → Heute ist der fünfte Mai.
Dates always require the ordinal number and usually the definite article.
Ich bin im fünfte Stock. → Ich bin im fünften Stock.
The preposition 'im' (in dem) triggers the dative case, requiring the '-en' ending.
Das ist mein fünf Buch. → Das ist mein fünftes Buch.
Ordinal numbers must decline to match the noun (neuter nominative with possessive).
Ich fühle mich wie das dritte Rad. → Ich fühle mich wie das fünfte Rad am Wagen.
The German idiom uses 'fifth' (fünfte), not 'third' (dritte).
Er hat ein fünfte vom Kuchen gegessen. → Er hat ein Fünftel vom Kuchen gegessen.
Use the noun 'Fünftel' for fractions, not the adjective 'fünfte'.

Tips

Adjective Endings

Treat 'fünfte' exactly like an adjective. If you know how to decline 'gut', you know how to decline 'fünfte'.

Carnival Time

If you are in Cologne in November, use 'fünfte Jahreszeit' to impress locals.

The 'ü' Sound

Keep your tongue forward and your lips rounded. Don't let it slip into an 'u' or 'i'.

The Magic Period

In German, '5.' means 'fünfte'. Never forget the period when writing ordinal numbers.

Fifth Wheel

Use 'das fünfte Rad am Wagen' when you feel left out. It's a very common and useful idiom.

Classical Music

Refer to Beethoven's symphony as 'Beethovens Fünfte'. It's a standard shorthand.

Proportions

'Jeder fünfte' is a great way to express '20%' in a more natural, spoken way.

Royal Titles

When reading about kings, remember that the ordinal is part of the name and must be declined.

Floor Levels

Remember that 'fünfter Stock' is higher than in the US because the ground floor is 'null' (Erdgeschoss).

Sequence

Always use 'fünftens' for the fifth point in a list to sound more professional.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'fist' (Faust). A fist has five fingers. The 'f' in 'fünf' and 'fist' can help you remember the number. Then just add '-te' for the 'the' position.

Visual Association

Imagine a hand with five fingers. The thumb is the 'fünfte' finger if you count from the pinky.

Word Web

fünf fünfte fünftens Fünftel fünfzig fünfzehn fünffach fünfmal

Challenge

Try to find five things in your room and label them from 'erste' to 'fünfte' in German. Say the names out loud with the correct article.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old High German 'fimfto', which comes from the Proto-Germanic '*fimftô'. It shares roots with the English 'fifth' and the Dutch 'vijfde'.

Original meaning: The ordinal number indicating the position after the fourth.

Germanic / Indo-European

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'fünfte Kolonne' has strong political/espionage connotations.

In English, we use 'third wheel' for a superfluous person, while Germans use 'fifth wheel' (fünfte Rad). This is a common point of confusion.

Beethovens 5. Sinfonie (Schicksalssinfonie) Karl V. (Heiliges Römisches Reich) Das fünfte Element (Luc Besson film)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Dates

der fünfte Januar
am fünften März
bis zum fünften April
seit dem fünften Mai

Buildings

im fünften Stock
die fünfte Etage
fünfte Tür links
Aufzug in den fünften

School

fünfte Klasse
fünfte Stunde
fünfte Aufgabe
fünfte Seite

Sports

fünfter Platz
fünfter Spieltag
fünfte Runde
fünfte Gelbe Karte

Music

Beethovens Fünfte
fünfte Sinfonie
fünfter Satz
fünfte Note

Conversation Starters

"Wann hast du zum fünften Mal etwas Neues ausprobiert?"

"Was war dein fünfter Geburtstagswunsch?"

"Hast du schon mal im fünften Stock gewohnt?"

"Was hältst du von Beethovens Fünfter Sinfonie?"

"Wie feiert man die fünfte Jahreszeit in deiner Stadt?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über ein Ereignis, das an einem fünften Tag im Monat passiert ist.

Wie fühlst du dich, wenn du das fünfte Rad am Wagen bist?

Beschreibe deine Zeit in der fünften Klasse der Schule.

Was würdest du tun, wenn du ein Fünftel deines Einkommens spenden müsstest?

Stelle dir vor, es gäbe eine fünfte Jahreszeit. Wie würde sie aussehen?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is only capitalized when used as a noun (e.g., 'Der Fünfte') or in a title (e.g., 'Karl der Fünfte'). Otherwise, it is lowercase.

You write the number followed by a period: '5.'. For example, 'der 5. Mai'.

'fünfte' is an adjective (the fifth house), while 'fünftens' is an adverb used for listing points (fifthly).

This happens in the dative case (e.g., 'im fünften Stock') or the accusative masculine (e.g., 'den fünften Tag').

It is a cultural term for the Carnival season in Germany, which is seen as a special time outside the normal four seasons.

No, in German you must always use the ordinal number for dates. 'Fünf Mai' is incorrect.

Yes, 'der fünfte Stock' or 'die fünfte Etage'. Note that in Germany, this is the 5th floor above the ground floor.

You use the noun 'ein Fünftel'.

It is 'das fünfte Rad am Wagen' (the fifth wheel on the wagon).

Yes, it declines like an adjective: der fünfte (m), die fünfte (f), das fünfte (n).