Dutch Numeration: How to Learn Numbers (Nummeration)

general rules for nummeration and counting in Dutch Includes number tables, rules, examples, and quick practice

Number Tables (1–100 & 100)
- 1–10
- 11–20
- 21–30
- 31–40
- 41–50
- 51–60
- 61–70
- 71–80
- 81–90
- 91–100
- 100
Dutch Numeration System: A Summary
1. Basic Structure (1–20)
2. Tens (20, 30, 40, etc.)
3. The Unique Dutch Counting Rule (21–99)
Spelling Rules
4. Hundreds and Beyond
5. Thousands and Higher
6. Decimal Numbers & Ordinals
Practice Exercises
Quick Tips to Remember

Introductory explanation - in relation to English

Numeration in Dutch is largely similar to English in basic structure but differs in the order and formation of compound numbers. Dutch and English share parallel systems for basic numbers — each has distinct words for 0 through 20, many of which share Germanic roots. For the teens (13-19), Dutch forms the teens by putting the unit before tien (“ten”), making words like dertien (13, literally “three-ten”) and zestien (16, “six-ten”).

This contrasts with English, which reverses that order (“thir(3)-teen(10),”). The number is not “three-ten” in English

The most distinctive feature of Dutch numeration is the inversion for numbers 21–99

Where English says “twenty-one (20+1),” Dutch says eenentwintig — literally “one-
and-twenty.”

The general pattern for number beyond this point is as follows:

number + en(and) + tens unit(10s) (unit of ten in question)

Hundreds and Thousands For larger numbers, Dutch and English realign. These follow similar additive and multiplicative logic to English • honderd (hundred) → tweehonderd (200) • duizend (thousand) → drieduizend (3000) 

Number Tables (1–100 & 100)

1–10

| # | Dutch | English | |—:|:——|:——–| | 1 | Eén | One | | 2 | Twee | Two | | 3 | Drie | Three | | 4 | Vier | Four | | 5 | Vijf | Five | | 6 | Zes | Six | | 7 | Zeven | Seven | | 8 | Acht | Eight | | 9 | Negen | Nine | | 10 | Tien | Ten |

11–20

| # | Dutch | English | |—:|:——|:——–| | 11 | Elf | Eleven | | 12 | Twaalf | Twelve | | 13 | Dertien | Thirteen | | 14 | Veertien | Fourteen | | 15 | Vijftien | Fifteen | | 16 | Zestien | Sixteen | | 17 | Zeventien | Seventeen | | 18 | Achttien | Eighteen | | 19 | Negentien | Nineteen | | 20 | Twintig | Twenty |

21–30

31–40

41–50

51–60

61–70

71–80

81–90

91–100

Dutch Numeration System: A Summary

Dutch numbers follow a logical pattern but are often tricky because units come before tens from 21 onwards (e.g., eenentwintig = “one-and-twenty”). Numbers are generally written as one word between 21 and 99, and “en” (and) connects the unit to the ten.

1. Basic Structure (1–20)

1–12 have unique names: één, twee, drie, vier, vijf, zes, zeven, acht, negen, tien, elf, twaalf.
13–19 are formed with -tien: dertien (13), veertien (14), vijftien (15), zestien (16), zeventien (17), achttien (18), negentien (19).
20 = twintig — base pattern for tens.

2. Tens (20, 30, 40, etc.)

Multiples of ten usually end in -tig:

20 – twintig
30 – dertig
40 – veertig
50 – vijftig
60 – zestig
70 – zeventig
80 – tachtig
90 – negentig

Irregularities

Dertig (30) and veertig (40) are derived irregularly from drie and vier.
Tachtig (80) comes from an older form of acht.

3. The Unique Dutch Counting Rule (21–99)

🔹 Structure: Dutch places the unit before the ten, joined by en (and):

21 = eenentwintig (one-and-twenty)
32 = tweeëndertig (two-and-thirty)
57 = zevenenvijftig (seven-and-fifty)
94 = vierennegentig (four-and-ninety)

✔️ All numbers between 21 and 99 are written as one word (no spaces).
✔️ “En” is always between the unit and the ten.

Spelling Rules

Use one word for 21–99 (e.g., vierentwintig not vier en twintig).
When writing with diacritics, some forms include diaeresis marks to show syllable separation (e.g., tweeënvijftig). In many informal contexts the diaeresis is omitted, but it clarifies pronunciation.

4. Hundreds and Beyond

100 = honderd.
Multiples:
- 200 = tweehonderd
- 300 = driehonderd
- 400 = vierhonderd
Numbers like 101–199: combine hundred + rest without extra words:
- 101 = honderdeen (hundred-one)
- 135 = honderdvijfendertig (hundred-five-and-thirty)

5. Thousands and Higher

1000 = duizend.
Larger examples:
- 2000 = tweeduizend
- 5000 = vijfduizend
- 10,000 = tienduizend
- 100,000 = honderdduizend
- 1,000,000 = een miljoen (one million)
- 1,000,000,000 = een miljard (one billion)

6. Decimal Numbers & Ordinals

Decimals use a comma , instead of a period:
- 3.5 (English) → 3,5 (Dutch) — drie komma vijf.
Ordinals often end in -de or -ste:
- 1st = eerste
- 2nd = tweede
- 3rd = derde
- 4th = vierde
- 10th = tiende
- 20th = twintigste

Practice Exercises

A. Translate into Dutch (write one-word answers):

24 → _________
37 → _________
58 → _________
91 → _________
100 → _________

B. Translate into English:

zevenentwintig → _________
vierennegentig → _________
honderdvijfendertig → _________
tweeënvijftig → _________
drieënnegentig → _________

C. Quick drills (spoken):

Say aloud: een, twee, drie, vier, vijf → then tien, elf, twaalf, dertien, twintig.
Practice the reversed order: say eenentwintig and convert to English (21).

Quick Tips to Remember

✅ From 21 onwards, Dutch numbers are spoken “unit-and-ten” (eenentwintig = 21).
✅ Write 21–99 as one word and include en between unit and ten.
✅ Use a comma for decimals in Dutch (e.g., 3,5).
✅ Ordinal endings: mostly -de or -ste (learn common exceptions).
✅ Practice by reading numbers in full sentences (e.g., Ik ben 23 jaar oud — I am 23 years old).

Suggested Learning Workflow

Memorize 1–20 first (foundation).
Learn the tens (twintig, dertig, veertig, etc.).
Practice the reversed pattern (21–99) until it feels natural.
Drill hundreds and thousands using compound formation (e.g., tweehonderdvierentwintig).
Listen and repeat: use audio examples or TTS for pronunciation.
Write and speak daily with short exercises (time, age, prices).

A collection of common Dutch words related to counting, measurement, quantity, and numerical reasoning.
Each entry includes the Dutch term, its English equivalent, and a short explanation or context of use.

🧮 Core Quantity & Counting Terms

Dutch	English	Explanation
Aantal	Amount / Number	Refers to the countable quantity of something. Example: Het aantal studenten is dertig (The number of students is thirty).
Hoeveelheid	Quantity	Describes an overall measurable amount, often uncountable or abstract. Example: Een grote hoeveelheid water (A large quantity of water).
Waarde	Value	Refers to numerical or abstract worth. Example: De waarde van x is vijf (The value of x is five).
Totaal	Total	The sum or whole of several amounts. Example: Het totaal is honderd euro (The total is one hundred euros).
Som	Sum	Mathematical sum; also used metaphorically for totality. Example: De som van twee en drie is vijf.
Verschil	Difference	Used in subtraction or to describe contrast. Example: Het verschil tussen vier en twee is twee.
Product	Product	The result of multiplication. Example: Het product van drie en vier is twaalf.
Quotiënt	Quotient	The result of division. Example: Het quotiënt van tien gedeeld door twee is vijf.
Gemiddelde	Average / Mean	The central or typical value in a set. Example: Het gemiddelde van 2, 4 en 6 is 4.
Percentage	Percentage	Expressed as a part of 100. Example: Tien procent korting (Ten percent discount).
Proportie	Proportion	Relation between parts or quantities. Example: De proportie mannen tot vrouwen is gelijk.
Breuk	Fraction	A number that represents a part of a whole. Example: Een halve is een breuk.
Deel	Part / Portion	Can mean a fraction or a section of something larger. Example: Een deel van de groep (A part of the group).

🔢 Numerical and Structural Concepts

Dutch	English	Explanation
Nummer	Number	Identifying label or count (e.g., nummer 10).
Getal	Figure / Digit / Number	Refers to the numeric value itself. Getal is used in mathematics. Example: Het getal 7 is oneven (The number 7 is odd).
Cijfer	Digit / Grade	Single numeral (0–9) or a mark/grade in school. Example: Een cijfer voor wiskunde (A math grade).
Reeks	Series / Sequence	A series of numbers or events. Example: Een reeks getallen (A sequence of numbers).
Rij	Row / Line	Used in arithmetic progressions or physical arrangements. Example: Een rij van tien stoelen.
Kolom	Column	Vertical structure — common in tables or spreadsheets.
Somteken	Plus sign	Symbol + used for addition.
Minteken	Minus sign	Symbol – used for subtraction.
Maalteken	Multiplication sign	Symbol × used for multiplication.
Deelteken	Division sign	Symbol ÷ used for division.
Vergelijking	Equation	Mathematical statement showing equality. Example: De vergelijking x + 2 = 5.
Uitkomst	Result / Outcome	The final result of a calculation or process. Example: De uitkomst is juist.
Formule	Formula	A mathematical or scientific expression. Example: De formule voor oppervlakte is lengte × breedte.
Berekening	Calculation	The process of computing. Example: Na de berekening weten we het antwoord.

⚖️ Measurement & Estimation

Dutch	English	Explanation
Meting	Measurement	The act of measuring. Example: Een nauwkeurige meting is belangrijk.
Eenheid	Unit	Standard of measurement. Example: Meter is een eenheid van lengte.
Lengte	Length	Measurement of distance.
Breedte	Width	Horizontal dimension.
Hoogte	Height	Vertical measurement.
Gewicht	Weight	Measurement of mass.
Volume	Volume	Space occupied by a substance.
Oppervlakte	Surface area	The total area covering a surface.
Schatting	Estimate	An approximate calculation. Example: Een ruwe schatting van de kosten.
Gemeten waarde	Measured value	The value found through measurement.

📈 Logical and Abstract Concepts

Dutch	English	Explanation
Relatie	Relation	A logical or mathematical connection between elements.
Verhouding	Ratio / Relationship	Quantitative relationship between two numbers or variables. Example: De verhouding 2:1.
Structuur	Structure	The arrangement or framework of parts.
Patroon	Pattern	A repeating or predictable arrangement.
Functie	Function	In math, a mapping from input to output. Example: f(x) = x².
Variabele	Variable	A symbol representing an unknown value. Example: x is een variabele.
Constante	Constant	A fixed, unchanging value. Example: Pi is een constante.
Symbool	Symbol	Representation used in formulas or notation.
Tekstueel getal	Written number	Number written out in words (e.g., vier instead of 4).

🗝️ Quick Notes

Aantal = Countable amount (people, things).
Hoeveelheid = General quantity (mass, volume, etc.).
Getal = The numeric concept or figure.
Nummer = A label or identifier.
Waarde = The value or significance of something.

🧭 Suggested Use in a Learning Repo

Create a /vocabulary/math/ folder.
Include this list as counting_terms.md.
Add short example sentences or flashcards for each term.
You can even automate quiz generation from these entries using a simple Python script later.