What About Some Danish Numbers?

Have you heard something about Vigesimal System? it is a system used for Danish numbers. Vigesimal means that numbers occur in intervals of 20. In a simple way to put it: 50 in Danish is halvtreds, numerically is 2.5x20. I know it's not too simple, because we are used to a 10 base system. As it is the case of most European (France is an exception) and western countries. But this is only to understand its system, you don't have to do the calculation every time, simply memorize it, learn it, and finally say it. 

Few weeks ago, I read that the University of Aarhus is trying to propose that Danes adopt a simple way to count (cphpost.dk), but until it happens, we must find a way to get familiarized with it.

It doesn't matter where you work or what you do, if you live in Denmark of course, I suggest learning it. At some point you will have to use the Danish number way, even if you mostly live in an English environment.

 

   CARDINALS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

en to tre fire fem seks syv otte ni

10. 20. 30. 40. 50. 60. 70. 80. 90.

ti tyve tredive fyrre halvtreds tres halvfjerds firs halvfems

Studying and memorizing numbers from 1 to 20 perhaps is the easiest part, because when you continue with the count, it gets a bit more complicated. 

After number 20 you have to read numbers backwards, so instead of saying: 

*25 you say five and 20 (5&20=25) fem og tyve

*32 you say two and thirty (2&30=32) to og tredive and so on... Basically inversion takes place. 




If you need some help with number's pronunciation click on the link (Speaking Danish). This is a nice and interactive site, with lots of games, and brain training systems that will help you learning numbers easily.  Good Luck!


FYI: Besides the Danish classes I'm taking at IA Sprog, I additionally help myself with a Rosetta Stone program and it absolutely works. Sneak a peek.