Fractions and percentages are used to express parts of a whole and to describe proportions or comparisons. In German, fractions are formed using cardinal numbers and specific fraction words, while percentages are expressed using the word “Prozent.”
Fraction Words
The most common fraction words in German are derived from the cardinal numbers. For example, “ein halb” (one half), “ein Drittel” (one third), “ein Viertel” (one quarter), etc. The numerator (top number) is usually a cardinal number, and the denominator (bottom number) is a special ordinal-like form.
- German uses “ein” (one) for singular fractions, but for numerators greater than one, the cardinal number is used (e.g., “zwei Drittel” for two-thirds).
- Fraction words from three onward take the ending “-tel” (e.g., Drittel, Viertel, Fünftel).
- For denominators 20 and above, the pattern is “Zahl + -stel” (e.g., “ein Zwanzigstel” for one twentieth).
Common Fraction Words
| German | English |
|---|---|
| ein Halb | one half |
| ein Drittel | one third |
| ein Viertel | one quarter |
| ein Fünftel | one fifth |
| ein Sechstel | one sixth |
| ein Siebtel | one seventh |
| ein Achtel | one eighth |
| ein Neuntel | one ninth |
| ein Zehntel | one tenth |
| ein Zwanzigstel | one twentieth |
Forming Fractions with Numerators
When the numerator is greater than one, use the cardinal number followed by the fraction word in plural form.
- The fraction word remains the same but is considered plural (no additional ending in writing).
- Example: “zwei Drittel” (two-thirds), “fünf Zwanzigstel” (five twentieths).
Examples with Numerators
| German | English |
|---|---|
| zwei Drittel | two thirds |
| drei Viertel | three quarters |
| fünf Zehntel | five tenths |
| sieben Zwanzigstel | seven twentieths |
| neun Drittel | nine thirds |
Using Fractions in Sentences
Fractions are commonly used in everyday German, especially in cooking, measurements, and mathematics. They are usually placed before the noun they modify and may be followed by the genitive form of the noun (e.g., “ein Drittel des Kuchens”).
- Use the genitive article “des” or “der” depending on the noun’s gender.
- Fraction expressions agree with the number and case of the noun.
Fraction Sentences
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ein Viertel des Kuchens ist gegessen. | One quarter of the cake is eaten. |
| Zwei Drittel der Schüler sind anwesend. | Two thirds of the students are present. |
| Fünf Zehntel des Geldes sind ausgegeben. | Five tenths of the money have been spent. |
| Ein Drittel der Zeit ist vorbei. | One third of the time is over. |
Percentages
Percentages in German are formed by using a number followed by the word “Prozent.” The word “Prozent” is always singular and invariable. To express “percent,” simply say the number and then “Prozent.”
- Decimal commas are used instead of decimal points (e.g., “12,5 Prozent”).
- Percentages are often used with verbs like “ausmachen” (to make up), “betragen” (to amount to), “sein” (to be).
Percentage Examples
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Prozent | percent |
| Prozent | percent |
| ,5 Prozent | .5 percent |
| Prozent | percent |
Using Percentages in Sentences
Percentages are frequently used to describe proportions, statistics, discounts, and comparisons.
- The preposition “von” (of) is used when specifying the whole.
- The verb often agrees with the percentage as a singular noun (“Prozent ist…”).
Percentage Sentences
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Prozent der Bevölkerung sind Kinder. | percent of the population are children. |
| Der Rabatt beträgt 15 Prozent. | The discount is 15 percent. |
| Prozent von 100 sind 50. | percent of 100 is 50. |
| Prozent ist das Maximum. | percent is the maximum. |
Summary
Fractions in German combine cardinal numerals for the numerator with special fractional forms for the denominator, while percentages use the word “Prozent” after the number. Both can be used flexibly in sentences to describe parts of a whole.
Flashcards (1 of 27)
- English: one half
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
