01
neun
nine
The cardinal number that comes between eight and ten; the digit 9.
example
Das Buch hat neun Kapitel.
The book has nine chapters.
neun
nine
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Fixed expression
The adjective 'neunmalklug' (know-it-all) describes a person who thinks they know everything better than everyone else. It is derived from the number nine and is a common colloquial term.
EXAMPLE
Sei nicht so neunmalklug, du warst doch gar nicht dabei!
Don't be such a know-it-all; you weren't even there!
Use with people
When describing a group of people, you can use the construction 'zu' + number + 't'. With 'neun' (nine), the form is 'zu neunt' (as a group of nine).
EXAMPLE
Wir waren gestern zu neunt im Kino.
There were nine of us at the cinema yesterday.
Telling the time
When 'neun' (nine) indicates a time, it is often used with prepositions such as 'um' (at), 'gegen' (around), or 'nach' (after). In spoken language, 'Uhr' (o'clock) is often left out.
EXAMPLE
Können wir uns morgen um neun treffen?
Can we meet tomorrow at nine?
Compare with
neun vs neunt
ninth
'neun' and 'neunt' both belong to the number 9, but they are used differently. 'neun' is the regular number: you use it to count things or to say the time, nine o'clock. 'neunt' is an ordinal number and shows a position in a sequence, for example ninth place or the ninth day. Learners may confuse the forms because they look very similar. Remember: 'neun' answers 'How many?' or 'When?' for the time; 'neunt' answers 'Which number in the sequence?'.
neun
Der Termin beginnt um neun, deshalb gehe ich früh los.
The appointment starts at nine, so I’m leaving early.
neunt
Sie ist beim Lauf als Neunte ins Ziel gekommen.
She crossed the finish line ninth in the race.
In real life
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