01
vierzig
forty
The cardinal number that comes between thirty-nine and forty-one; the number 40.
example
Sie hat zu ihrem vierzigsten Geburtstag eine große Party gefeiert.
She celebrated her fortieth birthday with a big party.
vierzig
forty
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The number 'vierzig' (forty) follows a clear pattern. It consists of the base number 'vier' (four) and the ending '-zig', which is used for the tens from 20 onward.
EXAMPLE
Das Buch hat etwas mehr als vierzig Seiten.
The book has a little more than forty pages.
Stating age
To give an approximate age, you often use the expressions 'Anfang vierzig' (early forties), 'Mitte vierzig' (mid-forties), or 'Ende vierzig' (late forties). The phrase 'in den Vierzigern sein' means that a person is between 40 and 49 years old.
EXAMPLE
Meine neuen Nachbarn sind beide Mitte vierzig.
My new neighbors are both in their mid-forties.
Use as a noun
Although 'vierzig' (forty) is a number, it can also be used as a noun to refer to the age or the number itself. In this case, the word is capitalized and declined.
EXAMPLE
Er nähert sich mit großen Schritten der Vierzig.
He is quickly approaching forty.
Compare with
vierzig vs vierzehn
fourteen
'vierzehn' and 'vierzig' are numbers and sound similar to learners, but they mean something completely different. 'vierzehn' is 14 and can also refer to the time 14:00. 'vierzig' is 40. The risk of confusion is mainly in listening and speaking because both begin with 'vier-'. Pay attention to the ending: '-zehn' belongs to 14, '-zig' belongs to 40.
vierzig
Für die Feier brauchen wir vierzig Stühle.
We need forty chairs for the party.
vierzehn
Der Kurs beginnt um vierzehn Uhr.
The course starts at fourteen hundred.
In real life
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