zig
countless
An indefinite, colloquial number that expresses a large but not precisely named quantity. It means something like 'very many.'
EXAMPLE
Ich habe dir das schon zig Mal gesagt!
I've told you that countless times already!
zig
countless
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Meanings
Usage tips
Register and style
The word 'zig' (countless) is purely colloquial. You should only use it in informal conversations with friends or family, but never in formal texts, emails, or official situations.
EXAMPLE
Ich war schon zig Mal in diesem Café, es ist mein Lieblingsort.
I've been to this café countless times; it's my favorite place.
Sentence structure and usage
'Zig' (countless) is used like a number and stands directly before the noun. It is not declined, and the noun that follows is always in the plural.
EXAMPLE
Auf der Party waren zig Leute, die ich nicht kannte.
There were countless people at the party whom I didn't know.
Origin of the word
'Zig' (countless) derives from the ending of tens numbers such as 'zwanzig' (twenty), 'dreißig' (thirty), or 'vierzig' (forty). It has become established as an independent word for an indefinite large quantity.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt zig Gründe, warum man eine neue Sprache lernen sollte.
There are countless reasons why you should learn a new language.
Compare with
zig vs viel
much / a lot
Viel and zig can both express a large, indefinite number. Viel is neutral and changes according to the noun, while zig remains unchanged and sounds colloquial and often especially emphatic. Viel fits neutral statements; in informal speech, zig can emphasize the large number.
zig
Zig Menschen standen vor dem Eingang zum Konzert.
Countless people were standing in front of the concert entrance.
viel
Viele Menschen standen vor dem Eingang zum Konzert.
Many people were standing in front of the concert entrance.
In real life
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