twelve
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twelve
The cardinal number between eleven and thirteen, represented by the digits 12.
Ein Tag hat vierundzwanzig Stunden, und die Uhr zeigt zweimal zwölf Stunden an.
A day has twenty-four hours, and the clock shows twelve hours twice.
The number 'zwölf' (twelve) has an interesting origin. The part 'zw-' is related to 'zwei' (two), and '-lf' used to mean 'what is left over.' So: two that remain after ten.
Ein Jahr hat zwölf Monate.
A year has twelve months.
The expression 'fünf vor zwölf' (five to twelve) means that it is almost too late and you have to hurry. It is the very last minute to do something.
Wir müssen das Projekt heute abschließen, es ist schon fünf vor zwölf!
We have to finish the project today; it's already five to twelve!
When you use 'zwölf' (twelve) for a date, it becomes the ordinal number 'zwölfte' (twelfth). In a sentence, it is usually used with the preposition 'am'.
Mein Geburtstag ist am zwölften März.
My birthday is on the twelfth of March.
dozen
Zwölf and ein Dutzend both refer to exactly twelve items. Zwölf is the direct number used for counting, whereas Dutzend is a unit of quantity and normally appears with an article or another number word. Use zwölf for the exact number and Dutzend when you want to emphasize the group of twelve as a unit.
Für die Feier kaufe ich zwölf Eier.
I’m buying twelve eggs for the party.
Für die Feier kaufe ich ein Dutzend Eier.
I’m buying a dozen eggs for the party.
