3.14 Numbers 0-20
There are two basic ways of counting in Norwegian. The “new” system, similar in form to English, has been required in textbooks since 1951. The “old” system, more similar to the system used in German, and with different words for 7 and 20 than used in the “new” system, is still used by many people. Because both systems are so wide-spread, it is necessary to learn both.
Basic Numbers / Grunntall |
|
|---|---|
“New” system / Nye tall |
“Old System / Gamle tall |
| 0 null | 0 null |
| 1 én (ett) | 1 én (ett) |
| 2 to | 2 to |
| 3 tre | 3 tre |
| 4 fire | 4 fire |
| 5 fem | 5 fem |
| 6 seks | 6 seks |
| 7 sju | 7 syv |
| 8 åtte | 8 åtte |
| 9 ni | 9 ni |
| 10 ti | 10 ti |
| 11 elleve | 11 elleve |
| 12 tolv | 12 tolv |
| 13 tretten | 13 tretten |
| 14 fjorten | 14 fjorten |
| 15 femten | 15 femten |
| 16 seksten | 16 seksten |
| 17 sytten | 17 sytten |
| 18 atten | 18 atten |
| 19 nitten | 19 nitten |
| 20 tjue | 20 tyve |
NB! The numbers 1-10 are usually written out in words:
Han bodde i Norge i seks år. (He lived in Norway for six years.)
11 and up are written as numerals: Det er 25 studenter i klassen.
(There are 25 students in the class.)