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How to Say ‘What's the number?’ in German

Wie ist die Nummer?

vee ist dee NOOM-er

[vee ist dee NOOM-er]

💬 Usage Tip: German asks wie "how" here, not was "what". It works the same way in Wie ist Ihr Name? "What's your name?".

Phrase Breakdown

Wie ist

vee ist

What is

German says 'wie' (how) where English says 'what' to ask for numbers and names. 'Wie' sounds like 'vee'.

Example

Wie ist Ihr Name?

What is your name?

Words in this phrase

Wie

[vee]

what

With 'ist' asking for a name or number, German uses 'wie' where English says 'what'.

Example

Wie ist dein Name?

What is your name?

ist

[ist]

A form of the verb 'sein' used for singular subjects.

Example

Für viele Bewerber Ist ein gutes Teamklima entscheidend.

For many applicants, a good team climate is crucial.

die Nummer?

dee NOOM-er

the number?

'Nummer' is feminine, so it takes 'die'. The short 'u' is like the 'oo' in 'book'.

Example

Ich habe die Nummer.

I have the number.

Words in this phrase

die

[dee]

the

Definite article used to specify something already known.

Example

Die Katze ist süß.

The cat is cute.

Nummer

[NOOM-er]

number

Feminine noun; often means a phone number in casual talk.

Example

Meine Nummer ist neu.

My number is new.

Guides for German learners

Duolingo vs Pimsleur: Tapping on a Screen or Talking Out Loud?Duolingo vs Pimsleur: five minutes of tapping versus thirty minutes of speaking. What each is good at, what each costs, and which to pick for your goal.

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