Swedish Grammar #14: Quantifiers (Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers)

In Swedish, numbers are expressed using cardinal numbers (1, 2, 3…) and ordinal numbers (first, second, third…). Since numbers appear frequently in everyday conversation—whether for dates, order, room numbers, or prices—being able to use them correctly will greatly expand your ability to express yourself.

In this lesson, I explain the basics of Swedish cardinal and ordinal numbers, their usage, and important points to keep in mind.

1. Cardinal Numbers: Structure and Basic Forms

Cardinal numbers (1, 2, 3…) indicate quantity or amount. They are used when expressing things such as number of items, age, or prices.

1-1. Basic Forms from 0 to 20

Numbers from 0 to 20 are the most commonly used and should be memorized first. They are extremely useful for shopping, telling age, time, and daily conversation.

1-2. Numbers Above 21

Numbers from 21 upwards are formed by combining the tens and ones into a single word.

2. Ordinal Numbers: Structure and Patterns

Ordinal numbers (first, second, third…) indicate order, rank, or sequence. They are commonly used for dates, floors, rankings, and order in a series.

2-1. Ordinal Numbers from 1 to 20

2-2. The 1st〜 3rd Are Irregular

The first three ordinal numbers are irregular and must be memorized individually:

These occur frequently in daily conversation, so it is best to learn them early.

2-3. From the 4th Onward: -de / -te

Most ordinal numbers from the 4th onward are formed by adding -de or -te to the cardinal number.

From the 5th through the 20th, the pattern is fairly regular, making it easier to predict once you get used to it.

3. Using Cardinal Numbers: Quantity, Price, Age, and Dates

3-1. Expressing Quantity

Cardinal numbers are placed before nouns to indicate number.

With numbers 2 and above, the noun is normally in the indefinite plural form.
(katt → katter)

3-2. Expressing Prices

Cardinal numbers are frequently used for money in daily life.

Prices are expressed as number + currency (plural). kronor is the plural form of krona (1 krona).

3-3. Expressing Age

To say someone’s age, Swedish uses a construction with år gammal.

Here, år (year) is combined with gammal (old).

3-4. Expressing Dates

Dates are often expressed with ordinal numbers preceded by the definite article den.

Here, den functions like a definite marker meaning “the.”

4. Using Ordinal Numbers

4-1. Expressing Rank or Placement

4-2. Expressing Floors

Here, fjärde modifies våning (floor) just like an adjective.

4-3. Expressing “First Time”

första modifies gång (time/occasion).

4-4. Chapters and Sections

Ordinal numbers are also used in books and academic writing.

5. Summary

Haruno

Author

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