Ordinal numerals

Words like erste, zweite, dritte, vierte etc. are ordinal numerals. They indicate a certain position in a series of identical things. They are only used as attributes to a noun and are inflected like adjectives. They can also be nominalized.

Ordinal numerals from 1 to 19 are formed with the cardinal numeral + t (variations apply in numbers 1, 3, 7, 8); from number 20 and up, with the cardinal numeral + st. When the ordinal numerals are written in digits, a period is placed after the number.

Ordinal numerals are used to state a date. They are accompanied by the masculine singular type of the definite article.