fünf

Fünf is the German word for the number five. It functions as a cardinal numeral used in counting, describing quantity, and marking positions in lists or sequences. In standard German, fünf is followed by sechs for six and precedes vier for four in ordinary counting.

Etymology and cognates: Fünf descends from Old High German funf, which in turn comes from Proto-Germanic *fimf. It is cognate with Dutch vijf, English five, Icelandic fimm, and Gothic fimf. The modern umlaut in German is a historical development that distinguishes the form from related languages.

Pronunciation and usage: The word is pronounced with a long vowel: [fyːnf]. As a cardinal number, it appears in phrases such as fünf Personen (five people) or fünf Uhr (five o’clock). The corresponding ordinal form is fünfte (fifth), used for positions in a sequence rather than a quantity.

Derivatives and forms: In German, compounds often reflect the base number, for example fünffach meaning fivefold or five times as much, and Fünfer as a colloquial term for a group of five or a five-unit note or coin. The numeral also participates in mathematical and descriptive terms, such as fünfergruppe (a group of five) or fünfzackig (five-pointed).

See also: eins, zwei, drei, vier, sechs, and related terms such as fünft (fifth) and pent- as a broader prefix seen in some technical words. Fünf serves as a basic, recurring element in German counting and number-related expressions.