Key learning points

1. We use ordinal numbers (e.g., 'first', 'second', 'third') for calendar dates.
2. To form ordinal numbers 1-19 add '-te', e.g., 'fünfte'; for ordinals 20 and over add '-ste', e.g., 'einundzwanzigste'.
3. For 'on the' with dates', use 'am' and add '-n' to the ordinal number, e.g., 'am zweiten März'.
4. For years, separate the digits into two pairs, for century and year, and place 'hundert' or 'tausend' between the pairs.
5. To infer the meaning of unknown words, examine the surrounding words, review given definitions and select the best fit.

Keywords

• Ordinal number - tells you the order of something, e.g., 'first', 'second', 'third', and is used with dates

• Am - preposition meaning 'on the', is a contraction of 'an' and the dative definite article 'dem'

Common misconception