Inside: Mastering Spanish Numbers 11-20: A Simple Guide for Teachers and Parents. Teaching Spanish numbers 11 20 in Spanish class and with your Spanish learners.
Author – Allison Wienhold
Published on Mis Clases Locas – February 27, 2025
Mastering Spanish Numbers 11 to 20
Teaching Spanish numbers 11-20 is an important step for students learning to count beyond the basics. These numbers are used by Spanish speakers in daily conversations, math, and telling time, making them essential vocabulary for beginners.
Once I moved my Spanish Curriculum for Middle School beyond a textbook, I stopped teaching numbers as a “unit.” Instead I used them in routined like Calendar Talk and in my Super 7 unit to start the year.
I know that may of you are tied to a set curriculum. So in this guide, we will break down how to teach Spanish numbers 11-20 effectively. We will compare them to Spanish numbers 1-10, and provide practical exercises to reinforce learning.
Reviewing Spanish Numbers 1-10
For anyone that knows a bit of Spanish vocabulary, they likely can count to ten in Spanish. As a refresher her are los números 1-10.
los números – numbers
- 1 – uno
- 2 – dos
- 3 – tres
- 4 – cuatro
- 5 – cinco
- 6 – séis
- 7 – siete
- 8 – ocho
- 9 – nueve
- 10 – diez
Understanding Spanish Numbers 11-20
Spanish numbers 11-20 follow a pattern that builds on what students have already learned from Spanish numbers 1-10. Here’s a simple list:
- 11 – once
- 12 – doce
- 13 – trece
- 14 – catorce
- 15 – quince
- 16 – dieciséis
- 17 – diecisiete
- 18 – dieciocho
- 19 – diecinueve
- 20 – veinte
Numbers 11-15 are unique words. These are typically the trickiest words for Spanish learners to remember.
1-10 are very common knowledge. 16-19 follow a pattern if you already know 1-10. 16-19 follow a pattern using “diez y” combined into a single word (e.g., dieciséis = diez y seis).
So 11-15 in Spanish are the numbers to focus on the most.
How Spanish Numbers 11-20 Differ from 1-10
- Numbers 1-10 are mostly short and simple (uno, dos, tres), while 11-15 introduce longer, less predictable words.
- Numbers 16-19 begin to follow a clear pattern, preparing students for numbers beyond 20.
- Unlike Spanish numbers 1-10, which are frequently used in greetings and simple counting, 11-20 are crucial for discussing ages, dates, and prices.
Pronunciation Tips and Common Mistakes
- Practice tricky numbers: Students often struggle with words like “quince” and “dieciocho” due to unfamiliar sounds.
- Listen to native speakers: Audio practice helps reinforce proper pronunciation and rhythm.
- Break down longer numbers: Teach students to separate “diez y seis” into “dieciséis” to help them see the pattern.
How to Use Spanish Numbers 11-20 in Real Life
Numbers 11-20 are used in many everyday situations. Some key examples include:
- Asking and answering about age: “¿Cuántos años tienes?” “Tengo quince años.” *Practice age in my High-Frequency Verb Unit to Start Spanish 1 focusing on the Super 7 verbs. Get it here.
- Reading phone numbers: “Mi número es once, doce, veinte…”
- Shopping: Prices often include numbers in this range.
- Ordinal numbers: While not the same as cardinal numbers, students should also be aware of ordinal forms like “undécimo” (11th).
Spanish Exercises and Worksheets for Practice
Providing hands-on practice helps students retain Spanish numbers 11-20. Here are some useful activities:
- Calendar talk: Use numbers 1-31 in context each day talking about the date as a classroom routine
- Matching games: If your students have to memorize these numbers for your curriculum, you can use more rote memorization is needed. Have students pair the number with its written form.
- Fill-in-the-blank sentences in context using Persona Especial: “Mi hermano tiene _____ años.”
- Worksheets: Printable activities can reinforce learning through writing and speaking practice.
- Listening exercises: Play audio of native speakers using numbers in context. There are some videos below of Spanish number songs you can use
Counting In Spanish 11-20 Videos
LOS NÚMEROS del 1-20
Use as a review of all numbers 1-20 in Spanish.
Conclusion
Spanish numbers 11-20 are essential for beginners as they transition from basic counting to more practical applications. Understanding the patterns in these numbers makes it easier for students to continue learning beyond 20.
By incorporating pronunciation practice, real-life examples, and engaging activities, teachers and parents can help students master these numbers with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Spanish numbers 11-20 build on the foundation of Spanish numbers 1-10.
- 11-15 are unique words, while 16-19 follow a pattern.
- These numbers are important for discussing ages, dates, and prices.
- Pronunciation practice and listening to native speakers help students avoid common mistakes.
- Using songs, routines, and real-world examples reinforces learning.
More Spanish Class Basics to Teach Your Kids or Students Spanish
- Greetings Song in Spanish
- Alphabet Songs in Spanish Class
- Happy Birthday Songs Spanish Class
- Teaching Days of the Week in Spanish
- Name Game Speedball – 1st day of Spanish Class
- High-Frequency Verb Unit to Start Spanish 1.
More info on how to have your high school students Teach Elementary Spanish Lessons.
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