Writing Numbers – Points or Commas?
When writing numbers, German speakers sometimes forget that the symbols used as decimal separator and thousands separator are different in German and English. In both languages commas and points are used; they are, however, placed differently.
To avoid confusion, particularly in a business context, please take note of the following rules:
1. Symbol for the “decimal separator”
Notice how in English a decimal point, and not a comma, is placed as seperator before the cents (the fractional part of the decimal number).
2. Symbol for the “thousands separator”
Notice how in English a comma, and not a point, is placed as a 3-digit group separator.
To avoid confusion, particularly in a business context, please take note of the following rules:
1. Symbol for the “decimal separator”
- In German: „Dies wird Sie 999,50 EUR kosten“
- In English: “This will cost you 999.50 EUR”
Notice how in English a decimal point, and not a comma, is placed as seperator before the cents (the fractional part of the decimal number).
2. Symbol for the “thousands separator”
- In German: „Dies wird Sie 1.000,50 EUR kosten“
- In English: “This will cost you 1,000.50 EUR”
Notice how in English a comma, and not a point, is placed as a 3-digit group separator.
