noun
number, figure
A2
Zahl (die) means “number” or “figure.” It denotes a numeral, a quantity or statistic. Plural is Zahlen. As a feminine noun it follows regular declension (die Zahl, die Zahlen). No special preposition or irregular plural; use articles accordingly in cases (der Zahl, den Zahlen in dative plural).
Examples
Der Statistiker bemerkte, dass eine Zahl nicht stimmte, nachdem er die Tabelle überprüfte.
The statistician noticed that a number was incorrect after he checked the table.
Die Zahl auf der Rechnung stimmt nicht.
The figure on the bill is incorrect.
Die Zahl ist größer als zehn.
The number is greater than ten.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a large numeral painted on a sign (a bold '7') to anchor the idea of a 'Zahl'.
Sounds a bit like 'soul' — imagine the number has its own soul.
die (feminine) — imagine a woman (Die) holding a big number banner.
Notes
Be careful: 'Zahl' often means 'number' or 'figure'. 'Ziffer' is more specifically a single digit. In contexts about amounts or statistics, 'Zahl' can be translated as 'figure' or 'amount'.