In chapter 1 of Number the Stars, Annemarie uses her experiences to answer the soldiers' questions. She knows to stop when they say "Halte!" because she has heard the word before. They want to know why she is running, so she explains that they have races at school every Friday, and she is practicing so that she can do well. She is used to being polite and truthful to adults, so she answers the soldiers politely and truthfully, although they do not return the favor. Although her inner thoughts are very different from her outer thoughts, Annemarie tries to smile at the soldiers as she would to any adult and reminds herself not to talk too much. She reaches for her little sister's hand as she always would, but her sister reacts as she always would, pulling her hand away. Fortunately, this makes the soldiers laugh, as they are reminded of their own children by Kirsti's natural childishness. Annemarie and Ellen also make sure not to catch the eyes of the other soldiers they see, knowing from their experience that it is best for them if the soldiers do not notice them.

Annemarie's reactions to the soldier work, and the soldier leaves the girls alone. They work because she is honest and herself, and she doesn't have to think of any stories or fake anything. They probably also work because she and Kristi are blond and blue eyed, so they don't arouse the soldier's suspicions.