how are the octave region named in english?

[counterpoint]

In german, we have c'  c''  c''' etc. I suppose, that's equal to C1, C2, C3

But how is the naming of the lower octaves  (german  kleines c, großes C, Kontra C)?

[pianistimo]

the conventional heimholtz system, i thought, was universal now.  is this wrong.  do different conductors/pianists use different notations?

C1 Contra C; C for Great C; c for small; c1 for one-line; and c2 for two-line). 

[pianistimo]

ok.  i think the dictionary has 'helmholtz'  but in my book i have 'heimholtz' ?

C2 = lowest C = CCC
C1 = next one up =CC
C = C (octave under mid-c)
c= middle c
c1
c2
c3

you can remember this method by 'B' being under mid-c.  and the next octave up - a small b.

is the lowest C - double contra?  or contra-bass - or some such name?

[pianistimo]

funny - but the first way i learned it was starting with bass:

C1   C2   C3...  maybe that's the easier method for children.  i tend to favor teaching them one at a time - but right the first time.  so, the helmholtz method would win.

[counterpoint]

Okay, that would be almost the same as in german.

I only thought, that all note names are written in BIG letters in english

[pianistimo]

there's a big difference between teaching lessons and grad studies.  certain things just don't fly.  i tried to use the all -caps and was told 'no no.'  so, then, i've been trying to mentally switch and write things partially capped and not capped for the appropriate octaves. 

maybe someone else can fill us in on what they do.  this is what i was told for upper level writing about music.

i think it is easier to remember the 'german' or traditional way that i learned.

maybe alistair will put in his two cents on this one.  it could be that certain teachers favor helmholtz over this method.  is there a name to this?