Dezimalzahlen
The English phrase "decimals" is translated into German as Dezimalzahlen.
Dezimalzahlen refers to numbers that use a decimal point to show a fractional part of a whole. In formal settings, Germans typically use a comma (,) as a decimal separator.
Which one should you use?
The term Dezimalbruch is used specifically when referring to a fraction expressed in decimal form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the phrase is Dezimalzahl.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use a period instead of a comma to separate the integer part from the fractional part in German decimals.
Did you know?
- When writing large numbers, Germans use a period as a 'thousands separator', the exact opposite of the English system. For example, one thousand would be written as 1.000 instead of '1,000'.
- In some technical German contexts, you might encounter the term Kommazahl, which literally translates to 'comma number', focusing on the punctuation rather than the mathematical concept.
- In German mathematics, a Dezimalbruch is literally a 'decimal fraction'. While English treats 'decimal' and 'fraction' as different categories, German linguistically frames the decimal as a type of fraction.
Examples in context
- Die Temperatur liegt bei 20,5 Grad Celsius.The temperature is 20.5 degrees Celsius.
- Die Dezimalzahlen sind im Text markiert.The decimals are marked in the text.
- Wir müssen mit Dezimalzahlen rechnen.We have to calculate with decimals.
- Er erklärt den Schülern die Dezimalzahlen.He explains decimals to the students.
Example conversation
Lukas and Julia are studying mathematics together.
- LukasVerstehst du diese Dezimalzahlen?Do you understand these decimals?
- JuliaNein, die Aufgabe ist zu schwer.No, the task is too difficult.
- LukasIch kann dir die Dezimalzahlen erklären.I can explain the decimals to you.
- JuliaDas ist sehr nett von dir, Lukas.That is very kind of you, Lukas.
