Teil
/taɪ̯l/
The English word 'part' is translated into German as Teil.
Teil refers to a distinct element of something larger. It is also used as a component of the separable verb teilnehmen, which means to participate or to take part in an event.
Meaning: distinct element of something larger (noun)
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction based on gender: the masculine form der Teil refers to a specific portion or segment of a whole. In contrast, the neuter form das Teil is frequently used when referring to a component, an object or a mechanical spare part.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Teil is Teile. The genitive singular form is Teils.
How do you pronounce it?
/taɪ̯l/
Did you know?
- The German word Teil is a direct linguistic relative of the English word 'deal', as both stem from the same Proto-West Germanic root meaning 'to divide'.
- In mathematics, a 'part' or fraction is often referred to as a Bruch, meaning 'break' or 'fracture', rather than using the word Teil.
- In colloquial German, calling an object das Teil can be a way to refer to a gadget or thing when you have forgotten its actual name.
Examples in context
- Der Teil ist gut.That part is good.This sentence uses Teil to identify a specific part.Tatoeba #12217822 by mayabe, translation #4501342 by CK
- Er nahm am Rennen teil.He took part in the race.This sentence uses Teil as part of the verb to indicate participation.Tatoeba #605595 by virgil, translation #290564 by CK
- Das ist Teil des Plans.It's all part of the plan.This sentence uses Teil to describe something that is a component of a larger plan.Tatoeba #3245999 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1112037 by Scott
- Dieser Teil des Projekts ist besonders wichtig.This part of the project is especially important.
- Jeder Mitarbeiter hat einen Anteil an unserem Erfolg.Each employee has a part in our success.
- Der Anteil der Frauen in der Firma beträgt 40%.The proportion of women in the company is 40%.
- Das ist ein wichtiger Bestandteil der Vertragsbedingungen.That is an important part of the contract terms.
- Deutschunterricht ist ein fester Bestandteil des Schulcurriculums.German lessons are an integral part of the school curriculum.
- Lies den Abschnitt über deutsche Grammatik sorgfältig.Read the section about German grammar carefully.
- Kannst du mir ein Stück von deinem Kuchen abgeben?Can you give me a piece of your cake?
- Ich habe einen Teil der Aufgabe erledigt.I've completed part of the task.
- 409 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are working on a puzzle together.
- JulianIch kann diesen Teil nicht finden.I cannot find this part.
- SarahWelchen Teil meinst du, Julian?Which part do you mean, Julian?
- JulianDen kleinen Teil für den Himmel.The small part for the sky.
- SarahHier ist er, Sarah hat ihn gefunden!Here it is, Sarah found it!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Teil, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Teil, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
