German Conversation · Level 100
59 words
German word
Mangel
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈmaŋl̩/
Meaning
- masculine nounshortage
Example
In unserer Firma gibt es einen Mangel an Mitarbeitern.
Our company has a shortage of employees.
More examples
Nach dem Sturm herrschte in vielen Dörfern ein Mangel an sauberem Wasser.
After the storm, there was a shortage of clean water in many villages.
Core concept
A vital piece is missing from a supply, a plan, or an object, leaving a gap that limits its function.
Common phrases
ein Mangel an Zeit
a shortage of time
ein Mangel an Geld
a shortage of money
Similar words
Knappheit: A limited supply of goods or resources.
Defizit: The amount missing from an expected level or standard.
Fehlen: The absence of something that is needed.
Engpass: A temporary supply or capacity shortage that disrupts progress.
Definition in German
Fehlen oder unzureichende Menge von etwas, besonders bei wichtigen Ressourcen oder Eigenschaften; im Plural auch als 'Mängel' für Defekte gebraucht.
Word origin
The noun Mangel developed through Old High German mangal and Middle High German mangel, retaining the central idea of deficiency or defect.
Usage tips
- Mangel is masculine, but its plural is irregular: "der Mangel" becomes "die Mängel" when referring to defects or shortcomings.
Other meanings
- shortcomingnoun
- defectnoun
Opposites
- Überflussabundancenoun
- Füllefullnessnoun
Related words
- mangelhaftdeficientadjective
- mangelndlackingadjective