German Conversation · Level 17
88 words
German word
Teilchen
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈtaɪ̯lçən/
Meaning
- neuter nounpiece
Example
Das Teilchen liegt auf dem Tisch.
The piece is on the table.
More examples
Auf dem Boden lag ein Teilchen aus Glas.
A glass fragment was lying on the floor.
Core concept
A small fragment detached from a larger whole, or a minute unit in a larger system.
Common phrases
ein Teilchen aus Glas
a glass fragment
ein winziges Teilchen
a tiny fragment
viele Teilchen
many fragments
Similar words
Partikel: A very small particle, especially in scientific language.
Bruchstück: A remnant separated from something that has broken.
Fragment: A small piece resulting from the breaking of something larger.
Teil: A section or element that forms part of a whole.
Definition in German
Kleine, oft unbedeutende Einheit oder Fragment; Diminutiv von Teil.
Word origin
German Teilchen is formed from inherited Germanic Teil and the productive diminutive suffix -chen, which marks it as small.
Usage tips
- In physics, Teilchen commonly means particle, while everyday contexts usually suggest a small piece or fragment.
Other meanings
- particlenoun
- fragmentnoun
Opposites
- Ganzesthe wholenoun
Related words
- Teilchenphysikparticle physicsnoun
- Teilchenbeschleunigerparticle acceleratornoun
- Teilchenzahlnumber of particlesnoun