German word

Umfang

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʊmfaŋ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounscope

Example

Ich kenne den Umfang des Problems.

I know the scope of the problem.

Illustration for Umfang (scope)

More examples

Wir müssen den Umfang des Projekts genau festlegen.

We need to define the scope of the project precisely.

Core concept

A measuring line around a thing or an invisible boundary around a subject, defining its physical or abstract reach.

Common phrases

  • der Umfang des Projekts

    the scope of the project

  • den Umfang festlegen

    define the scope

Similar words

Ausmaß: The magnitude or severity of an event, problem, or situation.
Größe: The size or measurements of a physical object or place.
Reichweite: The range over which an effect reaches or can be exerted.
Bereich: A particular domain of activity or topic.

Definition in German

Umfang (m) — der Bereich oder das Ausmaß, das etwas einnimmt; kann konkret (zum Beispiel Kreisumfang) oder abstrakt (zum Beispiel der Umfang eines Problems) sein.

Word origin

Umfang developed from the inherited Germanic verb umfangen, 'to encircle', and came to denote both an enclosing measurement and the extent of a subject.

Usage tips

  • For everyday general size, Größe is usually more natural than Umfang, while Umfang fits a problem, task, or subject when its extent is meant.

Other meanings

  • scalenoun
  • sizenoun
  • circumferencenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Umfangsbestimmungscope determinationnoun
  • umfänglichcomprehensiveadjective

Word lists with this word