addieren
to add
To calculate two or more numbers together in order to form their sum. It is one of the basic mathematical operations.
EXAMPLE
Wenn man fünf und sieben addiert, erhält man zwölf.
If you add five and seven, you get twelve.
addieren
to add
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Meanings
addieren
to add
To add or contribute something to something else so that a larger amount or a new whole is created. This use is less common and more figurative.
EXAMPLE
Zu den bestehenden Problemen addierte sich nun auch noch der Stromausfall.
The power outage now added to the existing problems.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the mathematical meaning from the context of numbers and calculations. The figurative meaning usually refers to abstract things like problems or feelings and is often used reflexively ('sich addieren').
EXAMPLE
Können Sie bitte diese beiden Beträge für mich addieren?
Could you please add these two amounts for me?
Sentence structure in arithmetic
In arithmetic, there are two common constructions: You can either connect two numbers with 'und' (and) or add one number 'zu' (to) another.
EXAMPLE
Wenn du 15 und 25 addierst, was ist das Ergebnis?
If you add 15 and 25, what is the result?
Typical collocations
In a mathematical context, 'addieren' (to add) is often used with nouns such as 'Zahlen' (numbers), 'Beträge' (amounts), 'Posten' (items), or 'Kosten' (costs).
EXAMPLE
Der Kellner addierte alle Posten auf der Rechnung.
The waiter added up all the items on the bill.
Figurative use
In the figurative meaning, 'addieren' (to add) is often used reflexively with 'sich' and the preposition 'zu'. It describes something being added to things that already exist.
EXAMPLE
Zu meiner Müdigkeit addierte sich starker Kopfschmerz.
A severe headache was added to my tiredness.
Compare with
addieren vs ergänzen
to add / supplement
Both ergänzen and addieren can refer to adding something. Ergänzen emphasizes that a missing or useful part is added; the less common, figurative use of addieren focuses more on increasing an amount.
addieren
Zu den zehn Seiten des Berichts addiert der Autor noch zwei weitere.
The author adds two more pages to the report’s ten pages.
ergänzen
Die fehlende Grafik ergänzt den Bericht an der richtigen Stelle.
The missing graphic completes the report in the right place.
In real life
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