01
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
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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
'ergänzen' and 'addieren' can both mean that something is added to something else. However, 'addieren' is used mainly in mathematics, when adding numbers together. 'ergänzen' is used much more generally when something is missing and you add it, for example a piece of information, a word, or a part. The words can be confused because both have to do with adding something. With numbers, 'addieren' is usually correct. With texts, lists, or missing information, 'ergänzen' sounds more natural.
addieren
Im Matheunterricht addieren die Kinder zuerst die kleinen Zahlen.
In math class, the children add the small numbers first.
ergänzen
Kannst du bitte deine Telefonnummer auf dem Formular ergänzen?
Could you please add your phone number to the form?
In real life
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