die Anzahl
number
The amount of things or people that can be counted; a quantity.
EXAMPLE
Die Anzahl der Bewerber für die Stelle war überraschend hoch.
The number of applicants for the position was surprisingly high.
die Anzahl
number
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Meanings
Usage tips
Grammar: genitive or prepositions
After 'Anzahl' (number), the genitive plural usually follows ('die Anzahl der Bücher' — the number of books). Alternatively, especially in spoken language, 'von' + dative ('die Anzahl von Büchern') or 'an' + dative ('die Anzahl an Büchern') is also used.
EXAMPLE
Die Anzahl der Bewerbungen hat uns überrascht.
The number of applications surprised us.
Common mistake: singular verb
Even if the noun after 'Anzahl' (number) is plural, the verb in the sentence agrees with 'die Anzahl' and is therefore singular. It is 'Die Anzahl der Gäste ist…' (The number of guests is…), not 'sind…' (are…).
EXAMPLE
Die Anzahl der verkauften Tickets ist in diesem Jahr deutlich gestiegen.
The number of tickets sold has increased significantly this year.
Typical adjectives
'Anzahl' (number) is often combined with adjectives that describe an amount. Common combinations are 'eine große/hohe Anzahl' (a large/high number), 'eine geringe/kleine Anzahl' (a low/small number), or 'eine steigende/sinkende Anzahl' (a rising/falling number).
EXAMPLE
Eine geringe Anzahl an Fehlern ist akzeptabel.
A small number of errors is acceptable.
Compare with
Anzahl vs Menge
amount / crowd
Die Anzahl and die Menge can both refer to countable things. Die Anzahl states neutrally how many units there are and is especially suitable for an exact number. Die Menge can also refer to a quantity that has not been counted individually and often suggests a larger quantity.
Anzahl
Die Anzahl der heute angekommenen Pakete beträgt genau 120.
The number of packages that arrived today is exactly 120.
Menge
Heute ist eine große Menge Pakete im Lager angekommen.
A large number of packages arrived at the warehouse today.
In real life
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