die Differenz
difference
The quantitative difference between two numbers or values, determined by subtraction.
EXAMPLE
Die Differenz zwischen 100 und 75 beträgt 25.
The difference between 100 and 75 is 25.
die Differenz
difference
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
die Differenz
disagreement
A difference of opinion, conflict, or disagreement between people or groups.
EXAMPLE
Wegen unüberbrückbarer Differenzen haben sich die Geschäftspartner getrennt.
Because of irreconcilable differences, the business partners parted ways.
Usage tips
Context clue
The plural form 'Differenzen' (differences) almost always refers to disagreements. The singular form 'die Differenz' (the difference), especially in connection with numbers, means the mathematical difference.
EXAMPLE
Die Differenzen zwischen den Parteien konnten nicht gelöst werden.
The differences between the parties could not be resolved.
Sentence structure in mathematics
To express the mathematical difference, the fixed structure 'die Differenz zwischen [Wert A] und [Wert B]' (the difference between [value A] and [value B]) is used.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie mir die Differenz zwischen dem alten und dem neuen Preis nennen?
Can you tell me the difference between the old and the new price?
Typical collocations
In connection with conflicts, 'Differenzen' (differences/disagreements) is often used with verbs like 'haben' (to have), 'beilegen' (to settle/resolve), or 'überwinden' (to overcome).
EXAMPLE
Die beiden Kollegen hatten schon lange persönliche Differenzen.
The two colleagues had had personal differences for a long time.
Compare with
UnterschiedAbstandStreitKonfliktKontrastAbweichungDeltaDiskrepanzUnstimmigkeitMeinungsverschiedenheitSpanne
Differenz vs Unterschied
difference
Unterschied generally refers to how two values or situations differ from each other. When referring to numbers, Differenz is usually the result of a subtraction and sounds more precise or technical in such contexts. Use Unterschied for a general comparison and Differenz for a measurable gap.
Differenz
Die Differenz zwischen den beiden Preisen beträgt zehn Euro.
The difference between the two prices is ten euros.
Unterschied
Der Unterschied zwischen den beiden Preisen ist deutlich.
The difference between the two prices is significant.
In real life
Loading video examples...