01
dreimal
three times
Indicates the number of three repetitions or occurrences.
example
Ich habe dreimal geklopft, aber niemand hat die Tür geöffnet.
I knocked three times, but no one opened the door.
dreimal
three times
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word formation
Number adverbs like 'dreimal' (three times) are formed by adding the ending '-mal' to a cardinal number. This pattern works for almost all numbers (e.g., 'einmal' (once), 'zweimal' (twice), 'zehnmal' (ten times)).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe dieses Lied heute schon fünfmal gehört.
I have already listened to this song five times today.
Sentence position
'Dreimal' (three times) can stand in position 1 to emphasize the frequency. Then the verb follows directly after it. It can also appear unstressed in the middle of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Dreimal hat er die Prüfung versucht.
Three times he attempted the exam.
Indicating frequency
To express frequency, 'dreimal' (three times) is often combined with 'pro' (per) or a time expression in the accusative, for example 'dreimal pro Woche' (three times per week) or 'dreimal am Tag' (three times a day).
EXAMPLE
Man sollte dreimal am Tag die Zähne putzen.
You should brush your teeth three times a day.
In comparisons
The word is often used in comparisons to express a multiple. The structure is often 'dreimal so + adjective' (three times as + adjective).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Haus ist dreimal so teuer wie unsere Wohnung.
This house is three times as expensive as our apartment.
Compare with
dreimal vs drei
three
'drei' and 'dreimal' both contain the number 3, but they answer different questions. 'drei' says how many things, people, or units there are. 'dreimal' says how often something happens or is repeated. That is why you can say 'drei Termine' (three appointments), but 'dreimal anrufen' (to call three times). Learners confuse the words because the number is the same in both. A practical tip: If you can ask 'how many?', 'drei' usually fits. If you can ask 'how often?', 'dreimal' fits.
dreimal
Nach dem Unterricht übt ihr den Dialog dreimal.
After class, you practice the dialogue three times.
drei
Bei der Arbeit hat der Chef heute drei Termine.
At work, the boss has three appointments today.
In real life
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