diameter
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diameter
The longest straight line that connects two points on a circle or the surface of a sphere and passes through the center; also the length of this line segment.
Der Durchmesser des Rohres beträgt genau 5 Zentimeter.
The diameter of the pipe is exactly 5 centimeters.
The word is made up of 'durch' (through) and 'Messer'. Here, 'Messer' is not the cutting tool, but is derived from the verb 'messen' (to measure). So a Durchmesser is literally a 'through-measurer'.
Um den Durchmesser zu bestimmen, muss man genau durch den Mittelpunkt messen.
To determine the diameter, you have to measure exactly through the center.
When stating the size, 'Durchmesser' (diameter) is often used with the verbs 'haben' (to have) or 'betragen' (to amount to / to be). 'Betragen' is somewhat more formal.
Der Planet hat einen Durchmesser von etwa 12.000 Kilometern.
The planet has a diameter of about 12,000 kilometers.
To state the exact measurement, the preposition 'von' (of) followed by the length is often used. The structure is: 'ein Durchmesser von [number + unit]' (a diameter of [number + unit]).
Wir brauchen ein Rohr mit einem Durchmesser von drei Zentimetern.
We need a pipe with a diameter of three centimeters.
scope / circumference
'der Umfang' and 'der Durchmesser' both often appear when measuring circles, pipes, or round objects. But they refer to different measurements. 'der Umfang' is the length around the outside, meaning the line around the circle. 'der Durchmesser' is a straight line through the center from one side to the other. You can confuse the words because both describe a measurement of a circle. A practical tip: Umfang is around the outside; Durchmesser goes across through the center.
Beim Einkaufen prüft Alina den Durchmesser des runden Tisches.
While shopping, Alina checks the diameter of the round table.
Für den neuen Deckel messe ich zuerst den Umfang des Topfes.
For the new lid, I first measure the circumference of the pot.