die Einheit
unity
The state of cohesion and agreement; the solidarity of a group or country.
EXAMPLE
Die Mannschaft demonstrierte große Einheit auf dem Spielfeld.
The team demonstrated great unity on the field.
die Einheit
unity / unit
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Meanings
die Einheit
unit
A fixed quantity used to measure amounts, such as meters, kilograms, or liters.
EXAMPLE
Der Zentimeter ist eine kleinere Einheit als der Meter.
The centimeter is a smaller unit than the meter.
die Einheit
unit
A part of a larger organization, especially in the military, police, or administration.
EXAMPLE
Eine spezielle Einheit der Polizei wurde zum Einsatzort gerufen.
A special police unit was called to the scene.
die Einheit
unit
A self-contained part of a larger whole, for example a lesson in a textbook or an apartment in a residential building.
EXAMPLE
Das Sprachkursbuch ist in zwölf Einheiten gegliedert.
The language coursebook is divided into twelve units.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word 'Einheit' (unity/unit) is derived from the number 'ein' (one). The ending '-heit' forms an abstract noun that describes the state of 'being one' or of cohesion.
EXAMPLE
Die Einheit des Teams war der Schlüssel zum Erfolg.
The unity of the team was the key to success.
Context clues
The context reveals the meaning: In the political or social sphere, it is about cohesion. In connection with numbers and measurements, such as 'Maßeinheit' (unit of measurement), it means a measuring unit. In a military or organizational context, it is a group, and in textbooks or buildings, a self-contained part.
EXAMPLE
Die politische Einheit des Landes ist in Gefahr.
The political unity of the country is in danger.
Cultural context
The phrase 'die Deutsche Einheit' (German Unity) is a fixed historical term and refers to the reunification of Germany in 1990. In this context, the word is always capitalized.
EXAMPLE
Am 3. Oktober wird der Tag der Deutschen Einheit gefeiert.
German Unity Day is celebrated on October 3.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'abgeschlossener Teil' (self-contained part), 'Einheit' (unit) is often used as the base word in compounds. Common examples are 'Lerneinheit' (learning unit), 'Unterrichtseinheit' (teaching unit/lesson unit), or 'Wohneinheit' (residential unit).
EXAMPLE
Unsere Wohnung ist die größte Wohneinheit in diesem Haus.
Our apartment is the largest residential unit in this building.
Compare with
Einheit vs Stück
piece
Both Stück and Einheit can be used when giving quantities for individual products. Stück is the usual counting word for individual items, while Einheit emphasizes a fixed quantity or method of counting. Use Stück for ordinary shopping and Einheit when the quantity is measured according to a specification.
Einheit
Für die Bestellung ist ein Karton die festgelegte Einheit.
For the order, a box is the specified unit.
Stück
Im Laden kaufte ich drei Stück Seife für das Badezimmer.
I bought three bars of soap for the bathroom at the store.
In real life
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