das Einmaleins
times tables
The basic rules and tasks of multiplication with small whole numbers, which people usually memorize at school.
EXAMPLE
Meine Tochter übt gerade das Einmaleins.
My daughter is currently practicing her times tables.
das Einmaleins
times tables / basics
das Einmaleins
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Meanings
das Einmaleins
basics
The fundamental knowledge or rules of a subject that you need to learn first.
EXAMPLE
Die Sicherheitsregeln gehören zum Einmaleins der Arbeit im Labor.
The safety rules are part of the basics of working in a laboratory.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Einmaleins, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Einmaleins |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Einmaleins | – |
| accusative | das Einmaleins | – |
| dative | dem Einmaleins | – |
| genitive | des Einmaleins | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Einmaleins' (times tables) comes from the phrase 'eins mal eins' (one times one): 'mal' (times) refers to multiplication. Writing it as one word reflects the multiplication exercises learned by heart.
EXAMPLE
Im Unterricht schreibt die Klasse das Einmaleins in ihr Heft.
In class, the students write the times tables in their notebooks.
Typical collocation
For school multiplication exercises, the fixed expression 'das kleine Einmaleins' (the basic times tables) is very common. The verb 'üben' (to practice) is also often used with 'Einmaleins'.
EXAMPLE
Vor der Klassenarbeit übt Ben jeden Abend das kleine Einmaleins.
Before the test, Ben practices the basic times tables every evening.
Figurative use
In its figurative meaning, 'Einmaleins' (basics) often occurs in the expression 'zum Einmaleins gehören' (to be part of the basics). This is usually followed by several fundamental rules or areas of knowledge in a particular field.
EXAMPLE
Pünktlichkeit und gute Vorbereitung gehören zum Einmaleins einer erfolgreichen Präsentation.
Punctuality and good preparation are part of the basics of a successful presentation.
In real life
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