addition / complement
die Ergänzung, die Ergänzungen
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addition
Something that is added in order to complete, improve, or expand something else.
Dieser Kurs ist eine ideale Ergänzung für alle, die ihre Sprachkenntnisse vertiefen wollen.
This course is an ideal addition for anyone who wants to deepen their language skills.
complement
In grammar, a part of a sentence that is required by the verb in order to complete the sentence. For example, one distinguishes between dative or accusative complements.
Im Satz „Er hilft seinem Freund“ ist „seinem Freund“ eine Dativergänzung.
In the sentence 'Er hilft seinem Freund' (He helps his friend), 'seinem Freund' (his friend) is a dative complement.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Ergänzungen |
| genitive | der Ergänzung |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Ergänzung | die Ergänzungen |
| accusative | die Ergänzung | die Ergänzungen |
| dative | der Ergänzung | den Ergänzungen |
| genitive | der Ergänzung | der Ergänzungen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Ergänzung' (addition / complement) comes from the verb 'ergänzen' (to supplement / complete), which means 'to make complete.' The verb is derived from the adjective 'ganz' (whole). An 'Ergänzung' is therefore something that is added in order to create a whole.
Ich muss meine Notizen noch um ein paar Details ergänzen.
I still need to add a few details to my notes.
When something is an addition TO something else, the preposition 'zu' is used with the dative. This construction is very common.
Das neue Buch ist eine wertvolle Ergänzung zu unserer Bibliothek.
The new book is a valuable addition to our library.
You can recognize the grammatical meaning from signal words such as 'Satz' (sentence), 'Verb' (verb), 'Dativ-' (dative), or 'Akkusativ-' (accusative). In all other cases, the general meaning 'Zusatz' (addition) or 'Vervollständigung' (completion) is meant.
Im Grammatikunterricht analysieren wir heute die Ergänzungen im Satz.
In grammar class today, we are analyzing the complements in the sentence.
information / boasting
Both words can occur in a sentence when giving additional information. An Angabe provides a detail that can be stated, while in grammar an Ergänzung can be a part of the sentence required by the verb. Use Ergänzung when this sentence part is necessary for a complete sentence.
Im Satz „Ich helfe dem Kind“ ist „dem Kind“ eine Ergänzung zum Verb.
In the sentence “Ich helfe dem Kind,” “dem Kind” is a complement of the verb.
Die Angabe des genauen Datums macht die Nachricht verständlicher.
Giving the exact date makes the message easier to understand.
