der Faktor
factor
A circumstance or condition that influences a particular effect or result.
EXAMPLE
Der menschliche Faktor spielt bei der Sicherheit eine entscheidende Rolle.
The human factor plays a crucial role in safety.
der Faktor
factor
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Meanings
der Faktor
factor
In mathematics, one of the numbers that are multiplied together to produce a product.
EXAMPLE
Die Zahlen 3 und 5 sind die Faktoren des Produkts 15.
The numbers 3 and 5 are the factors of the product 15.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
'Faktor' (factor) is often combined with adjectives that emphasize its importance. Common collocations are 'ein wichtiger Faktor' (an important factor), 'ein entscheidender Faktor' (a crucial factor), or 'ein wesentlicher Faktor' (an essential factor).
EXAMPLE
Die Lage ist ein entscheidender Faktor bei der Wohnungssuche.
Location is a crucial factor when looking for an apartment.
Sentence structure and usage
To name the area in which the factor plays a role, the preposition 'bei' with the dative is often used. Another typical construction is 'eine Rolle spielen' (to play a role).
EXAMPLE
Das Wetter ist ein wichtiger Faktor bei der Planung von Outdoor-Aktivitäten.
The weather is an important factor in planning outdoor activities.
Context clue
You can clearly recognize the mathematical meaning from the context. When numbers, multiplication, or a product are being discussed, a factor in the mathematical sense is always meant.
EXAMPLE
Was sind die Faktoren von 21?
What are the factors of 21?
Compare with
Faktor vs Einfluss
influence
Faktor refers to a circumstance that helps determine a result. Einfluss, by contrast, refers to the effect that this circumstance has on the result. So Faktor fits when naming the relevant circumstance; when discussing its effect or the strength of that effect, Einfluss is the right word.
Faktor
Regelmäßige Pausen sind ein wichtiger Faktor für gute Konzentration.
Regular breaks are an important factor in maintaining good concentration.
Einfluss
Der Einfluss regelmäßiger Pausen auf die Konzentration ist deutlich.
The influence of regular breaks on concentration is clear.
In real life
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