totality
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totality
The complete sum or set of all parts, people, or things that belong to a group and are considered as a unit.
Die Gesamtheit der Studierenden stimmte gegen den Vorschlag der Universitätsleitung.
The entire student body voted against the proposal from the university administration.
The word is made up of the adjective 'gesamt' (whole, total) and the suffix '-heit'. The suffix '-heit' forms feminine nouns that describe a state or an abstract idea.
Die Gesamtheit der Beweise sprach gegen ihn.
The totality of the evidence spoke against him.
'Die Gesamtheit' (the totality) is very often used with a genitive to name the group being referred to. Alternatively, 'von' + dative can also be used.
Die Gesamtheit der Mitglieder muss dem zustimmen.
The totality of the members must agree to this.
'Gesamtheit' (totality) is a formal word used mainly in written language, academic texts, or administrative language.
Die Untersuchung bezieht sich auf die Gesamtheit der Bevölkerung.
The study refers to the totality of the population.
A common fixed expression is 'in seiner/ihrer Gesamtheit'. It means 'as a whole' or 'completely'.
Das Problem muss in seiner Gesamtheit betrachtet werden.
The problem must be considered in its totality.
part
'der Teil' and 'die Gesamtheit' are clear opposites. A 'Teil' is only a piece, section, or element of something larger. 'die Gesamtheit', on the other hand, means everything together, that is, all parts as one unit. When you are talking about only one section or excerpt, 'Teil' fits. When you want to emphasize that you really mean everything, 'Gesamtheit' fits.
Die Gesamtheit der Ergebnisse zeigt, dass das Projekt erfolgreich war.
The totality of the results shows that the project was successful.
Für die Prüfung lernen wir heute nur einen Teil des Stoffes.
For the exam, we are studying only part of the material today.