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.
sum
Summe and Gesamtheit bring several parts together. Summe tends to emphasize the overall picture or result that emerges from the individual parts. Gesamtheit, by contrast, refers to all the related parts as a complete set.
Die Gesamtheit ihrer Erfahrungen wird vollständig im Bericht dokumentiert.
The totality of her experiences is fully documented in the report.
Die Summe ihrer Erfahrungen prägt ihre heutige Sicht auf den Beruf.
The sum of her experiences shapes her current view of the profession.
