01
die Gesamtzahl
total number
The sum of all individual elements or quantities; the total amount.
example
Die Gesamtzahl der Teilnehmer übertraf alle Erwartungen.
The total number of participants exceeded all expectations.
die Gesamtzahl
total number
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is transparently composed of 'gesamt' (whole, total) and 'Zahl' (number). It therefore refers to the sum of all individual numbers.
EXAMPLE
Bitte berechnen Sie die Gesamtzahl der verkauften Produkte.
Please calculate the total number of products sold.
Sentence structure with the genitive
To express what the total number is made up of, a noun in the genitive usually follows. Alternatively, a 'von' (of/from) construction is also possible.
EXAMPLE
Die Gesamtzahl der Einwohner ist gestiegen.
The total number of residents has increased.
Typical verbs
'Gesamtzahl' (total number) is often combined with verbs that describe a quantity. Typical ones are 'beträgt' (amounts to), 'liegt bei' (stands at), 'steigt' (rises), 'sinkt' (falls), or 'erreicht' (reaches).
EXAMPLE
Die Gesamtzahl der Bewerbungen liegt bei über 500.
The total number of applications stands at over 500.
Compare with
Gesamtzahl vs Anzahl
number
'die Anzahl' and 'die Gesamtzahl' both mean how many things or people there are. 'Anzahl' can be any counted amount, even just part of a larger group. 'Gesamtzahl' emphasizes that all parts have been added together and that the complete total is meant. If you are only counting a specific group, 'Anzahl' is often enough. If it is important that nothing is missing and everything together is meant, 'Gesamtzahl' fits better.
Gesamtzahl
Bei der Behörde wird morgen die Gesamtzahl der Anträge bekannt gegeben.
The total number of applications will be announced by the government office tomorrow.
Anzahl
Für das Projekt war die Anzahl der Schrauben zu klein.
For the project, the number of screws was too small.
In real life
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