der Grad
degree
A unit of measurement for indicating temperature.
EXAMPLE
Draußen sind es heute nur 5 Grad Celsius.
It's only 5 degrees Celsius outside today.
der Grad
degree
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Meanings
der Grad
degree
A measure or extent that indicates the scope or intensity of something.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Arbeit zeichnet sich durch einen hohen Grad an Kreativität aus.
Her work is characterized by a high degree of creativity.
der Grad
degree
A unit of measurement for the size of an angle. A full circle has 360 degrees.
EXAMPLE
Ein rechter Winkel hat genau 90 Grad.
A right angle has exactly 90 degrees.
der Grad
degree
An academic title awarded after completing a university program.
EXAMPLE
Nach ihrem Masterstudium wurde ihr der akademische Grad „Master of Science“ verliehen.
After completing her master's program, she was awarded the academic degree 'Master of Science'.
Usage tips
False friend
'Der Grad' does not mean a school 'grade' like the English word 'grade'. A school grade is 'die Note' in German. 'Grad' refers to units of measurement or an extent.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat eine gute Note in der Prüfung bekommen.
She got a good grade on the exam.
Use as a unit of measurement
When 'Grad' is used as a unit of measurement for temperature or angles together with a number greater than one, the word usually remains unchanged in the singular form.
EXAMPLE
Draußen sind es minus zehn Grad.
It's minus ten degrees outside.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'Grad' from the context: numbers with 'Celsius' indicate temperature, words like 'Winkel' (angle) point to geometry, and terms like 'akademisch' (academic) or 'Master' point to a title.
EXAMPLE
Für den Kuchen brauchen wir einen Ofen mit 180 Grad.
For the cake, we need an oven at 180 degrees.
Describing extent
To describe an extent or intensity, the structure 'ein ... Grad an' + dative is often used. Typical adjectives are 'hoch' (high), 'niedrig' (low), or 'gewiss' (certain).
EXAMPLE
Das Projekt erfordert einen hohen Grad an Konzentration.
The project requires a high degree of concentration.
Compare with
Grad vs Titel
title
An akademischer Grad (academic degree) is the qualification a university awards after a successful completion. A Titel (title) is the official designation that indicates this qualification and can be used as a form of address or designation. Grad fits the process of obtaining the qualification, while Titel fits the designation that is used.
Grad
Nach ihrer Promotion wurde ihr der akademische Grad Doktor verliehen.
After earning her doctorate, she was awarded the academic degree of Doctor.
Titel
Auf der Einladung wird sie mit dem akademischen Titel „Dr.“ genannt.
The invitation refers to her by the academic title “Dr.”
In real life
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