order of magnitude
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approximate scale
An approximate range or scale in which a number, value, or quantity lies. It is not about the exact value, but about the approximate dimension.
Die Kosten für das Projekt bewegen sich in der Größenordnung von mehreren Millionen Euro.
The costs for the project are in the order of several million euros.
The word is made up of 'Größe' (size) and 'Ordnung' (order). So it literally describes an 'order by size' and helps classify very large or small numbers and quantities.
Um das Problem zu verstehen, müssen wir erst die Größenordnung der Zahlen betrachten.
To understand the problem, we first have to consider the order of magnitude of the numbers.
In general usage, 'Größenordnung' is almost always used with the preposition 'in' and often with 'von' to express an estimate: 'in der Größenordnung von ...' (in the order of ...).
Der Schaden liegt in der Größenordnung von zehntausend Euro.
The damage is in the order of ten thousand euros.
The exact meaning 'factor of ten' is used almost exclusively in scientific or technical contexts (e.g., physics, computer science) to describe differences in scale precisely.
Ein Nanometer ist um drei Größenordnungen kleiner als ein Mikrometer.
A nanometer is three orders of magnitude smaller than a micrometer.
scope / circumference
'der Umfang' and 'die Grössenordnung' can both say something about the size of a thing. 'Umfang' describes more how large, broad, or extensive something actually is, for example a task, damage, or a project. 'Grössenordnung', on the other hand, means only an approximate range, especially with numbers, costs, or quantities. It is used when the exact value is not yet important or not yet known. Learners may confuse the words because both do not always have to be exact. Memory tip: 'Umfang' describes the content or size, while 'Grössenordnung' describes the approximate scale.
Der Techniker nennt nur eine Grössenordnung, weil die genauen Kosten noch fehlen.
The technician gives only an approximate range because the exact costs are not available yet.
Wir prüfen morgen im Büro den Umfang des Antrags.
Tomorrow at the office, we will review the scope of the application.