01
halb
half
Describes half of something, one of two equal parts.
example
Ich hätte gern ein halbes Hähnchen mit Pommes.
I'd like half a chicken with fries.
halb
half
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Adjective or adverb
'Halb' (half) is declined when it stands as an adjective before a noun. When it describes a verb or another adjective as an adverb, it remains unchanged.
EXAMPLE
Er hat nur einen halben Apfel gegessen.
He ate only half an apple.
Use without an article
Before geographical names or nouns without an article, 'halb' (half) often stands directly before the word and is not declined.
EXAMPLE
Halb Deutschland spricht über das Thema.
Half of Germany is talking about the topic.
Understanding the time correctly
When telling time, 'halb' always means 30 minutes BEFORE the next full hour. So 'halb neun' is 8:30, not 9:30.
EXAMPLE
Der Zug fährt um halb drei ab.
The train leaves at half past two.
Fixed expression
The expression 'halbe Sachen machen' (to do things by halves) is a fixed expression and means to complete a task incompletely or carelessly.
EXAMPLE
Wenn du etwas tust, dann richtig. Mach keine halben Sachen!
If you're going to do something, do it properly. Don't do things by halves!
Use for exaggeration
In the meaning of 'fast' (almost) or 'beinahe' (nearly), 'halb' is often used in exaggerated expressions to describe a strong feeling.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mich halb totgelacht.
I almost died laughing.
Compare with
halb vs ganz
whole / quite
'ganz' and 'halb' are often opposites. 'ganz' means the complete amount or the whole thing. 'halb' means only one half or something that is not complete. The difference is especially important when talking about quantities, parts, or completed tasks. 'Das ganze Brot' is the whole loaf of bread; 'ein halbes Brot' is only half.
halb
Vor dem Training trinkt Max nur ein halbes Glas Wasser.
Before training, Max drinks only half a glass of water.
ganz
Ich habe den ganzen Nachmittag im Garten gearbeitet.
I worked in the garden the whole afternoon.
In real life
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