01
integral
Essential, fundamental, or indispensable to a whole; a firmly belonging part of it.
example
Vertrauen ist ein integraler Bestandteil einer funktionierenden Partnerschaft.
Trust is an integral part of a functioning partnership.
integral
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether the general or the mathematical meaning is intended. Words like 'Bestandteil' (component) or 'Teil' (part) point to the general meaning, while terms like 'Funktion' (function) or 'Rechnung' (calculation) refer to mathematics.
EXAMPLE
Kreativität ist ein integraler Teil des Designs.
Creativity is an integral part of design.
Typical collocation
The adjective 'integral' is very often used in the fixed phrase 'integraler Bestandteil' (integral part/component). It emphasizes that something is an essential and inseparable part of a whole.
EXAMPLE
Die Einhaltung der Menschenrechte ist ein integraler Bestandteil einer Demokratie.
Respect for human rights is an integral part of a democracy.
Elevated style
In its general meaning, 'integral' belongs to elevated written language or formal contexts. It is rarely used in everyday conversation.
EXAMPLE
Die ethische Reflexion ist ein integraler Aspekt des Forschungsprojekts.
Ethical reflection is an integral aspect of the research project.
Compare with
integral vs wesentlich
essential / significantly
'wesentlich' and 'integral' can both mean that something firmly and importantly belongs to a whole. 'wesentlich' is the more general word and sounds more natural in everyday language. 'integral' sounds more formal and especially emphasizes that something is a fixed part of a system, plan, or whole. If you simply want to say that something is very important, 'wesentlich' almost always fits. If you want to show that something is not only important but a necessary part of the whole, 'integral' can be more precise.
integral
Regelmäßige Gespräche sind ein integraler Teil unseres Projekts.
Regular conversations are an integral part of our project.
wesentlich
Ein ruhiger Ort ist für konzentriertes Lernen wesentlich.
A quiet place is essential for focused learning.
In real life
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