die Kombination
combination
The linking or assembling of different things, people, or qualities into a whole.
EXAMPLE
Die Kombination aus Schokolade und Orange ist ein Klassiker.
The combination of chocolate and orange is a classic.
die Kombination
combination
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Meanings
die Kombination
combination
A specific sequence of numbers or symbols required to open a lock, for example on a safe or bicycle.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die richtige Kombination für das Zahlenschloss vergessen.
I forgot the correct combination for the combination lock.
die Kombination
combination
A sequence of coordinated actions, especially in sports or chess.
EXAMPLE
Mit einer schnellen Kombination erzielte die Mannschaft das entscheidende Tor.
With a quick combination, the team scored the decisive goal.
die Kombination
slip
A usually one-piece garment that women used to wear as underwear under dresses.
EXAMPLE
Im Museum war eine seidene Kombination aus den 1920er Jahren ausgestellt.
A silk slip from the 1920s was on display in the museum.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Kombination' (the combination) belongs to the verb 'kombinieren' (to combine). If you know what 'kombinieren' means, you can easily work out the meaning of the noun.
EXAMPLE
Man kann verschiedene Farben gut miteinander kombinieren.
You can combine different colors well with one another.
Correct preposition
When describing what a combination consists of, you usually use the preposition 'aus' (of/from) or 'von' (of). The phrase 'in Kombination mit' (in combination with) is also used frequently.
EXAMPLE
Die Soße ist eine Kombination aus Joghurt und Kräutern.
The sauce is a combination of yogurt and herbs.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning 'Zahlencode' (number code) from the context. Words like 'Tresor' (safe), 'Fahrradschloss' (bicycle lock), 'Zahlenschloss' (combination lock), 'vergessen' (to forget), or 'eingeben' (to enter) clearly point to this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Kombination für seinen Koffer aufgeschrieben.
He wrote down the combination for his suitcase.
Sports context
In sports, especially boxing, football, or chess, 'Kombination' (combination) refers to a quick, planned sequence of actions used to gain an advantage.
EXAMPLE
Der Boxer überraschte seinen Gegner mit einer schnellen Kombination.
The boxer surprised his opponent with a quick combination.
Outdated meaning
The meaning 'Unterwäsche' (underwear) is outdated today. You will only find this word in historical texts, films, or museums in connection with clothing from earlier times.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Großmutter erzählte, dass sie als junge Frau noch Kombinationen trug.
Her grandmother said that as a young woman she still wore slips.
Compare with
Kombination vs Verbindung
connection / association
Verbindung emphasizes that things are linked or only work together. Kombination refers more to the chosen combination and the result they produce together. Verbindung fits a necessary link; Kombination is better for a deliberately put-together pairing.
Kombination
Die Kombination aus Schloss und App ist im Alltag besonders praktisch.
The combination of the lock and the app is especially practical in everyday life.
Verbindung
Das Schloss funktioniert nur in Verbindung mit der passenden App.
The lock only works in connection with the right app.
In real life
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