01
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
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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Outdated meaning
The meaning 'Unterwäsche' (underwear) is outdated today.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' and 'Kombination' can both express that several things come together. 'Kombination' puts more emphasis on the arrangement: different things are used together in such a way that they form a whole. 'Verbindung' is more general and often appears in the fixed phrase 'in Verbindung mit' (in connection with / together with), when something acts or is considered together with something else. With clothing, colors, ingredients, or methods, 'Kombination' often sounds more natural. In more formal contexts or when talking about effects, 'Verbindung' works well. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Kombination' is itself a kind of 'Verbindung'. In practical terms: 'Kombination' is the selection and mixture, while 'Verbindung' is the connection or interaction.
Kombination
Die Kombination aus Reis, Gemüse und scharfer Soße schmeckt mir besonders gut.
I especially like the combination of rice, vegetables, and spicy sauce.
Verbindung
Das Medikament darf nur in Verbindung mit viel Wasser genommen werden.
The medication may only be taken together with plenty of water.
In real life
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