01
das Komma
comma
A punctuation mark (,) used to structure sentences, separate parts of sentences, or list elements.
example
Vor dem Wort „aber“ steht in diesem Fall ein Komma.
Before the word 'aber' (but), there is a comma in this case.
das Komma
comma
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Common mistake
In German, the comma is used as the decimal separator, not the period as in English. This is especially important with prices and units of measurement.
EXAMPLE
Das Buch kostet 19,95 € (neunzehn Euro fünfundneunzig).
The book costs €19.95 (nineteen euros ninety-five).
Pronouncing numbers
When reading a decimal number aloud, you say the word 'Komma' (comma). The number 3,14 is read as 'drei Komma eins vier' (three point one four) or 'drei Komma vierzehn' (three point fourteen).
EXAMPLE
Pi ist ungefähr drei Komma eins vier.
Pi is approximately three point one four.
Typical verbs
When referring to the punctuation mark, the typical verbs are 'ein Komma setzen' (to put/place a comma), 'ein Komma machen' (to make a comma), or 'ein Komma weglassen' (to leave out a comma).
EXAMPLE
Ich bin unsicher, ob ich hier ein Komma setzen muss.
I'm not sure whether I need to put a comma here.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'ohne Punkt und Komma reden' (to talk nonstop) is a fixed unit. It describes someone speaking very quickly and continuously.
EXAMPLE
Sie war so aufgeregt, dass sie ohne Punkt und Komma redete.
She was so excited that she talked nonstop.
Compare with
Komma vs Punkt
point
'der Punkt' and 'das Komma' are both signs used in writing. As punctuation, the point usually ends a sentence, while the comma separates parts within a sentence. In numbers, the comma in German is also the sign between the whole number and the decimal part. Learners may mix up the words because both are small signs and often appear together in spelling. Pay attention to the function: point for an ending or a small mark, comma for separation.
Komma
Im Kurs lernen die Kinder, wann ein Komma vor „weil“ steht.
In class, the children learn when a comma comes before "weil".
Punkt
Nach diesem Satz fehlt noch ein Punkt.
This sentence still needs a period.
In real life
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