quota / contingent
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quota
A fixed, limited amount or number of something that is allocated or permitted.
Für die Veranstaltung gibt es nur ein begrenztes Kontingent an Freikarten.
There is only a limited quota of free tickets for the event.
The word 'Kontingent' (quota / contingent) is mainly used in formal, official, or business contexts. It is rather rare in everyday language.
Das Unternehmen hat ein festes Kontingent für die Einstellung neuer Mitarbeiter.
The company has a fixed quota for hiring new employees.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If it is about products, places, or an abstract quantity, such as 'Freikarten' (free tickets), it means the limited number. If it is about people such as soldiers, police officers, or experts, it means the group that has been sent.
Das Flüchtlingskontingent für dieses Jahr ist bereits ausgeschöpft.
The refugee quota for this year has already been exhausted.
Common combinations are 'ein begrenztes Kontingent' (a limited quota), 'das Kontingent ausschöpfen' (to use up the entire amount), or 'ein Kontingent an/von etwas haben' (to have a quota of something).
Die Universität hat nur ein kleines Kontingent an Studienplätzen für ausländische Studierende.
The university has only a small quota of places for international students.
In a military or police context, a contingent is typically 'entsandt' (sent/deployed), 'bereitgestellt' (provided), or 'abgezogen' (withdrawn).
Die Regierung beschloss, das militärische Kontingent aus dem Einsatzgebiet abzuziehen.
The government decided to withdraw the military contingent from the deployment area.
share / proportion
'der Anteil' and 'das Kontingent' can both mean a certain amount of something. 'Anteil' describes a part of a whole, often in comparison with other parts. It can be larger or smaller and does not have to be fixed in advance. 'Kontingent' means a fixed and limited amount that is allocated or permitted, for example tickets, places, or goods. The words can be confused when distribution is involved. Remember: 'Anteil' emphasizes the part of the whole, while 'Kontingent' emphasizes the fixed limit.
Für das Konzert ist das Kontingent an günstigen Tickets schon fast aufgebraucht.
The quota of discounted tickets for the concert is already almost used up.
Ihr Anteil an der gemeinsamen Rechnung beträgt 30 Euro.
Her share of the joint bill is 30 euros.