das Kontingent
quota
A fixed, limited amount or number of something that is allocated or permitted.
EXAMPLE
Für die Veranstaltung gibt es nur ein begrenztes Kontingent an Freikarten.
There is only a limited quota of free tickets for the event.
das Kontingent
quota / contingent
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Meanings
das Kontingent
contingent
A group of soldiers or police officers provided by a country or organization for a specific mission.
EXAMPLE
Deutschland entsendet ein Kontingent zur Unterstützung der internationalen Friedensmission.
Germany is sending a contingent to support the international peacekeeping mission.
Usage tips
Register and style
The word 'Kontingent' (quota / contingent) is mainly used in formal, official, or business contexts. It is rather rare in everyday language.
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen hat ein festes Kontingent für die Einstellung neuer Mitarbeiter.
The company has a fixed quota for hiring new employees.
Context clue
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.
EXAMPLE
Das Flüchtlingskontingent für dieses Jahr ist bereits ausgeschöpft.
The refugee quota for this year has already been exhausted.
Typical collocations
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).
EXAMPLE
Die Universität hat nur ein kleines Kontingent an Studienplätzen für ausländische Studierende.
The university has only a small quota of places for international students.
Typical verbs
In a military or police context, a contingent is typically 'entsandt' (sent/deployed), 'bereitgestellt' (provided), or 'abgezogen' (withdrawn).
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung beschloss, das militärische Kontingent aus dem Einsatzgebiet abzuziehen.
The government decided to withdraw the military contingent from the deployment area.
Compare with
Kontingent vs Einheit
unity / unit
„Einheit“ refers to a formally organized military or police group. „Kontingent“, by contrast, refers to the group primarily as forces provided for a specific mission. Use „Einheit“ for its organizational identity and „Kontingent“ when its deployment by a country or organization is important.
Kontingent
Das Kontingent wurde für sechs Monate zu diesem Einsatz entsandt.
The contingent was deployed to this mission for six months.
Einheit
Die militärische Einheit gehört dauerhaft zu diesem Regiment.
The military unit is permanently part of this regiment.
In real life
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