01
die Mehrzahl
majority
The largest part of a group of people or things; the majority.
example
Die Mehrzahl der Befragten sprach sich für die neue Regelung aus.
The majority of respondents spoke in favor of the new regulation.
die Mehrzahl
majority / plural
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
The word 'Mehrzahl' is composed of 'mehr' (more) and 'Zahl' (number). It literally means a 'larger number' or 'amount', which fits both meanings.
EXAMPLE
Die Mehrzahl der Stimmen entschied die Wahl.
The majority of the votes decided the election.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from context. If you are talking about groups of people or things, it means 'Majorität' (majority). If you are talking about grammar and words, it means 'Plural' (plural).
EXAMPLE
Die Mehrzahl der Anwohner ist gegen den Bau der neuen Straße.
The majority of residents are against the construction of the new road.
Sentence structure and verb form
In the meaning of 'Majorität' (majority), 'die Mehrzahl' often appears with 'von' and a noun in the plural. Although 'Mehrzahl' is singular, in colloquial German the verb after it is often in the plural, referring to the group.
EXAMPLE
Die Mehrzahl der Gäste sind schon gegangen.
The majority of the guests have already left.
Grammatical context
This meaning of 'Mehrzahl' is used exclusively in the context of language and grammar to name the plural form of a noun.
EXAMPLE
Im Deutschunterricht lernen wir heute, wie man die Mehrzahl bildet.
In German class today, we are learning how to form the plural.
Compare with
Mehrzahl vs Mehrheit
majority
'die Mehrheit' and 'die Mehrzahl' can both mean the largest part of a group. In many sentences they are very similar: 'die Mehrheit der Gäste' and 'die Mehrzahl der Gäste' mean almost the same thing. 'Mehrheit' is used especially often for votes, opinions, and politics. 'Mehrzahl' sounds a little more general and works well when you are simply saying that most people or things belong to a group. They are easy to confuse because in this meaning they are almost the same. Careful: 'Mehrzahl' can also be a grammar term for the plural, but that is not what is meant here.
Mehrzahl
Die Mehrzahl der Besucher kam schon am Vormittag.
The majority of visitors arrived in the morning.
Mehrheit
Die Mehrheit der Eltern stimmt dem neuen Stundenplan zu.
The majority of parents agree with the new timetable.
In real life
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