01
das Milligramm
milligram
A metric unit of mass equal to one thousandth of a gram. The unit symbol is mg.
example
Diese Tablette enthält 500 Milligramm des Wirkstoffs.
This tablet contains 500 milligrams of the active ingredient.
das Milligramm
milligram
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'Milli-' and the base word 'Gramm' (gram). 'Milli-' comes from Latin and means 'one thousandth'. So one milligram is one thousandth of a gram.
EXAMPLE
Ein Liter Wasser wiegt eine Million Milligramm.
One liter of water weighs one million milligrams.
Use with numbers
When a unit of measurement like 'Milligramm' is used with a number greater than one, it usually stays singular in German. So you say 'zehn Milligramm' (ten milligrams), not 'zehn Milligramme'.
EXAMPLE
Die empfohlene Tagesdosis liegt bei 20 Milligramm.
The recommended daily dose is 20 milligrams.
Abbreviation 'mg'
In everyday use, especially on medicine packages, in prescriptions, or on nutrition tables, the abbreviation 'mg' is almost always used.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Lebensmittel enthält pro 100g nur 5 mg Fett.
This food contains only 5 mg of fat per 100 g.
Compare with
Milligramm vs Gramm
gram
'das Gramm' and 'das Milligramm' are both metric units for very small weights or masses. The difference is the size: one gram has 1000 milligrams. 'Gramm' is often used in cooking or shopping when the amount is still clearly visible. 'Milligramm' is used for very small amounts, especially with medications or precise measurements. The words can be confused because both have to do with small amounts. Pay special attention to the prefix 'Milli-': it makes the unit one thousand times smaller.
Milligramm
Auf der Packung steht, dass eine Tablette 400 Milligramm Wirkstoff enthält.
The package says that one tablet contains 400 milligrams of active ingredient.
Gramm
Für die Suppe brauchen wir 50 Gramm Butter.
For the soup, we need 50 grams of butter.
In real life
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