multiplizieren
to multiply
In mathematics, to multiply one number by another. It is one of the four basic arithmetic operations.
EXAMPLE
Wenn man sieben mit acht multipliziert, erhält man 56.
If you multiply seven by eight, you get 56.
multiplizieren
to multiply
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Meanings
sich multiplizieren
to multiply
To reproduce rapidly or increase in large numbers. This is often used in a biological or figurative sense.
EXAMPLE
Unter idealen Bedingungen können sich Bakterien sehr schnell multiplizieren.
Under ideal conditions, bacteria can multiply very quickly.
Usage tips
Verbs ending in '-ieren'
Verbs that end in '-ieren' often come from other languages. They are always regular and inseparable. The past participle is formed without 'ge-', so: 'hat multipliziert' (has multiplied).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe die Zahlen im Kopf multipliziert.
I multiplied the numbers in my head.
Sentence structure with 'mit'
When you specify what a number is multiplied by, always use the preposition 'mit' (with) followed by the dative. The structure is: etwas mit etwas multiplizieren (to multiply something by something).
EXAMPLE
Multiplizieren Sie diese Summe mit dem Faktor 2,5.
Multiply this sum by the factor 2.5.
Context clue
You can always recognize the meaning 'to reproduce' from the reflexive pronoun 'sich'. Without this pronoun, the verb has the mathematical meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die Gerüchte über die Firma multiplizierten sich rasend schnell.
The rumors about the company multiplied extremely quickly.
Typical collocations
In a biological context, 'sich multiplizieren' (to multiply) is often used with 'Bakterien' (bacteria), 'Viren' (viruses), or 'Zellen' (cells). In a figurative sense, 'Probleme' (problems), 'Fehler' (mistakes), or 'Gerüchte' (rumors) can also multiply.
EXAMPLE
Die Probleme in dem Projekt haben sich in den letzten Wochen multipliziert.
The problems in the project have multiplied over the last few weeks.
In real life
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