die Ordnung
order
A state in which everything is in its proper place, tidy, and clearly arranged.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Fest mussten wir erst einmal wieder Ordnung schaffen.
After the party, we first had to restore order.
die Ordnung
order
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Meanings
in Ordnung
okay / in order
An expression that indicates that something is acceptable, correct, or working properly.
EXAMPLE
Der Mechaniker hat das Auto geprüft und gesagt, es sei alles in Ordnung.
The mechanic checked the car and said everything was okay.
die Ordnung
order
A system of rules, laws, or principles that structures coexistence or a process.
EXAMPLE
Die öffentliche Ordnung wird von der Polizei aufrechterhalten.
Public order is maintained by the police.
die Ordnung
order
A specific sequence or arrangement of elements.
EXAMPLE
Die Dateien sind in chronologischer Ordnung sortiert.
The files are sorted in chronological order.
die Ordnung
order
In biology, a level of classification for living organisms that stands between class and family.
EXAMPLE
Raubtiere sind eine Ordnung innerhalb der Klasse der Säugetiere.
Carnivores are an order within the class of mammals.
Usage tips
Word family
'Ordnung' (order) belongs to the word family of the verb 'ordnen' (to arrange/sort). The verb describes the action of bringing something into an ordered state or sorting it.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte deine Bücher im Regal ordnen?
Could you please arrange your books on the shelf?
Fixed expression
The expression 'in Ordnung' is very common and means 'okay', 'in good condition', or 'acceptable'. It can be used as a short answer or as part of a sentence.
EXAMPLE
Keine Sorge, mit dem Auto ist alles in Ordnung.
Don't worry, everything is okay with the car.
Repairing something
The fixed expression 'etwas in Ordnung bringen' means to repair something, solve a problem, or clarify a matter. The 'etwas' (something) is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Der Techniker hat die Heizung wieder in Ordnung gebracht.
The technician fixed the heating again.
Typical verbs
To create or maintain the state of tidiness, fixed verb-noun combinations are used. The most common are 'Ordnung machen' (to tidy up), 'Ordnung schaffen' (to create/restore order), and 'Ordnung halten' (to keep things tidy).
EXAMPLE
In meinem Zimmer muss ich dringend Ordnung schaffen.
I urgently need to restore order in my room.
Typical adjectives
When referring to a sequence, 'Ordnung' (order) is often combined with an adjective that describes the type of sorting. Typical examples are 'alphabetische Ordnung' (alphabetical order), 'chronologische Ordnung' (chronological order), or 'numerische Ordnung' (numerical order).
EXAMPLE
Bitte sortieren Sie die Dokumente in alphabetischer Ordnung.
Please sort the documents in alphabetical order.
Formal context
The meaning 'system of rules' is often used in formal, legal, or political contexts. A very common collocation is 'die öffentliche Ordnung' (public order).
EXAMPLE
Ruhestörung kann als Störung der öffentlichen Ordnung gelten.
Disturbing the peace can be considered a disturbance of public order.
Compare with
Ordnung vs System
system
Ordnung emphasizes the rules and principles in force in the political or social sphere. System places greater emphasis on interconnected institutions and power structures and can sound critical. If you mean the legal framework, Ordnung is usually the better choice; System is more appropriate for the structures in power.
Ordnung
Die Verfassung bildet die Grundlage der politischen Ordnung.
The constitution forms the foundation of the political order.
System
Die Opposition kritisiert das politische System und seine Machtstrukturen.
The opposition criticizes the political system and its power structures.
In real life
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