die Partikel
particle
A very small piece of matter, such as a speck of dust, an atom, or an electron.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Explosion schwebten feine Russpartikel in der Luft.
After the explosion, fine soot particles floated in the air.
die Partikel
particle
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Meanings
die Partikel
particle
In linguistics, a part of speech whose words are not inflected and give a sentence a certain nuance or emphasis, e.g. 'ja', 'doch', 'mal'.
EXAMPLE
In dem Satz 'Das ist ja super!' ist 'ja' eine Modalpartikel.
In the sentence 'Das ist ja super!' ('That is really great!'), 'ja' is a modal particle.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about natural sciences (physics, chemistry), it refers to small particles of matter. If it is about language and grammar, it refers to the part of speech.
EXAMPLE
Der Filter entfernt selbst kleinste Partikel aus dem Wasser.
The filter removes even the smallest particles from the water.
Register: technical language
Both meanings of the word 'Partikel' (particle) are used mainly in technical or scientific contexts.
EXAMPLE
Die Forscher untersuchen die Wechselwirkung subatomarer Partikel.
The researchers are studying the interaction of subatomic particles.
Typical collocations
In a scientific context, 'Partikel' (particle) is often used with adjectives like 'fein' (fine), 'winzig' (tiny), or in compounds like 'Staubpartikel' (dust particle) or 'Russpartikel' (soot particle).
EXAMPLE
Feine Partikel in der Luft können die Gesundheit belasten.
Fine particles in the air can harm health.
Compare with
Partikel vs Teilchen
particle
Teilchen and Partikel can both refer to a very small unit of matter. Teilchen is more general and is also common in everyday situations. Partikel often sounds more technical or specialized, for example when small units of matter are measured or studied.
Partikel
Das Messgerät erfasst winzige Partikel aus Staub in der Luft.
The measuring device detects tiny dust particles in the air.
Teilchen
Im Sonnenlicht waren winzige Teilchen aus Staub zu sehen.
Tiny dust particles could be seen in the sunlight.
In real life
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