das Quadrat
square
In geometry, a flat shape with four sides of equal length and four right angles.
EXAMPLE
Der Lehrer zeichnete ein Quadrat an die Tafel.
The teacher drew a square on the board.
das Quadrat
square
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
das Quadrat
square
In mathematics, the result you get when you multiply a number by itself; the second power of a number.
EXAMPLE
Das Quadrat von neun ist einundachtzig.
The square of nine is eighty-one.
das Quadrat
square
A square-shaped area or a pattern in the shape of a square, for example on fabric or paper.
EXAMPLE
Das Tischtuch hatte ein Muster aus roten und weißen Quadraten.
The tablecloth had a pattern of red and white squares.
Usage tips
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about shapes and drawing, the geometric figure is meant. In connection with numbers, it refers to the second power. With fabrics or surfaces, it refers to a pattern.
EXAMPLE
Das Quadrat von 5 ist 25.
The square of 5 is 25.
Compound words
'Quadrat' (square) is a common component of compound words that describe an area. The best-known example is 'der Quadratmeter' (square meter, m²), a unit of measurement for areas.
EXAMPLE
Die Wohnung hat eine Fläche von 80 Quadratmetern.
The apartment has an area of 80 square meters.
Sentence structure with numbers
When it comes to mathematics, 'Quadrat' (square) is almost always used with the preposition 'von' to indicate the base. The fixed structure is: das Quadrat von + number.
EXAMPLE
Was ist das Quadrat von 12?
What is the square of 12?
Use with patterns
In the context of patterns and designs, the plural 'Quadrate' (squares) is often used. Typical phrases are 'ein Muster aus Quadraten' (a pattern of squares) or 'in Quadrate unterteilt' (divided into squares).
EXAMPLE
Das Schachbrett besteht aus schwarzen und weißen Quadraten.
The chessboard consists of black and white squares.
Compare with
Quadrat vs Rechteck
rectangle
A square and a rectangle both have four right angles. A square additionally has four sides of equal length. Thus, a square also meets the stated property of a rectangle; Quadrat is the more precise term when the equal side lengths are important.
Quadrat
Die Figur mit vier rechten Winkeln und vier gleich langen Seiten ist ein Quadrat.
The shape with four right angles and four sides of equal length is a square.
Rechteck
Die Figur mit vier rechten Winkeln und zwei langen sowie zwei kurzen Seiten ist ein Rechteck.
The shape with four right angles and two long and two short sides is a rectangle.
In real life
Loading video examples...