quadratisch
square
Having the shape of a square, with four sides of equal length and four right angles.
EXAMPLE
Für das Mosaik benötigen wir viele kleine quadratische Fliesen.
For the mosaic, we need lots of small square tiles.
quadratisch
square / quadratic
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Meanings
quadratisch
quadratic
In mathematics, relating to the second power of a number or variable.
EXAMPLE
In der achten Klasse lernen die Schüler, wie man eine quadratische Gleichung löst.
In eighth grade, students learn how to solve a quadratic equation.
quadratisch
square
Colloquially, often in reference to an advertising slogan, meaning practical, solid, and good.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Software ist einfach quadratisch – sie ist übersichtlich, läuft stabil und erledigt alles, was sie soll.
The new software is simply square—it is clear, runs reliably, and does everything it is supposed to.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'quadratisch' (square/quadratic) is derived directly from the noun 'das Quadrat' (the square). If you know the noun, you can easily work out the meaning of the adjective.
EXAMPLE
Der Raum hat eine quadratische Grundfläche.
The room has a square floor plan.
Typical collocations
In its geometric meaning, 'quadratisch' (square) often describes the shape of everyday objects. Typical combinations are 'ein quadratischer Tisch' (a square table), 'ein quadratisches Zimmer' (a square room), or 'eine quadratische Form' (a square shape).
EXAMPLE
Wir haben einen praktischen, quadratischen Couchtisch gekauft.
We bought a practical, square coffee table.
Context clue: mathematics
You can recognize the mathematical meaning from signal words like 'Gleichung' (equation), 'Funktion' (function), or units of measurement like 'Meter' (meter). A 'Quadratmeter' (square meter) is an area of one meter by one meter.
EXAMPLE
Die Fläche des Zimmers beträgt zwanzig Quadratmeter.
The area of the room is twenty square meters.
Cultural context
The colloquial meaning 'praktisch, gut' (practical, good) comes from the well-known advertising slogan 'Quadratisch. Praktisch. Gut.' (Square. Practical. Good.) by the chocolate brand Ritter Sport. The usage is usually ironic or humorous.
EXAMPLE
Sein Lösungsvorschlag war einfach, aber quadratisch: Er hat das Problem perfekt gelöst.
His proposed solution was simple but square: it solved the problem perfectly.
Compare with
quadratisch vs praktisch
practical / virtually
“Praktisch” is a general word for something that is easy to use. “Quadratisch” can express this positive evaluation only colloquially, as an allusion to the familiar advertising slogan, not as a normal synonym. “Praktisch” fits an ordinary statement; “quadratisch” works here only in this well-known expression.
quadratisch
Der neue Werkzeugkasten ist quadratisch, praktisch, gut.
The new toolbox is square, practical, good.
praktisch
Der neue Werkzeugkasten ist praktisch, weil jedes Werkzeug schnell erreichbar ist.
The new toolbox is practical because every tool is easy to reach.
In real life
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