rund
round
Having the shape of a circle or a sphere.
EXAMPLE
Der Tisch in der Küche ist rund.
The table in the kitchen is round.
rund
round / about
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Meanings
rund
about
Approximately, around, about. Used before numbers.
EXAMPLE
Die Reparatur wird rund 200 Euro kosten.
The repair will cost about 200 euros.
rund
well-rounded
Complete, finished, and coherent in itself.
EXAMPLE
Das war eine runde Veranstaltung mit einem tollen Programm.
It was a well-rounded event with a great program.
rund um
all about
Refers to a topic and everything connected with it.
EXAMPLE
Wir bieten Beratung rund um das Thema Finanzen an.
We offer advice on all matters related to finance.
rund um die Uhr
around the clock
24 hours a day, without interruption.
EXAMPLE
Diese Tankstelle hat rund um die Uhr geöffnet.
This gas station is open around the clock.
Usage tips
Two main functions
The word 'rund' (round/about) has two very different main functions: it can describe a shape or indicate an approximate amount. The context, especially whether a number follows, makes the difference clear.
EXAMPLE
Wir saßen an einem runden Tisch.
We sat at a round table.
Use with numbers
When 'rund' (about) means 'ungefähr' (approximately), it stands directly before a number and is not declined. It behaves like an adverb.
EXAMPLE
Die Wanderung dauert rund drei Stunden.
The hike takes about three hours.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning 'stimmig' (coherent) or 'abgeschlossen' (complete), 'rund' (well-rounded) is often used in phrases like 'eine runde Sache' (a well-rounded thing/a success) or 'ein runder Abschluss' (a fitting conclusion).
EXAMPLE
Dank der guten Organisation war das Fest eine runde Sache.
Thanks to the good organization, the festival was a well-rounded success.
Fixed expression
The expression 'rund um' (all about/around) + accusative means 'everything that has to do with a topic.' It is often used in the service and information sectors.
EXAMPLE
Die Messe bietet Informationen rund um das Haus.
The trade fair offers information on all matters related to the home.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'rund um die Uhr' (around the clock) is a fixed unit and means '24 hours a day, seven days a week.' It is not changed.
EXAMPLE
Der Notdienst ist rund um die Uhr erreichbar.
The emergency service is available around the clock.
Compare with
rund vs etwa
about / approximately
Both etwa and rund are possible with an inexact number. Rund, however, often presents the number as a rounded figure, while etwa more generally introduces an approximate estimate. Use etwa for a neutral estimate and rund when the rounded number is particularly foregrounded.
rund
Die Fahrt dauert rund drei Stunden.
The journey takes around three hours.
etwa
Die Fahrt dauert etwa drei Stunden.
The journey takes about three hours.
In real life
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