der Teil
part
A section or piece of a larger whole.
EXAMPLE
Der zweite Teil des Films war viel spannender als der erste.
The second part of the film was much more exciting than the first.
der Teil
part
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Meanings
der Teil
part
A component or structural element of a machine, device, or construction.
EXAMPLE
Für die Reparatur des Motors fehlt noch ein wichtiger Teil.
An important part is still missing for the repair of the engine.
zum Teil
partly
Partially, partly; not completely.
EXAMPLE
Die Aussagen des Zeugen waren zum Teil widersprüchlich.
The witness's statements were partly contradictory.
sein Teil beitragen
to do one's part
To make one's contribution to something; to help so that a shared goal is achieved.
EXAMPLE
Jeder im Team muss seinen Teil zum Erfolg des Projekts beitragen.
Everyone on the team has to do their part for the success of the project.
der Teil
thing
Colloquial for a thing or object, often with an admiring or impressed connotation.
EXAMPLE
Wow, schau dir dieses schnelle Auto an, was für ein geiles Teil!
Wow, look at this fast car—what an awesome thing!
Usage tips
Word family
'Teil' is the basis for many important words. These include the verb 'teilen' (to share/divide), the adverb 'teils' (partly), the nouns 'Vorteil' (advantage) and 'Nachteil' (disadvantage), as well as the opposite, 'das Gegenteil' (the opposite). If you recognize 'Teil', you can more easily figure out the meaning of these related words.
EXAMPLE
Wir können uns die Pizza teilen.
We can share the pizza.
Part of something
To express that something is a component of a larger whole, 'der Teil' is usually used with the preposition 'von' and the dative, or with the genitive.
EXAMPLE
Dieser Stadtteil ist der schönste Teil von Hamburg.
This district is the most beautiful part of Hamburg.
Fixed expression
The expression 'zum Teil' is a fixed phrase and means 'teilweise' (partly) or 'partiell' (partially). It is used as an adverb in the sentence to limit a statement.
EXAMPLE
Das Haus ist schon sehr alt und zum Teil renovierungsbedürftig.
The house is already very old and partly in need of renovation.
Making a contribution
The idiom 'seinen Teil beitragen' means to make a contribution to a shared goal. The possessive pronoun ('mein', 'dein', 'sein', etc.) is adapted to the person.
EXAMPLE
Wenn jeder seinen Teil beiträgt, sind wir schnell fertig.
If everyone does their part, we'll be finished quickly.
Register
In colloquial speech, 'der Teil' or 'das Teil' is often used as a synonym for 'Ding' (thing) or 'Sache' (thing/matter), usually with an admiring or surprised emphasis. This use is very informal.
EXAMPLE
Hast du sein neues Motorrad gesehen? Was für ein tolles Teil!
Did you see his new motorcycle? What a great thing!
Compare with
Teil vs Folge
consequence / episode
In a podcast or radio drama series, both words can refer to a single installment. „Folge“ is the usual term for a regularly released unit of the series, while „Teil“ more often refers to a section of a divided whole. „Folge“ is therefore usually the better choice for an individual release.
Teil
Dieser Teil der Hörspielgeschichte endet mit einer überraschenden Nachricht.
This part of the radio drama story ends with a surprising message.
Folge
Die neue Folge des Podcasts erscheint am Freitag.
The new episode of the podcast comes out on Friday.
In real life
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