teils
partly
Expresses that something applies or happens only in part or partially. A synonym of 'teilweise' (partially).
EXAMPLE
Der Weg war teils asphaltiert, teils ein Schotterweg.
The path was partly paved, partly a gravel road.
teils
partly
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
teils ... teils
partly ... partly
A construction used to describe two different but simultaneously applicable aspects or components of something.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Reaktion war teils Überraschung, teils Freude.
Her reaction was partly surprise, partly joy.
Usage tips
Origin of the word
The adverb 'teils' (partly) is an old genitive form of the noun 'der Teil' (part). It literally means 'of one part' and has become established as an independent word for 'teilweise' (partially).
EXAMPLE
Die Studierenden kamen teils aus Deutschland, teils aus dem Ausland.
The students came partly from Germany, partly from abroad.
Parallel structure
The construction 'teils ... teils' (partly ... partly) always connects two equivalent parts of a sentence, words, or groups of words. Make sure that both parts have a similar grammatical form.
EXAMPLE
Das Publikum reagierte teils amüsiert, teils schockiert.
The audience reacted partly amused, partly shocked.
Position in the sentence
As a single adverb, 'teils' (partly) can stand flexibly in the sentence, often after the conjugated verb or at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis. It then modifies and limits the statement.
EXAMPLE
Die Renovierung ist teils schon abgeschlossen.
The renovation is partly already completed.
Compare with
teils vs teilweise
partly
Teilweise and teils both show that something is not completely the case. Teils is especially suitable when different cases or components differ, often in the construction teils ... teils. Teilweise is broader and can also refer to an incomplete amount without such a contrast.
teils
Die Rückmeldungen waren teils positiv, teils kritisch.
The feedback was partly positive and partly critical.
teilweise
Die Rückmeldungen waren teilweise positiv.
The feedback was partly positive.
In real life
Loading video examples...