01
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
01 / 02
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 ganz
whole / quite
'ganz' and 'teils' are opposites when it comes to whether something applies completely or only partly. You use 'ganz' when something is meant as complete, entire, or as a whole unit. You use 'teils' when only part of something is affected, or when different parts are different. Naturally, 'ganz' is especially common with complete things or clear statements; 'teils' is more suitable when you want to limit or mix something.
teils
Die Straße ist teils nass, weil es heute Morgen geregnet hat.
The road is partly wet because it rained this morning.
ganz
Nach dem Umzug war die ganze Küche voller Kartons.
After the move, the whole kitchen was full of boxes.
In real life
Loading video examples...