die Teilung
division
The process of breaking a whole into two or more parts, sections, or groups.
EXAMPLE
Die Teilung des Kuchens in acht gleiche Stücke war nicht einfach.
The division of the cake into eight equal pieces was not easy.
die Teilung
division / partition
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Meanings
die Teilung
partition
The political and territorial division of a country, especially the partition of Germany after the Second World War.
EXAMPLE
Die Teilung Deutschlands endete 1990 mit der Wiedervereinigung.
The partition of Germany ended in 1990 with reunification.
die Teilung
division
In biology, the process by which a cell splits into two or more daughter cells (cell division).
EXAMPLE
Die schnelle Teilung der Krebszellen ist ein Merkmal der Krankheit.
The rapid division of cancer cells is a characteristic of the disease.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Teilung' (division/partition) is derived from the verb 'teilen' (to divide/share). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that describes the process or result of dividing.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen das letzte Stück Pizza noch teilen.
We still have to share the last piece of pizza.
Distinguishing meanings
The context makes it clear which meaning of 'Teilung' (division/partition) is meant. In everyday life, it is often about things like food or money. In a historical context, it usually refers to the 'Teilung Deutschlands' (partition of Germany). In biology, people speak of the 'Teilung' (division) of cells.
EXAMPLE
Die gerechte Teilung der Aufgaben war die größte Herausforderung im Team.
The fair division of the tasks was the biggest challenge in the team.
Use with genitive
To describe what is being divided, you usually use the genitive. Alternatively, you can also use 'von' + dative, which often sounds more colloquial.
EXAMPLE
Die Teilung des Gewinns erfolgte am Ende des Jahres.
The division of the profit took place at the end of the year.
Historical context
When 'die Teilung' (the partition) is used without further explanation in the context of German history, it almost always refers to the division of Germany into the Federal Republic of Germany and the GDR (1949–1990).
EXAMPLE
Meine Großeltern haben die Zeit der Teilung noch selbst erlebt.
My grandparents experienced the time of partition themselves.
Technical usage
In biology and medicine, 'Teilung' (division) is a technical term for cell division. The more precise word 'Zellteilung' (cell division) is also often used.
EXAMPLE
Im Labor beobachten wir die Teilung der Bakterien unter dem Mikroskop.
In the laboratory, we observe the division of the bacteria under the microscope.
Compare with
Teilung vs Trennung
separation
Trennung and Teilung can both separate areas or a whole into distinct parts. Teilung emphasizes that this creates two or more parts, while Trennung highlights detachment or keeping things separate. Use Teilung when creating parts and Trennung when their subsequent separateness is important.
Teilung
Die Teilung des Raums in einen Wohn- und einen Arbeitsbereich schafft zwei Teile.
Dividing the room into a living area and a work area creates two parts.
Trennung
Die Trennung von Wohn- und Arbeitsbereich wird durch eine Tür deutlich.
A door clearly separates the living area from the work area.
In real life
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