der Unterricht
instruction / class
The teaching of knowledge and skills, usually in a school or another educational institution by a teacher.
EXAMPLE
Der Deutschunterricht beginnt um acht Uhr.
German class begins at eight o'clock.
der Unterricht
instruction / class
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Meanings
der Unterricht
lesson
In a figurative sense, an experience that represents an instructive lesson.
EXAMPLE
Diese schwierige Zeit war für ihn ein harter, aber nützlicher Unterricht.
This difficult time was a hard but useful lesson for him.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Unterricht' (instruction/class) is derived directly from the verb 'unterrichten' (to teach), which means 'lehren' (to teach) or 'Wissen vermitteln' (to impart knowledge). The teacher teaches, and what they do is 'der Unterricht' (instruction/class).
EXAMPLE
Frau Meier unterrichtet seit 20 Jahren an dieser Schule.
Ms. Meier has been teaching at this school for 20 years.
No plural
'Unterricht' (instruction/class) is a collective term and is almost always used in the singular, even when talking about many lessons or subjects. You say 'viel Unterricht' (a lot of instruction/class), not 'viele Unterrichte'.
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Feiertags haben wir morgen keinen Unterricht.
Because of the public holiday, we don't have any class tomorrow.
Typical collocations
Common verbs in connection with 'Unterricht' (instruction/class) are 'Unterricht geben' (to teach/give lessons) for teachers and 'Unterricht nehmen' (to take lessons) or 'bekommen' (to get/receive lessons) for learners. 'Am Unterricht teilnehmen' (to participate in class) is also a very common phrase.
EXAMPLE
Er nimmt privaten Klavierunterricht.
He takes private piano lessons.
Prepositions
To name the school subject, use 'Unterricht in' followed by the dative. When referring to the lesson itself, you say 'im Unterricht' (in class).
EXAMPLE
Sie ist besonders gut im Unterricht in Biologie.
She is especially good in biology class.
Compare with
Unterricht vs Stunde
hour
Die Stunde refers to a defined unit in a timetable or course schedule. Der Unterricht is the teaching activity that takes place during this time. Use Stunde for the beginning or duration of the time period; use Unterricht for explaining and learning.
Unterricht
Im Unterricht ab acht Uhr erklärt die Lehrerin den Akkusativ.
In class starting at eight, the teacher explains the accusative.
Stunde
Die erste Stunde beginnt um acht Uhr und dauert 45 Minuten.
The first class starts at eight o’clock and lasts 45 minutes.
In real life
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