difference
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difference
A feature or characteristic that makes two or more people, things, or facts different from one another.
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Laptop und einem Tablet?
What is the difference between a laptop and a tablet?
to make a difference
To have a noticeable, often positive effect on a situation or outcome.
Jede kleine Spende kann einen großen Unterschied machen.
Every small donation can make a big difference.
unlike / in contrast to
A fixed expression used to express a contrast or opposition; in contrast to.
Im Unterschied zu seinem Bruder ist er sehr zurückhaltend.
Unlike his brother, he is very reserved.
The noun 'der Unterschied' (difference) is derived directly from the verb 'unterscheiden' (to distinguish). When you distinguish between two things, you find the difference between them.
Können Sie den Unterschied zwischen diesen beiden Bildern erkennen?
Can you spot the difference between these two pictures?
To compare two things, the preposition 'zwischen' (between) is almost always used, followed by two nouns in the dative. The pattern is: 'der Unterschied zwischen [thing 1 in the dative] und [thing 2 in the dative]' (the difference between [thing 1] and [thing 2]).
Es gibt einen großen Unterschied zwischen dem Leben in der Stadt und auf dem Land.
There is a big difference between life in the city and in the countryside.
The idiom 'einen Unterschied machen' (to make a difference) means to have a noticeable effect. It is often used to emphasize the importance of an action or contribution.
Dein Engagement in diesem Projekt hat wirklich einen Unterschied gemacht.
Your commitment to this project really made a difference.
The expression 'im Unterschied zu' (unlike / in contrast to) introduces a contrast and is always used with the dative. If the phrase appears at the beginning of the sentence, the verb follows directly after it (inversion).
Im Unterschied zu gestern scheint heute die Sonne.
Unlike yesterday, the sun is shining today.
Common adjectives that describe 'Unterschied' (difference) are 'groß' (big), 'klein' (small), 'kaum ein' (hardly any), 'wesentlich' (essential), or 'entscheidend' (decisive).
Der wesentliche Unterschied liegt im Detail.
The essential difference lies in the detail.
opposite / contrast
Unterschied and Gegensatz both refer to a difference between two things. Unterschied is appropriate even for a single deviation, while Gegensatz emphasizes a strong, often opposing difference. Use Unterschied for any identifiable difference and Gegensatz when two sides clearly stand opposed to each other.
Der Unterschied zwischen den beiden Jacken ist nur die Farbe.
The only difference between the two jackets is the color.
Der Gegensatz zwischen den beiden Jacken könnte kaum größer sein.
The contrast between the two jackets could hardly be greater.
