01
die Variable
variable
In mathematics or computer science, a placeholder or name for a value that can change.
example
In der Gleichung y = 2x + 1 sind x und y die Variablen.
In the equation y = 2x + 1, x and y are the variables.
die Variable
variable
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Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Variable' (the variable) is the noun related to the adjective 'variabel' (variable), which means 'changeable'. Both words have the same Latin origin and the core meaning of changing.
EXAMPLE
Die Kosten sind variabel und hängen von der Teilnehmerzahl ab.
The costs are variable and depend on the number of participants.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the context: if you hear words like 'Gleichung' (equation), 'Formel' (formula), or 'programmieren' (to program), the mathematical meaning (m01) is meant. If it is about 'Faktoren' (factors), 'Bedingungen' (conditions), or 'Einflüsse' (influences), the general meaning (m02) is meant.
EXAMPLE
Setzen Sie für die Variable x den Wert 5 ein.
Insert the value 5 for the variable x.
Register: technical language
In the meaning of a placeholder in formulas, 'Variable' (variable) is a technical term from mathematics, computer science, and other sciences.
EXAMPLE
In dieser Programmiersprache muss jede Variable vor der Verwendung deklariert werden.
In this programming language, every variable must be declared before use.
Typical collocations
In the general meaning, 'Variable' (variable) is often combined with adjectives such as 'eine wichtige Variable' (an important variable), 'eine entscheidende Variable' (a decisive variable), or 'eine unbekannte Variable' (an unknown variable).
EXAMPLE
Die Kundenzufriedenheit ist eine entscheidende Variable für den Erfolg.
Customer satisfaction is a decisive variable for success.
Compare with
Variable vs Wert
value
'der Wert' and 'die Variable' are especially easy to confuse in mathematics, computer science, and technology. 'die Variable' is a placeholder or a changeable quantity. It can take on different numbers or pieces of information. 'der Wert' is the specific number or piece of information that is currently being inserted or measured. So you say: a variable has a value. If you are talking about the name or placeholder, 'Variable' fits. If you mean the specific number, 'Wert' fits.
Variable
Zu Hause erklärt die Gruppe, welche Variable in der Formel fehlt.
At home, the group explains which variable is missing from the formula.
Wert
Ich trage den neuen Wert in die Tabelle ein, damit die Rechnung stimmt.
I enter the new value in the table so that the calculation is correct.
In real life
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