four / group of four
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four
The digit or number four, often in reference to something marked with this number, such as a school grade, a bus line, or a playing card.
In Mathe habe ich leider nur einen Vierer geschrieben, aber ich habe bestanden.
Unfortunately, I only got a four in math, but I passed.
The word is formed from the number 'vier' (four) and the ending '-er'. This pattern is used for many numbers to create a noun that refers to the number, for example 'der Fünfer' (a five) or 'der Zehner' (a ten).
Kannst du mir einen Fünfer für den Automaten wechseln?
Can you change a five for me for the machine?
The exact meaning of 'Vierer' always becomes clear from the context. Words like 'Schule' (school) or 'Note' (grade) point to the school grade, 'Lotto' to the lottery win, and 'Sport' or 'Boot' to a group.
Welche Note hast du? – Ich habe einen Vierer, also gerade noch bestanden.
What grade did you get? – I got a four, so I just barely passed.
In the German school system, a 'Vier' (four) is the lowest grade with which you still pass an exam. 'Einen Vierer schreiben' or 'einen Vierer haben' is therefore a very common expression among students.
Hauptsache, ich schreibe keinen Fünfer, ein Vierer reicht mir schon.
The main thing is that I don't get a five; a four is enough for me.
Colloquially, people speak of a 'Dreier', 'Vierer', or 'Fünfer' to refer to a lottery win with three, four, or five correct numbers.
Mit einem Vierer gewinnt man nicht viel, aber es ist besser als nichts.
With a four-number win, you don't win much, but it's better than nothing.
quartet
'das Quartett' and 'der Vierer' can both mean a group of four people or things. 'Quartett' sounds more precise when the four perform together, belong together, or, especially in music, do something together. 'Vierer' is more general and often more colloquial; in sports it is very natural, for example for a team or boat with four people. The words can be confused because both refer to the number four. If it is musical or sounds a bit more formal, 'Quartett' fits better; for a simple group of four, 'Vierer' is often suitable.
Beim Training bildet Tom mit drei Freunden einen Vierer.
During training, Tom forms a group of four with three friends.
Für die Feier wurde ein Quartett gebucht, das klassische Musik spielt.
A quartet that plays classical music was booked for the celebration.