die Wertigkeit
value
The importance, significance, or rank that a thing, person, or action has.
EXAMPLE
Die Wertigkeit von Familie hat in seinem Leben immer eine große Rolle gespielt.
The value of family has always played a major role in his life.
die Wertigkeit
value / valence
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Meanings
die Wertigkeit
valence
In chemistry, the ability of an atom to form a certain number of chemical bonds with other atoms. This is also called valence.
EXAMPLE
Das Sauerstoffatom hat in den meisten Verbindungen die Wertigkeit zwei.
In most compounds, the oxygen atom has a valence of two.
die Wertigkeit
valency
In linguistics, the number of complements (arguments) that a verb needs in order to form a complete sentence. This is also called valency.
EXAMPLE
Das Verb „geben“ hat eine Wertigkeit von drei, da es ein Subjekt, ein Dativobjekt und ein Akkusativobjekt benötigt.
The verb 'geben' (to give) has a valency of three because it requires a subject, a dative object, and an accusative object.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Wertigkeit' (value/valence) is an abstract noun derived from the adjective 'wertig' (valuable/high-quality). This in turn comes from the noun 'der Wert' (value). The ending '-keit' forms nouns that describe a quality or state.
EXAMPLE
Die hohe Wertigkeit dieses Schmuckstücks ist offensichtlich.
The high value of this piece of jewelry is obvious.
Context clue
The meaning of 'Wertigkeit' (value/valence) depends strongly on the field. In everyday language, it is about ideal or symbolic value (m01). In chemistry, it describes the number of bonds an atom can form (m02); in linguistics, the number of complements of a verb (m03).
EXAMPLE
Die Wertigkeit von Freundschaft kann man nicht in Geld messen.
The value of friendship cannot be measured in money.
Typical collocations
In its general meaning, 'Wertigkeit' (value) is often used to describe the significance of something. Typical formulations are 'eine hohe/geringe Wertigkeit haben' (to have high/low value) or 'die Wertigkeit von etwas betonen' (to emphasize the value of something).
EXAMPLE
In unserer Firma hat die Zufriedenheit der Mitarbeiter eine hohe Wertigkeit.
In our company, employee satisfaction has high value.
Technical language: chemistry
This meaning is a purely technical term from chemistry. It is used almost exclusively in this context and is a synonym for 'Valenz' (valence).
EXAMPLE
Wasserstoff hat die Wertigkeit eins, da es eine Bindung eingehen kann.
Hydrogen has a valence of one because it can form one bond.
Compare with
Wertigkeit vs Stellenwert
importance / place value
Stellenwert and Wertigkeit can both express a rank. Stellenwert emphasizes how important something is in a particular context. Wertigkeit is especially appropriate when something is assessed according to its value or rank and compared with something else; the areas can overlap.
Wertigkeit
Dieser Abschluss hat bei der Bewerbung die gleiche Wertigkeit wie der andere.
This degree carries the same weight as the other one in the application process.
Stellenwert
Dieser Abschluss hat bei der Bewerbung einen hohen Stellenwert.
This degree is highly important in the application process.
In real life
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