01
der Zähler
meter
A device that measures the consumption of something, for example electricity, water, or gas.
example
Einmal im Jahr muss der Zähler für den Strom abgelesen werden.
Once a year, the electricity meter has to be read.
der Zähler
meter / numerator / counter
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The noun 'der Zähler' (meter/numerator/counter) is derived from the verb 'zählen' (to count). The ending '-er' refers to a person or device that performs the action of counting. This principle applies to all meanings.
EXAMPLE
Bitte zähle, wie viele Stühle im Raum stehen.
Please count how many chairs are in the room.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'Zähler' from the context. If it is about 'Strom' (electricity), 'Wasser' (water), or 'Gas' (gas), it means the measuring device. In the context of 'Bruch' (fraction) and 'Nenner' (denominator), it is about mathematics. With 'Punkten' (points) or 'Besuchern' (visitors), it means a counter.
EXAMPLE
Der Zähler im Keller misst unseren Wasserverbrauch.
The meter in the basement measures our water consumption.
Typical collocation
When referring to the measuring device, the most common and important action is 'Ablesen' (reading) the meter. This usually happens in order to determine consumption.
EXAMPLE
Ein Mitarbeiter kommt einmal im Jahr, um den Gaszähler abzulesen.
An employee comes once a year to read the gas meter.
Compound nouns
'Zähler' (meter/counter) is a very productive base word for compound nouns. Examples are 'Stromzähler' (electricity meter), 'Wasserzähler' (water meter), 'Gaszähler' (gas meter), 'Kilometerzähler' (odometer), or 'Besucherzähler' (visitor counter).
EXAMPLE
Der Kilometerzähler meines Autos ist kaputt.
The odometer in my car is broken.
Compare with
Zähler vs Nenner
denominator
'der Zähler' and 'der Nenner' both belong to a fraction in mathematics. However, they are in different positions and have different functions. The numerator, 'Zähler', is above the fraction bar and says how many parts are meant. The denominator, 'Nenner', is below the fraction bar and says into how many equal parts the whole has been divided. Learners can easily confuse the words because they always occur together. A simple orientation is: the 'Zähler' is on top, the 'Nenner' is on the bottom.
Zähler
Bei dem Bruch drei Viertel ist die Drei der Zähler.
In the fraction three quarters, the three is the numerator.
Nenner
Wenn der Nenner vier ist, wurde das Ganze in vier gleiche Teile geteilt.
If the denominator is four, the whole has been divided into four equal parts.
In real life
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