die Ziffer
digit
A single written character used to represent a number, especially one of the ten Arabic numerals (0 to 9).
EXAMPLE
Die Geheimzahl besteht aus vier Ziffern.
The PIN consists of four digits.
die Ziffer
digit
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Meanings
die Ziffer
item number
A number or code in a system that is used for identification or classification.
EXAMPLE
Bitte geben Sie bei Ihrer Anfrage immer die Ziffer auf dem Aktendeckel an.
Please always provide the item number on the file cover when making your inquiry.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'Ziffer' (digit/item number) depends on the context. If it is about the building blocks of numbers, e.g. in a PIN or phone number, it means a numeral (0-9). If it is about lists, laws, or documents, it means an item number.
EXAMPLE
Meine Postleitzahl hat fünf Ziffern.
My postal code has five digits.
Typical collocations
In connection with numerals, a distinction is often made between 'arabischen Ziffern' (Arabic numerals: 0, 1, 2...) and 'römischen Ziffern' (Roman numerals: I, V, X...). A number 'besteht aus' (consists of) several digits.
EXAMPLE
Die Jahreszahl am Gebäude ist in römischen Ziffern geschrieben.
The year on the building is written in Roman numerals.
Sentence structure and usage pattern
In the meaning of 'Kennzeichnung' (identification/labeling), 'Ziffer' (item number) is often used with the preposition 'unter' to refer to a specific point in a document or list. The word then often appears without an article.
EXAMPLE
Weitere Informationen finden Sie unter Ziffer 3.2 der Anleitung.
You can find more information under item 3.2 of the instructions.
Compare with
Ziffer vs Nummer
number
„Nummer“ refers to an individual digit or a sequence of digits in its function as an identifying label. „Ziffer“, on the other hand, means the individual written numeral itself. So on a jersey, 7 is the player's number, but as a visible symbol it is a digit.
Ziffer
Die Ziffer 7 auf dem Trikot ist kaum noch lesbar.
The digit 7 on the jersey is barely legible.
Nummer
Die Nummer 7 auf dem Trikot kennzeichnet den Spieler.
The number 7 on the jersey identifies the player.
In real life
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