01
zweit-
second
Indicates position two in an order or ranking. It is always used in declined form (zweiter, zweite, zweites).
example
Er kam als Zweiter ins Ziel.
He crossed the finish line in second place.
zweit
second
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Prefix 'zweit-'
The word 'zweit-' (second) is often used as a prefix in compound words. It then means 'standing in second place' or 'secondary.'
EXAMPLE
Hamburg ist die zweitgrößte Stadt Deutschlands.
Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city.
Always declined
The form 'zweit' does not exist on its own. As an ordinal number, it is always adapted to the gender of the noun and declined: 'der zweite Platz' (second place), 'die zweite Chance' (second chance), 'das zweite Mal' (the second time).
EXAMPLE
Ich lese gerade das zweite Kapitel.
I'm currently reading the second chapter.
Fixed expression: zu zweit
The expression 'zu zweit' means 'as a pair' or 'as a group of two people.' This construction with 'zu' can also be formed with other numbers to indicate the size of a group.
EXAMPLE
Lass uns den Film zu zweit ansehen.
Let's watch the film as a pair.
Expressing frequency
The combination 'jeder zweite' (or 'jede zweite', 'jedes zweite') is used to express a frequency of 50% or an alternating order. The adjective 'zweite' is declined in this construction.
EXAMPLE
Jeder zweite Deutsche besitzt ein Fahrrad.
Every other German owns a bicycle.
Compare with
zweit vs zwei
two
'zwei' and 'zweit-' look similar, but they have different functions. 'zwei' names a quantity: there are exactly 2 people or things. 'zweit-' describes position number 2 in a sequence, for example 'der zweite Tag' (the second day). In the form 'zu zweit', it means that two people do something together. In 'jeder zweite' (every other), it is about a regular selection. Learners confuse the words because both have to do with 2. Remember: quantity = 'zwei', order = 'zweite', together with one other person = 'zu zweit'.
zweit
Der zweite Termin ist erst morgen Nachmittag.
The second appointment is not until tomorrow afternoon.
zwei
Im Zug sitzen zwei Kinder am Fenster.
Two children are sitting by the window on the train.
In real life
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