das / der  Zehntel

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtseːntl/

📖 What does Zehntel mean?

The word Zehntel primarily refers to a fraction, but its meaning or context can slightly differ depending on the article used:

• das Zehntel: This is the most common form and means the tenth part of a whole (1/10). It's a neuter noun used in mathematics, measurements, and general contexts. Example: Ein Zehntel von 100 ist 10. (One tenth of 100 is 10.)
• der Zehntel: This form is rarer and often regional or archaic. It can also refer to the tenth part, but is sometimes used synonymously with 'der Zehnte', which denotes the historical tithe (church or land tax). ⚠️ In modern standard German, 'das Zehntel' is the correct term for the fraction. Using 'der Zehntel' for the fraction is often considered incorrect in standard language.

📐 Grammar and Declension of Zehntel

The declension differs based on the article.

das Zehntel (Neuter - Fraction)

der Zehntel (Masculine - Tithe/Part, rare)

📝 Example Sentences

1. (das Zehntel) Gib mir bitte nur ein Zehntel des Kuchens.
   (Please give me only a tenth of the cake.)
2. (das Zehntel) Die Läuferin verbesserte ihre Zeit um zwei Zehntelsekunden.
   (The runner improved her time by two tenths of a second.)
3. (der Zehntel) Früher mussten die Bauern den Zehntel an den Grundherren abgeben. (Here often also 'den Zehnten')
   (In the past, the peasants had to give the tithe to the landlord.)

💡 Everyday Application

• das Zehntel: Is used by default for mathematical fractions (1/10), decimals (0.1), units of measurement (ein Zehntelliter - a tenth of a liter, eine Zehntelsekunde - a tenth of a second), and general proportions. It is the standard and recommended form. Contexts: Mathematics, science, cooking, sports, everyday life.
• der Zehntel: Rare and specific. Mainly in historical contexts as a synonym for 'der Zehnte' (the tithe). Regarding the fraction 1/10, 'der Zehntel' is mostly considered archaic or incorrect in standard language. 🚨 Avoid 'der Zehntel' when you mean the fraction 1/10 to prevent misunderstandings or the impression of incorrect grammar. Use 'das Zehntel' instead.

Comparison: While das Zehntel clearly denotes the fraction 1/10, der Zehnte is the more common form for the historical tax/tithe.

🧠 Memory Aids

For the article:
Das is neutral, like the abstract mathematical concept of a fraction (das Zehntel).
Think of der Herr (the lord/man) who historically collected der Zehntel/Zehnte (the tithe).

For the meaning:
A Zehntel is a teil (part) of zehn (ten).

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words

• der Zehnte / die Zehnte / das Zehnte: Ordinal number (e.g., der zehnte Platz - the tenth place). Also the term for the historical tithe (der Zehnte).
• das Jahrzehnt: A decade (period of ten years).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Mathelehrer: "Was ist ein Zehntel von einem Apfel?"
Schüler: "Ein kleines Stückchen Apfel, Herr Lehrer."
Lehrer: "Und was ist ein Zehntel von einem Problem?"
Schüler: "Hoffentlich nur ein Zehntel so schlimm!" 😄

Teacher asks: "What is one tenth of an apple?"
Student: "A small piece of apple, teacher."
Teacher: "And what is one tenth of a problem?"
Student: "Hopefully only one tenth as bad!" 😄

📜 A Little Poem

Ein Kuchen, rund und lecker,
ein jeder will ein Stück,
o doch mit nur 'nem Zehntel,
hat man nicht viel Glück.

Doch misst man Zeit im Rennen,
um Sieg und schnellen Lauf,
kann schon ein Zehntel Wenden
den ganzen Wettkampf auf.

-- English Translation --

A cake, so round and tasty,
everyone wants a piece,
but with just a tenth part only,
your luck does not increase.

But measuring time in racing,
for victory's swift pace,
a single tenth can alter
the outcome of the race.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Teil von Zehn, ganz klar,
in Mathe bin ich immer da.
Man schreibt mich klein, nach Kommas Strich,
als 'das' kennt man mich sicherlich.

Was bin ich? (Lösung: das Zehntel)

-- English Translation --

I am a part of ten, it's clear,
In mathematics, I'm always here.
Written small, after the decimal point's place,
As 'das', you surely know my face.

What am I? (Solution: das Zehntel / a tenth)

ℹ️ More Information

Word Composition: The word "Zehntel" is composed of the cardinal number "zehn" (ten) and the suffix "-tel", which is used to form fractions (similar to Drittel (third), Viertel (quarter), Achtel (eighth)).

Historical Context (der Zehntel/Zehnte): The giving of the tithe (der Zehnte) was a widespread tax in the Middle Ages and early modern period, often paid to the church or the landlord, amounting to about 10% of the harvest or income. 'Der Zehntel' can sometimes refer to this practice, although 'der Zehnte' is more common.