der  Parameter

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/paʁaˈmeːtɐ/

🤔 What does "der Parameter" mean?

Der Parameter (masculine) is a variable or measurable quantity that characterises or influences a process, system, or condition. It often serves to define specific properties or the state of something.

The term is frequently found in:

• Mathematics & Statistics: A quantity that can vary in an equation or function, but is held constant for a specific analysis.
• Technology & Computer Science: A value passed to a function, program, or device to control its behaviour (e.g., settings).
• Science & Research: A factor or variable measured or controlled in an experiment or study.
• General Usage: A criterion, framework, or condition (e.g., "die finanziellen Parameter des Projekts" - the financial parameters of the project).

⚠️ Although the term is often used specifically, in general language it can sometimes be used vaguely as 'factor' or 'aspect'.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar of "der Parameter"

The word „Parameter“ is a masculine noun. Its declension is as follows:

Example Sentences

1. Der wichtigste Parameter für den Erfolg ist die Kundenzufriedenheit.
   (The most important parameter for success is customer satisfaction.)
2. Wir müssen die Parameter des Experiments genau definieren.
   (We need to define the parameters of the experiment precisely.)
3. Die Funktion erwartet drei Parameter als Eingabe.
   (The function expects three parameters as input.)
4. Innerhalb der vorgegebenen Parameter können wir frei entscheiden.
   (Within the given parameters, we can decide freely.)
5. Der Techniker justierte die Parameter der Maschine.
   (The technician adjusted the machine's parameters.)

⚙️ When to use "Parameter"?

The term Parameter is primarily used in specialised languages, but has also found its way into general use.

• Technical/Scientific Context: Here, it refers to precisely defined variables, characteristic values, or settings. Examples: Softwareparameter (software parameters), Maschinenparameter (machine parameters), statistische Parameter (statistical parameters), physikalische Parameter (physical parameters).
• Project Management/Business: Often refers to framework conditions or key figures. Examples: Budgetparameter (budget parameters), Zeitparameter (time parameters), Qualitätsparameter (quality parameters).
• General Context: Sometimes used more loosely as a synonym for „Faktor“ (factor), „Kriterium“ (criterion), or „Rahmenbedingung“ (framework condition). Example: „Welche Parameter sind für deine Entscheidung wichtig?“ (What parameters are important for your decision?)

Compared to similar words:

• Variable: Often more changeable than a parameter, which might be considered fixed within a specific context or run.
• Konstante (Constant): Unlike a parameter, this is a fixed, unchangeable value.
• Kriterium (Criterion): A standard or characteristic for evaluation or decision-making, which can be a function of a parameter.
• Faktor (Factor): A more general term for something that has an influence. A parameter is often a specific, measurable factor.

💡 Mnemonics for "der Parameter"

For the article "der": Think of "der Meter" (the meter) or "der Computer" (the computer). Many technical terms or words associated with masculinity, especially those ending in "-er", are masculine in German. Der Parameter fits this pattern.

For the meaning: Imagine adjusting settings, like on a radio. Each knob is a "Para-Meter" – a "beside" (para) existing "measure" (meter) that you set. Der Parameter determines how something works.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😄 A little Joke

Warum war der Mathematiker schlecht im Dating? Er hat immer die falschen Parameter für eine Beziehung gesetzt!

(Why was the mathematician bad at dating? He always set the wrong parameters for a relationship!)

📜 A Poem about Parameters

Der Parameter, klar und rein,
definiert, was soll hier sein.
In Code, Physik, im Lebensplan,
zieht er die unsichtbare Bahn.
Verstell ihn nur ein kleines Stück,
verändert sich das ganze Glück.
Ein Maß, ein Wert, ein Richtungszeiger,
der Parameter, der stille Schweiger.

(The parameter, clear and pure,
defines what should endure.
In code, physics, life's design,
it draws the invisible line.
Adjust it just a tiny bit,
and all of fortune changes with it.
A measure, value, guiding pointer,
the parameter, the silent voicer.)

🧩 Riddle

Ich bin eine Größe, oft versteckt,
die ein System zum Leben weckt.
In Formeln tanz' ich, mal groß, mal klein,
stellst du mich ein, läuft's gut und fein.
In Technik, Forschung, überall,
bestimm' ich oft den großen Knall.

Was bin ich?

(I am a quantity, often hidden,
that awakens a system, unbidden.
In formulas I dance, sometimes big, sometimes small,
set me right, things run fine for all.
In tech, research, everywhere,
I often determine the big affair.

What am I?) Answer: Der Parameter (The Parameter)

🌐 Other Information

Etymology: The word „Parameter“ comes from the Greek word parámetron (παράμετρον), meaning something like 'subsidiary measure' or 'auxiliary measure'. It is composed of para (παρά) meaning 'beside, near' and metron (μέτρον) meaning 'measure'.

International Usage: The term is used in many languages in a similar form and meaning (e.g., English parameter, French paramètre), reflecting its roots in scientific language.