der  Querschnitt

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkvɛʁˌʃnɪt/

✂️ What does "der Querschnitt" mean?

The German noun der Querschnitt primarily has two meanings:

1. Physical cross-section: The surface or shape exposed when a three-dimensional object is cut perpendicular (quer) to its longitudinal axis. You see the 'inside' at this cut.

   • Example: Der Querschnitt eines Baumstammes zeigt die Jahresringe. (The cross-section of a tree trunk shows the annual rings.)
   • Context: Technology, biology, geometry, architecture.

2. Representative sample / overview: A selection or representation that reflects the essential characteristics of a larger group, topic, or period. A representative average.

   • Example: Die Ausstellung bietet einen Querschnitt durch das Schaffen des Künstlers. (The exhibition offers a cross-section of the artist's work.)
   • Context: Statistics, sociology, art, literature, general usage.

⚠️ Important: It is always der Querschnitt; the word is masculine.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Querschnitt

"Querschnitt" is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

• Der Ingenieur berechnete den Querschnitt des Trägers. (The engineer calculated the cross-section of the beam. - Accusative Singular)
• Die Studie liefert einen repräsentativen Querschnitt der Bevölkerung. (The study provides a representative cross-section of the population. - Accusative Singular)
• Die Analyse verschiedener Querschnitte ergab interessante Muster. (The analysis of various cross-sections revealed interesting patterns. - Genitive Plural or Accusative Plural)
• Auf dem Querschnitt des Kabels sind die einzelnen Adern sichtbar. (The individual wires are visible on the cross-section of the cable. - Dative Singular)

When to use "der Querschnitt"?

Usage depends on the intended meaning:

• Technology & Sciences: Here, "der Querschnitt" usually refers to the physical cut surface. You talk about the Querschnitt of a pipe, a muscle, a wire, etc. It's about visualizing structure, composition, or dimensions.
• Statistics & Social Sciences: In this context, "der Querschnitt" means a representative sample or an overview. A Querschnittstudie (cross-sectional study) examines a group at a specific point in time. One speaks of a Querschnitt of society, a Querschnitt through the literature of an era.
• General Usage: Even in everyday language, you can use "Querschnitt" to mean a general overview or a typical selection. E.g., „Das Magazin bietet einen bunten Querschnitt an Themen.“ (The magazine offers a diverse cross-section of topics.)

Comparison: A Längsschnitt (longitudinal section) runs parallel to the main axis (unlike the Querschnitt). A Durchschnitt (average) can be used similarly to Querschnitt (in the sense of a representative sample), but it often has a stronger mathematical/statistical connotation (mean value).

🧠 Memory Aids for "der Querschnitt"

For the article (der): Think of "der Schnitt" (the cut). Many German words ending in "-schnitt" are masculine (der Abschnitt - section, der Einschnitt - incision, der Durchschnitt - average...). The cut goes quer (across), so it's der Querschnitt.

For the meaning: Imagine cutting something across (quer) - like a sausage or a tree. What you see is der Querschnitt (the cross-section). Or imagine taking a selection from a large group of items that goes across all types – that's also a Querschnitt (a representative sample).

🔄 Related and Opposite Words

Caution: Do not confuse with Querschnittslähmung (paraplegia/quadriplegia), which is a medical diagnosis referring to the severance of the spinal cord.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Mathematiklehrer: "Was erhält man, wenn man eine Torte genau in der Mitte durchschneidet?"
Schüler: "Einen leckeren Querschnitt!"

Translation:
The math teacher asks: "What do you get when you cut a cake exactly through the middle?"
Student: "A tasty cross-section!"

📜 Poem about Querschnitt

Ein Schnitt, ganz quer, durch Holz und Stein,
zeigt, was verborgen, tief im Sein.
Der Querschnitt legt die Adern frei,
Struktur und Muster, manch Geheimnis neu.

Auch durch die Zeit, durch Kunst und Leben,
kann uns ein Querschnitt Übersicht geben.
Ein Blick ins Inn're, klar und rein,
so soll's verstanden sein.

Translation:
A cut, right across, through wood and stone,
shows what is hidden, deep inside, alone.
The cross-section lays the veins bare,
Structure and patterns, some secrets new to share.

Also through time, through art and life's stream,
a cross-section can give an overview, it seems.
A look inside, clear and pure,
that's how it should be understood, for sure.

🕵️‍♀️ Little Riddle

Ich zeige dir das Innere, wenn du quer mich teilst.
Ich biete einen Überblick, wenn du repräsentativ verweilst.
In Technik und Statistik bin ich gern gesehen.
Ich bin stets männlich, das wirst du verstehen.

Was bin ich?

(I show you the inside when you cut me crosswise.
I offer an overview when you stay representative.
In technology and statistics, I am welcome.
I am always masculine, you will understand.)

What am I?

Solution: der Querschnitt

ℹ️ More about the Word

Word Composition:

The word "Querschnitt" is a compound noun, composed of:

• quer: Adverb/preposition meaning "across", "through", "athwart", perpendicular to the main direction.
• der Schnitt: Noun derived from the verb "schneiden" (to cut). Meaning "the cut".

So, the composition literally describes a "cut that goes across (the usual direction)".

Trivia: The term "Querschnitt" is also used metaphorically to describe, for example, the diversity of a group or an offering ("ein Querschnitt durch alle Altersgruppen" - a cross-section through all age groups).