die  Teilung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈtaɪ̯lʊŋ/

📜 What does "die Teilung" mean?

Die Teilung (feminine) describes the act or result of dividing, separating, or partitioning something into multiple parts. It can refer to various contexts:

• Physical separation: Taking apart or dividing an object or area (e.g., die Teilung eines Kuchens - the division of a cake, die Teilung eines Landes - the division/partition of a country).
• Mathematical operation: Division as one of the basic arithmetic operations (Latin: divisio).
• Biological process: Cell division (Mitose - mitosis, Meiose - meiosis).
• Abstract division: The distribution of tasks, resources, or responsibilities (e.g., Arbeitsteilung - division of labour).

⚠️ It's important to consider the context to understand the precise meaning of die Teilung.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Teilung

The noun "Teilung" is feminine. The article is "die". Words ending in "-ung" are almost always feminine in German.

Declension

Example Sentences

1. Die Teilung Deutschlands war ein schmerzhafter Prozess. (The division of Germany was a painful process.)
2. Wir gedenken der Opfer der Teilung. (We commemorate the victims of the division.)
3. Nach der Teilung des Kuchens bekam jeder ein Stück. (After the division of the cake, everyone got a piece.)
4. Die Mathematiklehrerin erklärt die Teilung durch Zehn. (The math teacher explains division by ten.)
5. Es gab mehrere Teilungen des Vermögens in der Familie. (There were several divisions of the assets in the family.)

💡 How "die Teilung" is used

• Historical/Political: Often used in the context of the division or partition of countries or territories, e.g., "die Teilung Deutschlands" (the division of Germany), "die Teilung Koreas" (the partition of Korea).
• Mathematics: Refers to the arithmetic operation of division. Example: "Das Ergebnis der Teilung von 10 durch 2 ist 5." (The result of the division of 10 by 2 is 5.)
• Biology: In the context of cell division (Mitose/Meiose - mitosis/meiosis). Example: "Die Zelle bereitet sich auf die Teilung vor." (The cell is preparing for division.)
• Everyday Language: For dividing things up. Example: "Die gerechte Teilung der Aufgaben ist wichtig." (The fair division of tasks is important.)
• Law/Business: Division of property, inheritances, or companies (e.g., " Erbteilung" - division of an estate, "Unternehmensteilung" - company split-up).

Comparison: While "Teilung" often describes a formal or definitive act, "Aufteilung" can also mean a more informal distribution. "Spaltung" often emphasizes a rift or conflict leading to separation.

🧠 Mnemonics for "die Teilung"

For the article: Words ending in "-ung" in German are like a feminine hug (Umarmung) – they are almost always feminine (die)! So: die Teilung.

For the meaning: Think of the German word "Teil" which means "part". When you make something into parts, you perform a "Teilung" (division, partition). A part (Teil) here, a part there – that's the result of a Teilung.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "Teilung"

Similar but different words:

• Abteilung: A department or section of an organization or shop.
• Mitteilung: A message or piece of information.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Mathelehrer: "Was ist die Hälfte von 8?"
Fritzchen: "Senkrecht oder waagerecht geteilt?"
Lehrer: "Wieso?"
Fritzchen: "Naja, bei der senkrechten Teilung kommt 3 raus, bei der waagerechten 0!" 😄

Translation:
The math teacher asks: "What is half of 8?"
Little Fritz: "Divided vertically or horizontally?"
Teacher: "Why?"
Little Fritz: "Well, with a vertical division, you get 3, with a horizontal one, you get 0!" 😄

✒️ Poem about Division (Teilung)

Ein Ganzes war's, nun ist's zerbrochen,
Die Teilung hat es hart getroffen.
Ein Strich, ein Schnitt, ein neuer Rand,
Entzweit nun Herzen, Volk und Land.

Doch auch im Kleinen wirkt ihr Sinn,
Beim Kuchen, Wissen, dem Gewinn.
Ob fair verteilt, ob karger Rest,
Die Teilung hält die Welt im Test.

Translation: It was a whole, now it's broken,
The division has hit it hard.
A line, a cut, a new border,
Now divides hearts, people, and land.

But its purpose also works in small things,
With cake, knowledge, the gain.
Whether fairly distributed or a meager remainder,
Division keeps the world on test.

🤔 Riddle

Ich kann ein Land entzweien,
Oder Zahlen klein zerstreuen.
Biologen sehen mich im Kern,
Gerechtigkeit hab ich auch gern.
Mit "-ung" am End', feminin und schlicht,
Wer bin ich wohl, sag's ins Gesicht?

Translation:
I can divide a country,
Or scatter numbers small you see.
Biologists see me in the core,
Fairness is something I adore.
With "-ung" at the end, feminine and plain,
Who am I, tell me my name?

Solution: die Teilung (the division/partition)

🧩 More Information

Word Formation

The word "Teilung" is a noun derived from the verb "teilen" (to divide, to share). By adding the suffix "-ung", the verb is nominalized and takes on a feminine grammatical gender (die Teilung). This is a very common pattern in German (e.g., warnen (to warn) -> die Warnung (the warning), meinen (to mean/think) -> die Meinung (the opinion)).

Historical Context

In Germany, the term "die Teilung" is strongly associated with the Teilung Deutschlands (Division of Germany) after World War II into West Germany (FRG) and East Germany (GDR) (1949-1990).