Fractions
Introduction
We use fractions when we’re talking about partial quantities. We can find fractions not only in mathematics, but also in recipes, for example (½ litre of water).
Construction
To construct fractions, we take the word-stem of the ordinal number and add the ending el. The form of fractions doesn’t change. (Exception: halb)
| 1/2 | ein halb | 1/10 | ein zehntel |
| 1/3 | ein drittel | 1/20 | ein zwanzigstel |
| 1/4 | ein viertel | 1/100 | ein hundertstel |
| 1/5 | ein fünftel | 1/1000 | ein tausendstel |
Exceptions for halb
The word halb is treated just like a normal adjective. Its ending matches the corresponding noun/pronoun and is declined.
- Example:
- der halbe Liter Wasserthe half-litre of water (masculine, nominative, definite article)
- ein halbes Kilo Mehlhalf a kilo of flour (neuter, nominative, indefinite article)
- in einer halben Stundein half an hour (feminine, dative)
Writing Fractions
Capitals Or Not?
If the fraction is referring to something specific (e.g. a unit of measurement), then we write the number without a capital letter.
- Example:
- zwei drittel Liter Milchtwo-thirds of a litre of milk
If the fraction stands alone, however, it is treated like a noun and written with a capital letter.
- Example:
- Ich habe erst zwei Drittel von dem, was ich wollte, geschafft.I’ve only managed to get two-thirds of the work done that I wanted to finish.
Separate or Compound Words?
Normally the fraction of a unit of measurement is written as a separate word.
- Example:
- ein viertel Liter Wassera quarter-litre of water
- drei achtel Kilo Mehlthree-eighths of a kilo of flour
If the fraction and the unit of measurement are considered a single item, however, they are also written together as a single word.
- Example:
- eine Dreiviertelstundethree-quarters of an hour
- der Sechsachteltaktsix-eight time
- ein Viertelliterglasa quarter-litre glass
Note the difference:
ein Viertelliterglas gefüllt mit Wasser
(The glass can hold a quarter-litre and is full.)
ein viertel Literglas gefüllt mit Wasser
(The glass can hold a litre, and is only a quarter full.)