A2 verb Neutral #3,000 most common 2 min read

dividieren

/di.viˈdiːʁən/
Practice it

Overview

The German verb 'dividieren' means 'to divide' and is a regular weak verb. This means it follows a predictable pattern for its conjugation, making it relatively easy to learn. Like many verbs of Latin origin in German, its stem 'dividier-' remains constant throughout most conjugations. It is primarily used in mathematical contexts, such as 'Zahlen dividieren' (to divide numbers). The past participle is formed with 'haben' as the auxiliary verb, thus 'habe dividiert' for the perfect tense. The infinitive 'dividieren' itself means 'to divide'. In the present tense, the endings are standard: -e, -st, -t, -en, -t, -en. For example, 'ich dividiere' (I divide), 'du dividierst' (you divide). The simple past (Präteritum) is also regular, using the suffix -te: 'ich dividierte' (I divided). The subjunctive II (Konjunktiv II) for 'dividieren' is identical to the simple past, which is common for regular weak verbs. The imperative forms are 'Dividier!' (for 'du'), 'Dividiert!' (for 'ihr'), and 'Dividieren Sie!' (for 'Sie'). It's crucial to distinguish 'dividieren' from its synonym 'teilen'. While both mean 'to divide', 'dividieren' is almost exclusively used in a mathematical sense, whereas 'teilen' can also mean 'to share' or 'to split' in a broader, non-mathematical context (e.g., 'ein Stück Kuchen teilen' - to share a piece of cake). Therefore, when referring to the mathematical operation of division, 'dividieren' is the more precise and common choice. Understanding its regularity is key to mastering its use in various tenses and moods.

Examples

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Common Collocations

dividieren durch
dividieren in
schriftlich dividieren
ganzzahlig dividieren

Often Confused With

dividieren vs teilen

While both mean 'to divide', 'teilen' is more general and can mean to share, split, or divide into parts. 'Dividieren' specifically refers to the mathematical operation of division.

Grammar Patterns

etwas durch etwas dividieren (to divide something by something) etwas in etwas dividieren (to divide something into something)

How to Use It

Usage Notes

'Dividieren' is a regular weak verb in German. It typically takes the auxiliary verb 'haben' for its perfect tense. The standard prepositions used with 'dividieren' are 'durch' (by) to indicate the divisor, and sometimes 'in' (into) to indicate how something is being divided. For example, 'Zehn dividiert durch zwei ist fünf' (Ten divided by two is five). When referring to the act of distributing something among people or groups, one might say 'Die Gewinne wurden unter den Partnern dividiert' (The profits were divided among the partners), although 'teilen' is more commonly used in such a general sense of sharing. It's important to distinguish 'dividieren' (to perform division) from 'teilen' (to share or split). While they can sometimes overlap in meaning, 'dividieren' specifically implies the mathematical operation, whereas 'teilen' has a broader application, including sharing food, property, or responsibilities. In informal speech, 'teilen' is often preferred even for simple mathematical division, but 'dividieren' remains the precise and formal term. Always use 'dividieren' when referring to the mathematical operation itself, especially in academic or professional settings.

Common Mistakes

1. Confusing it with 'teilen' (to share or divide in a general sense). 'Dividieren' specifically refers to the mathematical operation of division. 2. Incorrect conjugation, especially in past tenses. It's a regular verb, so remember the '-te' for simple past and 'ge-' for perfect tenses. 3. Not using the correct prepositions. For example, 'dividieren durch' (to divide by). 4. Mispronunciation, ensure the 'ie' is a long 'ee' sound and the 'v' is pronounced like an 'f'.

Tips

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Usage Note

While 'dividieren' is correct, 'teilen' is more commonly used in everyday German for 'to divide'.

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Formal Context

'Dividieren' might be encountered more in mathematical or formal contexts rather than casual conversation.

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Related Terms

Related terms include 'Division' (division, noun), 'Dividend' (dividend), and 'Divisor' (divisor).

Word Origin

From Latin 'dividō' (to divide, separate), from 'dis-' (apart) + 'vidō' (to separate). It entered German through Middle High German 'dividieren' or Late Latin 'dividiare'. The mathematical sense of division developed from the general meaning of separating into parts. Cognates include English 'divide', French 'diviser', Italian 'dividere', and Spanish 'dividir'.

Cultural Context

The word 'dividieren' in German, meaning 'to divide,' is primarily used in mathematical and financial contexts. While the act of division is universal, its cultural context in Germany often reflects a certain precision and practicality. In education, 'dividieren' is a fundamental concept taught early in schooling, emphasizing logical thinking and problem-solving. In business and economics, it's frequently used when discussing profit sharing, asset distribution, or the allocation of resources. Culturally, there isn't a deep metaphorical or idiomatic use of 'dividieren' that significantly diverges from its literal meaning, unlike some other verbs. It generally maintains a straightforward and functional application, aligning with a broader German cultural appreciation for clarity and directness in communication, especially when dealing with quantitative information. Therefore, its cultural resonance is more about its utility in structured environments than any poetic or abstract interpretations.

Memory Tip

Think of 'dividend' in English. When you dividieren, you are essentially creating a dividend.

Test Yourself

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Wir müssen die Arbeit ____, um sie schneller zu erledigen.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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Kannst du mir zeigen, wie man diese Zahlen ____?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
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Die Mathematikerin musste die Gleichung in mehrere Teile ____.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

Score: /3

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