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Konzentration
/kɔntsɛntʁaˈt͡si̯oːn/
concentration
Die Konzentration der Schüler lässt während des Unterrichts oft nach.
The students' concentration often wanes during class.
general
The mental effort you direct toward something; focus.
Für die Prüfung brauche ich absolute Konzentration.
I need absolute concentration for the exam.
Often used with 'auf' (on) in phrases like 'Konzentration auf eine Aufgabe'.
chemistry
The amount of a substance in a mixture or solution.
Die Konzentration des Salzes in der Lösung beträgt 10 %.
The concentration of salt in the solution is 10%.
Also used in physics and biology.
Engineering
military
A gathering of military forces or resources.
Die Konzentration der Truppen an der Grenze war deutlich.
The concentration of troops at the border was evident.
Less common in modern usage.
Collocations
Konzentration auf etwasfocus on somethingdie Konzentration verlierenlose concentrationhohe Konzentrationhigh concentration
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Use 'Konzentration' with 'auf' for tasks
To specify what you're focusing on, use 'Konzentration auf' + accusative: 'Konzentration auf die Aufgabe' (focus on the task).
Gold Rule
Avoid mixing senses
Distinguish between mental focus ('Konzentration' in psychology) and chemical concentration ('Konzentration' in chemistry) based on context.
Word Origin
From Latin *concentratio* (a focusing together), derived from *concentrare* (to center), from *com-* (together) + *centrum* (center). First used in German in the 17th century.
Usage Notes
In everyday contexts, 'Konzentration' is often used interchangeably with 'Fokus', but 'Fokus' implies a more active directing of attention, while 'Konzentration' can also refer to the state of being focused.
Word Breakdown
Kon-
prefix meaning 'together' or 'with'
prefix-zentr-
root from Latin *centrum* (center)
root-ation
suffix forming nouns of action or result
suffixDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch