particle
single-, individual-
B1
einzel-: combining form meaning 'single-' or 'individual-' used before nouns (einzelner Fall). Not a standalone word; differs from adjective einzeln (individual, separate). Often hyphenated when attached to foreign or compound forms. No plural form itself; inflected as part of the following word (einzelne, einzelner). Common in formal descriptions.
Examples
Das Präfix einzel- bildet Komposita wie Einzelzimmer (single room).
The prefix 'einzel-' forms compounds like Einzelzimmer (single room).
Der Redakteur erklärte, dass das Präfix 'einzel-' oft in zusammengesetzten Wörtern verwendet wurde, weil es einzelne Einheiten bezeichnete.
The editor explained that the prefix 'einzel-' was often used in compound words because it denoted individual units.
Die Einzelperson bekam eine individuelle Betreuung.
The individual person received personalized support.
Details
Mnemonics
Visualize the prefix stuck to the front of a word forming 'Einzelzimmer' (single room) — imagine one lone bed.
Think 'einzel' ~ 'single' (one). It hints at 'one' or 'individual'.
N/A (affix).
Notes
einzel- is an affix/prefix used to form compounds meaning 'single' or 'individual' (e.g., Einzelkauf, Einzelkind). It is not a standalone word.