noun
relationship, ratio
B1
Verhältnis (das) means 'relationship' or 'ratio'. Plural: 'Verhältnisse'. Genitive singular 'des Verhältnisses'. Common uses: interpersonal relationship ('ein Verhältnis haben' also = affair) and mathematical/statistical ratio ('Verhältnis von A zu B'). Often appears with preposition 'zu' in comparisons. Used both in everyday and technical contexts.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Das Verhältnis ist gut.
The relationship is good.
Ihr Verhältnis zu ihrem Bruder ist sehr eng.
Her relationship with her brother is very close.
Die Führungskraft beurteilte das Verhältnis der Mitarbeiter zueinander, weil es die Zusammenarbeit beeinflusste.
The manager assessed the relationship among the employees because it influenced collaboration.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture a balance scale labeled 'Verhältnis' comparing two things — a clear image for both 'relationship' and 'ratio'.
Sounds a bit like 'fair tennis' — imagine two people playing tennis to represent two sides of a relationship.
Neuter: das Verhältnis — imagine a neutral (grey) scale with a 'das' sticker on it.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Verhältnis can mean a social relationship or a mathematical ratio; context determines the meaning. In some contexts it can also mean 'circumstances' (z. B. 'unter diesen Verhältnissen').