der Unterschied
Translation
difference, distinction
Examples
Was ist der Unterschied?
What is the difference?
Es gibt einen großen Unterschied.
There is a big difference.
Der Unterschied zwischen den beiden ist klein.
The difference between the two is small.
Grammar Patterns
between+3 the difference between sth. Der Unterschied zwischen den Büchern ist groß.
to+3 the difference to sth. Was ist der Unterschied zu diesem Modell?
in+3 the difference lies in sth. Der Unterschied liegt im Detail.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Differenz; Antonyms: Gemeinsamkeit (commonality), Ähnlichkeit (similarity)
Etymology
From 'unter-' (between, among) + 'scheiden' (to separate, divide). Literally, 'that which separates between'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'under-sheath' - things are separated under a sheath. Or break it down: 'unter' (between) and 'scheiden' (to separate).