teilen

Teilen is a German verb with two core meanings: to divide or split something into parts, and to make something available to others by giving or allowing access, i.e., to share. In everyday language, it can refer to physical division, such as dividing a cake, as well as to sharing resources, information, or experiences, such as sharing costs or sharing a post. The noun das Teilen and the related noun Teil (part) are connected semantically.

Etymology and related forms: Teilen originates in the Germanic language family and is closely related to Dutch delen. It derives from a common root meaning to part or distribute. The verb forms regularly in the present tense are: ich teile, du teilst, er teilt, wir teilen, ihr teilt, sie teilen. The past participle is geteilt, and the verbal noun is das Teilen. Core meanings can apply to physical division, distribution of quantities, or the act of making something accessible to others.

Usage and context: In everyday speech, teilen describes both dividing something into pieces and distributing it among participants (Wir teilen den Kuchen; Wir teilen die Kosten). In social or digital contexts, teilen is used for sharing content with others or making it publicly available (Beitrag teilen; Link teilen). In computing, synonyms such as freigeben or veröffentlichen may be used depending on the platform and specific permission or visibility settings.

See also: Teil, Anteil, Teilen (as a noun), Freigabe, Verteilung.