Dictionary
sum
German → American English
American English
sum
Uncommon noun or sound-related term; in mathematics, the total of numbers is usually called „Summe“.
Der leise Sum im Hintergrund war kaum zu hören.In music, use der Sum only in very specific or technical contexts; for ordinary songs, Lied is usually the natural word.
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Frequently asked questions
What does „Sum“ mean in English?
„Sum“ can mean a humming sound or a low continuous tone; in some contexts it may refer to a sum in mathematics, but as a German noun it is uncommon. It depends strongly on context.
Is „Sum“ a common German word?
No, „Sum“ is not a common everyday German noun. Learners are more likely to need words like „Summen“ or „summen“ depending on the context.
How do you say „sum“ in German?
If you mean a total in math, say „Summe“. If you mean a humming sound, say „Summen“ or use the verb „summen“.