Dictionary
English - German

Thing

θɪŋ
Extremely common
100 - 200
100 - 200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Ding, Angelegenheit, Gegenstand, Sache

Thing meanings in German

Ding

Example:
I forgot to bring my things with me.
Ich habe vergessen, meine Sachen mitzunehmen.
What is that thing over there?
Was ist das für ein Ding da drüben?
Usage: InformalContext: General everyday conversations
Note: The most common translation for 'thing' in Deutsch.

Angelegenheit

Example:
This is a serious thing we need to discuss.
Das ist eine ernste Angelegenheit, über die wir sprechen müssen.
It's a good thing that we finished the project on time.
Es ist gut, dass wir das Projekt rechtzeitig abgeschlossen haben.
Usage: FormalContext: Professional or serious discussions
Note: Can be used to refer to a matter or issue that requires attention or discussion.

Gegenstand

Example:
Please put all your things in the locker.
Bitte legen Sie alle Ihre Gegenstände in das Fach.
The museum displays various historical things.
Das Museum zeigt verschiedene historische Gegenstände.
Usage: FormalContext: Describing physical objects or items
Note: Refers to tangible items or objects, often used in a formal context.

Sache

Example:
We need to sort out a few things before we proceed.
Wir müssen ein paar Sachen klären, bevor wir weitermachen.
Is that the thing you were talking about?
Ist das die Sache, über die du gesprochen hast?
Usage: FormalContext: Referring to matters or issues
Note: Can be used to denote abstract concepts or matters that need to be addressed.

Thing's synonyms

Item

An individual article or unit, especially one that is part of a list, collection, or set.
Example: She picked up each item carefully.
Note: Item is often used in a more formal or specific context than 'thing'.

Object

A material thing that can be seen and touched.
Example: The object on the table caught her attention.
Note: Object is typically used to refer to something tangible or physical.

Article

A particular item or object, typically one of a specified type.
Example: He read an interesting article about space exploration.
Note: Article is commonly used to refer to a specific written piece or physical object.

Entity

Something that exists as a particular and discrete unit.
Example: The company is a legal entity.
Note: Entity is often used in a more formal or abstract sense compared to 'thing'.

Element

A component or part of a larger whole.
Example: Respect is an essential element of a healthy relationship.
Note: Element is used to describe a fundamental or essential part of something.

Thing expressions, common phrases

The real deal

Refers to something that is genuine, authentic, or of high quality.
Example: I thought the new restaurant wouldn't be good, but it turned out to be the real deal.
Note: While 'thing' is a general term, 'the real deal' adds emphasis on authenticity or quality.

The next best thing

Refers to something that is not the best, but a good alternative or option.
Example: Since I couldn't afford the latest model, I settled for the next best thing.
Note: Contrasts the idea of being the best with being a satisfactory alternative.

In the grand scheme of things

Considers a larger perspective or viewpoint, often minimizing the significance of a specific event or issue.
Example: Missing one deadline isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things.
Note: Shifts focus from a specific 'thing' to the broader context or perspective.

One of those things

Refers to something inexplicable or unavoidable that occurs.
Example: I can't explain why it happened; it's just one of those things.
Note: Indicates a situation that doesn't have a clear reason, rather than a specific 'thing'.

The last thing

Refers to something undesirable or unwanted.
Example: The last thing I want is to cause any trouble.
Note: Highlights the negative connotation of the 'thing' being discussed.

Do the right thing

Refers to acting ethically or morally in a given situation.
Example: Even if it's difficult, you should always strive to do the right thing.
Note: Emphasizes the importance of ethical behavior over a generic 'thing'.

First things first

Means to focus on the most important or urgent matters before anything else.
Example: Let's prioritize and deal with the urgent tasks first, so first things first.
Note: Emphasizes the order or priority of 'things' to be addressed.

A thing of the past

Refers to something that used to be common or relevant but is now outdated or no longer practiced.
Example: Using typewriters is now a thing of the past with the advancement of technology.
Note: Highlights the historical or outdated nature of the 'thing' being discussed.

Thing everyday (slang) expressions

Thingamajig

Used when one can't remember or doesn't know the name of an object.
Example: Could you pass me that thingamajig over there?
Note: Slang term used when the actual name of something is unknown or forgotten.

Whatsit

A term used to refer to something when its name is forgotten or deemed unimportant.
Example: I need to fix the whatsit on my car before I can drive it again.
Note: Casual way of referring to an object or item without specifying its exact name.

Thingamabob

A placeholder term used for an object when you can't recall its name.
Example: Can you hand me the thingamabob on the table?
Note: Informal term used to describe an object without specificity.

Whatchamacallit

Used to refer to something when you are unsure of its name or don't want to specify.
Example: I need to pick up a whatchamacallit from the store for the party.
Note: Common slang term for an object when its name is unknown or irrelevant in context.

Doodad

A term for an object when the exact name or purpose is unknown or unimportant.
Example: I found this doodad in the drawer, but I have no idea what it's for.
Note: Informal term used to describe an object in a vague or uncertain manner.

Gizmo

A slang term for a gadget, device, or item whose name is not specified or relevant.
Example: The gizmo on my phone stopped working, so I can't access some features.
Note: Colloquial term used to describe a device or mechanism in a general or unspecified manner.

Doohickey

A term for an object or device when its exact name is unknown or unimportant.
Example: I need to tighten the doohickey on this machine to make it work properly.
Note: Informal slang term used to refer to an object without specifying its exact identity.

Thing - Examples

I have a thing for chocolate.
Ich habe eine Vorliebe für Schokolade.
She lost her favorite thing.
Sie hat ihr liebstes Ding verloren.
He bought a new thing for his car.
Er hat ein neues Ding für sein Auto gekauft.
I need to find a place for this thing.
Ich muss einen Platz für dieses Ding finden.

Thing grammar

Thing - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: thing
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): things, thing
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): thing
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Thing Contains 1 syllables: thing
Phonetic transcription: ˈthiŋ
thing , ˈthiŋ (The red syllable is stressed)

Thing - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Thing: 100 - 200 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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