21 December 2025
How do you say Matter or Thing in German?
The German word for matter, thing, or issue is die Sache.It’s an abstract but incredibly common noun that can refer to ideas, situations, objects, or concerns. Not every “thing” is a Sache, but many are.
It’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German - and shows up constantly in conversation and writing.
Gender and Pronunciation
It’s a feminine noun: die Sache.Noticing a pattern with feminine -e endings? Learn more with our video lesson.
Pronunciation: Sache is pronounced [ˈzaxə]. The
-
first a is short,
with the voiced s sound as in zoo. The ch is the back-of-the-mouth sound in Bach; the final e is unstressed, roughly like the a in sofa.
Example sentences
Das ist nicht deine Sache.That’s not your business.
Die Sache ist komplizierter als gedacht.The matter is more complicated than expected.
Wir sollten die Sache gemeinsam klären.We should sort the issue out together.
Nuance and usage tips
📂 Sache can mean a matter, issue, case, or physical thing. Context determines which English word fits.
🛍️ Sache can also refer to a physical thing. In the plural, Sachen often means belongings or clothing: Pack deine Sachen! (Pack your things!) For a specific object, Ding, Gegenstand, or Objekt may be more precise.
⚖️ In legal or formal contexts, Sache can mean case (like Gerichtssache = court matter).
How does this word come up in real conversations?
“Das ist meine Sache, nicht deine.”That’s my business, not yours.
“Das ist so eine Sache.”That’s a tricky one.
“Ich will die Sache nicht weiter besprechen.”I don’t want to discuss the issue any further.
Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)
Jana: Warum bist du sauer?Max: Es ist eine private Sache.Jana: Kann ich dir helfen?Max: Danke, aber ich kläre das selbst.
Translation:Jana: Why are you upset?Max: It’s a private matter.Jana: Can I help you?Max: Thanks, but I’ll handle it myself.
Grammatical case examples
Nominative:Die Sache ist erledigt.The matter is settled.
Accusative:Ich bespreche die Sache später.I’ll discuss the issue later.
Dative:Mit der Sache habe ich nichts zu tun.I have nothing to do with the matter.
Genitive:Die Bedeutung der Sache war ihm nicht klar.He didn’t understand the importance of the issue.
Other ways to say thing or matter in German
Ding is more casual and physical (Was ist das für ein Ding?). Angelegenheit is a formal alternative for affair or issue. Thema (topic) and Frage (question) are often close in meaning, depending on the context.
Word variations and tidbits
You’ll find Sache in phrases like:
-
zur Sache kommen (to get to the point)
Das ist eine andere Sache. (That’s another matter.)
in der Sache (in this matter) -
gute Sache (good cause)
-
rechtliche Sache (legal matter)
-
eine heikle Sache (a delicate issue)
-
Sachverhalt (the facts of the matter)
🧠 Fun fact:Sache goes back to Old High German sahha, originally a legal dispute - which is why it still means “case” in legal German (Rechtssache).
📘 Duden entry for Sache:https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/Sache🎥 Want to make German vocabulary your Sache? Our video course teaches the 1000 most useful German nouns - clearly, visually, and in context.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?Do you know what Plan means? Every Sache begins with one.And what about Post? It may carry news of a more complicated Sache.
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