If someone says, It’s not your concern or That’s another matter, you’ll need this incredibly common word. It’s flexible, useful, and all over the German language.

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 [ZAH-khuh]

• “ZAH” rhymes with la
• “khuh” with the rough ch in Bach
  Two syllables: ZAH-khuh

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 is a catch-all word for things that are not specific physical items. It often means matter, issue, or case.

🛍️ For physical items, Germans use Ding, Gegenstand, or Objekt. But Sache is more often about topics, causes, or concerns.

⚖️ 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.

"Was ist denn jetzt die Sache?"
So what’s the matter now?

"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:

• in der Sache (in this matter)
• gute Sache (good cause)
• rechtliche Sache (legal matter)
• eine heikle Sache (a delicate issue)
• Sachsituation (situation of fact)

🧠 Fun fact: Sache comes from Latin saca, meaning something claimed—closely tied to law and ownership.

📘 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.