It’s what keeps things running—whether it’s a computer, a government, or your own routine. In German, it’s das System. This is your German Word of the Day—structured, versatile, and just as at home in tech as it is in philosophy.
The noun System means system, and it’s one of the 1000 most frequently used nouns in German. Whether you’re talking about digital infrastructure, social structures, or personal routines, System is the go-to word.
It’s a neuter noun, so we say das System (want to stop guessing noun gender? Our video lesson gives you the tools to learn it quickly and remember it effortlessly).
Pronunciation
System is pronounced [züs-TEHM]
Sy like “zü” (with German ü as in Tür)
stem like “tehm”
Stress on the second syllable: SysTÉM
Example sentences
Das System funktioniert nicht richtig.
The system isn’t working properly.Sie kritisieren das politische System.
They’re criticizing the political system.Mein Immunsystem ist gerade geschwächt.
My immune system is currently weakened.
Nuance and usage tips
🖥️ Technology & computing:
Betriebssystem – operating system
Computersystem – computer system
Sicherheitssystem – security system
Systemfehler – system error
Systemabsturz – system crash
🏛️ Social & political structures:
Bildungssystem – education system
Rechtssystem – legal system
Gesundheitssystem – healthcare system
Wirtschaftssystem – economic system
🧬 Biology & medicine:
Nervensystem – nervous system
Verdauungssystem – digestive system
Herz-Kreislauf-System – cardiovascular system
📦 Also used in daily life:
ein eigenes System haben – to have your own way of doing things
System in etwas bringen – to bring structure to something
gegen das System sein – to be anti-establishment
How does this word come up in real conversations?
"Ich glaube, das System ist abgestürzt."
I think the system crashed."In diesem System stecken viele Ungerechtigkeiten."
There are many injustices in this system."Ich brauche einfach ein besseres Ordnungssystem."
I just need a better organizing system.
Sample Dialogue (Beginner Level)
Jana: Warum geht dein Laptop nicht?
Leo: Keine Ahnung. Das System startet nicht.
Jana: Vielleicht brauchst du ein Update.
Leo: Oder ich schmeiße das ganze System raus!
Translation:
Jana: Why isn’t your laptop working?
Leo: No idea. The system won’t start.
Jana: Maybe you need an update.
Leo: Or I’ll just toss out the whole system!
Grammatical case examples
Nominative:
Das System ist sehr komplex.
The system is very complex.
Accusative:
Ich verstehe das System nicht.
I don’t understand the system.
Dative:
Mit dem System komme ich nicht klar.
I can’t get along with the system.
Genitive:
Die Schwächen des Systems sind offensichtlich.
The weaknesses of the system are obvious.
Word variations and language tidbits
Systemwechsel – system change
Systemkritik – critique of the system
Systemrelevanz – system relevance (e.g., essential services)
Systemtheorie – systems theory
Systemsprenger – “system breaker” (used for children who don’t fit into social structures; also a powerful film title)
💡 Fun fact: The phrase „systemrelevant“ became widely used in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic to describe jobs and institutions essential to keeping society running—like healthcare, logistics, and supermarkets.
📘 Duden entry: https://www.duden.de/rechtschreibung/System
🎥 Want to build your own reliable learning system? Our free video course teaches the 1000 most useful German nouns—with visuals, grammar tips, and context that keeps everything running smoothly.
Ready for more German Words of the Day?
Do you know what Szene means? Every System has one playing out.
And what about Show? Some are just made to entertain—but others reveal the cracks in a System.