das Fett
fat
An energy-rich substance, usually obtained from animal or plant matter, that is used as food.
EXAMPLE
Für den Kuchen brauche ich noch etwas Fett.
I still need some fat for the cake.
das Fett
fat
das Fett, die Fette
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Meanings
das Fett
fat
Fatty tissue or fat that is found or stored in the body.
EXAMPLE
Durch regelmäßige Bewegung kann der Körper überschüssiges Fett abbauen.
Regular exercise can help the body break down excess fat.
das Fett
grease
A usually viscous substance used to lubricate and protect machines or technical parts.
EXAMPLE
Der Mechaniker trägt Fett auf das Lager auf.
The mechanic applies grease to the bearing.
sein Fett abbekommen
to get one's comeuppance
To be criticized, reprimanded, or punished for something.
EXAMPLE
Nachdem der Fehler bekannt geworden war, bekam der Verantwortliche sein Fett ab.
After the mistake became known, the person responsible got his comeuppance.
im Fett schwimmen
to be rolling in money
To be very wealthy or have a great deal of money; this expression is colloquial.
EXAMPLE
Seit dem Verkauf seiner Firma schwimmt er im Fett.
He has been rolling in money since selling his company.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Fett, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Fette |
| genitive | des Fettes |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Fett | die Fette |
| accusative | das Fett | die Fette |
| dative | dem Fett | den Fetten |
| genitive | des Fettes des Fetts | der Fette |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Typical collocations
When used to mean food, 'Fett' (fat) often occurs with cooking verbs. Typical collocations are 'Fett erhitzen' (to heat fat), 'Fett hinzufügen' (to add fat), and 'etwas in Fett braten' (to fry something in fat).
EXAMPLE
Für die Pfannkuchen erhitzt sie zuerst etwas Fett in der Pfanne.
She first heats some fat in the pan for the pancakes.
Body context
The meaning related to the body can often be recognized from words such as 'Körper' (body), 'überschüssig' (excess), or 'abbauen' (to break down). Common collocations are 'Fett abbauen' (to break down fat), 'Fett speichern' (to store fat), and 'Fett ansetzen' (to put on fat).
EXAMPLE
Über die Feiertage habe ich ordentlich Fett angesetzt.
I put on quite a bit of fat over the holidays.
Technical collocations
In a technical context, 'Fett' usually refers to a lubricant and often occurs together with machine parts. Typical collocations are 'Fett auftragen' (to apply grease), 'Fett nachfüllen' (to replenish grease), and 'etwas mit Fett schmieren' (to grease something).
EXAMPLE
Bei der Wartung wird das Fett in den Lagern der Maschine nachgefüllt.
During maintenance, the grease in the machine's bearings is replenished.
Fixed expression
In 'sein Fett abbekommen' (to get one's comeuppance), the possessive pronoun agrees with the person who is criticized or punished. The expression is usually used as a whole and often follows a mistake or a problematic incident.
EXAMPLE
Keine Sorge, die beiden haben ihr Fett schon abbekommen.
Don't worry, the two of them have already got their comeuppance.
Idiom
'Im Fett schwimmen' (to be rolling in money) is used for a person and describes great financial success or exceptional wealth. The expression is colloquial and often emphasizes a comfortable life of abundance.
EXAMPLE
Während andere jeden Euro umdrehen müssen, schwimmt sein Bruder im Fett.
While others have to watch every penny, his brother is rolling in money.
In real life
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