01
das Detail
detail
An individual detail; a small, specific part of a larger whole.
example
Für eine genaue Rekonstruktion des Unfalls ist jedes Detail wichtig.
For an accurate reconstruction of the accident, every detail is important.
das Detail
detail
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Fixed expression
The expression 'ins Detail gehen' (to go into detail) is very common and means to discuss something in great detail. It is often negated in order to treat a topic only superficially.
EXAMPLE
Lassen Sie uns jetzt nicht zu sehr ins Detail gehen.
Let's not go into too much detail now.
Important prepositions
Pay attention to the prepositions: 'ins Detail gehen' (to go into detail; accusative) describes the process of becoming more specific. 'Im Detail' (in detail; dative) describes the state of looking at or explaining something precisely.
EXAMPLE
Er erklärte den Plan im Detail.
He explained the plan in detail.
Typical collocations
Common adjectives with 'Detail' (detail) are 'klein' (small), 'wichtig' (important), 'unwichtig' (unimportant), or 'technisch' (technical). Typical verbs are 'auf Details achten' (to pay attention to details), 'Details besprechen' (to discuss details), or 'ein Detail übersehen' (to overlook a detail).
EXAMPLE
Achten Sie bei der Vertragsprüfung auf jedes kleine Detail.
When reviewing the contract, pay attention to every small detail.
Compare with
Detail vs Punkt
point
'der Punkt' and 'das Detail' can both mean part of a larger topic. A 'Punkt' is usually a topic, aspect, or argument that people talk about. A 'Detail' is a small individual detail within a larger whole. The words can be confused because neither refers to the whole thing. 'Punkt' fits better with the structure of a discussion or list; 'Detail' fits when you are describing something more precisely and on a smaller scale.
Detail
Vor der Reise prüft Frau Lange jedes Detail der Buchung.
Before the trip, Ms. Lange checks every detail of the booking.
Punkt
Luis schreibt sich vor dem Termin die wichtigsten Punkte auf.
Before the appointment, Luis writes down the most important points.
In real life
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