das Ding
thing
A general, often colloquial term for an unspecified object or item.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du mir mal das Ding vom Tisch geben? Ich weiß nicht, wie es heißt.
Can you pass me that thing from the table? I don't know what it's called.
das Ding
thing
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
das Ding
thing
A matter, process, or situation, often with a personal or emotional nuance.
EXAMPLE
Die ganze Sache mit dem Umzug ist ein kompliziertes Ding.
The whole thing with the move is a complicated thing.
sein Ding machen
to do one's thing
To follow one's own interests and inclinations without being influenced by others.
EXAMPLE
Er hat gekündigt, um als Musiker sein eigenes Ding zu machen.
He quit his job to do his own thing as a musician.
das Ding
thing
Colloquial for a remarkable, often surprising or impressive act or achievement.
EXAMPLE
Wow, du hast die Prüfung mit 1,0 bestanden? Das ist ja ein Ding!
Wow, you passed the exam with a 1.0? That's really something!
das Ding
Thing assembly
A popular or legal assembly among the ancient Germanic peoples.
EXAMPLE
Im frühen Mittelalter wurden auf dem Ding wichtige Stammesangelegenheiten verhandelt.
In the early Middle Ages, important tribal matters were negotiated at the Thing assembly.
Usage tips
Colloquial word
'Ding' (thing) is a very common word in spoken language. It is often used as a general placeholder for objects or matters when you don't know or don't want to use the exact word.
EXAMPLE
Was ist das für ein grünes Ding auf deinem Teller?
What is that green thing on your plate?
Fixed expression
The idiom 'sein Ding machen' (to do one's thing) means to follow one's own interests without being influenced by others. The possessive pronoun changes according to the person: 'ich mache mein Ding' (I do my thing), 'du machst dein Ding' (you do your thing).
EXAMPLE
Lass ihn einfach sein Ding machen, er weiß, was er tut.
Just let him do his thing; he knows what he's doing.
Expression of surprise
The exclamation 'Das ist ja ein Ding!' (Well, that's something!) is used to express great surprise about a situation or a piece of news.
EXAMPLE
Du ziehst nach Australien? Das ist ja ein Ding!
You're moving to Australia? Well, that's something!
Object or matter
When 'Ding' (thing) means a concrete object, you can often point to it. When it describes an abstract matter, it is usually combined with adjectives like 'kompliziert' (complicated) or 'toll' (great).
EXAMPLE
Reich mir bitte mal das Ding vom Regal.
Please pass me that thing from the shelf.
Historical meaning
The meaning as a Germanic assembly is very specialized. You will only find it in historical or academic texts about the early Middle Ages.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Ding wurden Gesetze beschlossen und Recht gesprochen.
At the Thing assembly, laws were passed and justice was administered.
Compare with
Ding vs Sache
thing / matter
Sache and Ding can both refer to a personal matter or situation. Sache sounds neutral and also works in factual discussions. Ding is much more colloquial and can emphasize the personal or emotional perspective more strongly.
Ding
Unter Freunden möchte ich das Ding mit dem Umzug endlich klären.
I finally want to sort out this thing about moving with my friends.
Sache
Im Gespräch mit der Vermieterin möchte ich die Sache mit dem Umzug klären.
I would like to sort out the matter concerning the move with my landlady.
In real life
Loading video examples...