01
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
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Meanings
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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 Teil
part
'der Teil' and 'das Ding' can both be used for an object, especially when you do not know its exact name. 'das Ding' is very general and colloquial: it can be almost any object. 'der Teil' is more precise when the object is a piece or component of something larger, for example of a device. Colloquially, 'Teil' can also mean a striking or impressive object. The words are easy to confuse because in conversation you often quickly look for an imprecise word. If you just mean 'some object', 'Ding' is more natural; if it belongs to something or is a component, 'Teil' is more precise.
Ding
Was ist das für ein Ding auf deinem Schreibtisch?
What is that thing on your desk?
Teil
Dieses kleine Teil gehört zur Kaffeemaschine.
This small part belongs to the coffee machine.
In real life
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