das Fach
subject
A specific field of knowledge or topic that is taught at school or university.
EXAMPLE
Mathematik war schon immer mein schwächstes Fach.
Mathematics was always my weakest subject.
das Fach
subject / compartment
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Meanings
das Fach
compartment
A separated section in a shelf, cupboard, or drawer for storing objects.
EXAMPLE
Die Socken liegen im obersten Fach der Kommode.
The socks are in the top compartment of the dresser.
das Fach
field
A specialty or professional field in which someone is an expert.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist eine anerkannte Koryphäe auf ihrem Fach.
She is a recognized authority in her field.
das Fach
role type
A specific type of role in theater for which an actor is especially suited based on their appearance and abilities.
EXAMPLE
Der junge Tenor singt vor allem das lyrische Fach.
The young tenor mainly sings the lyric role type.
Usage tips
Common in compounds
'Fach' is a very productive base word for many compounds. If you see '-fach' at the end of a word, it often refers to one of the meanings, e.g. 'Schulfach' (school subject), 'Lieblingsfach' (favorite subject), 'Handschuhfach' (glove compartment), or 'Postfach' (mailbox/post office box).
EXAMPLE
Welches war dein Lieblingsfach in der Schule?
What was your favorite subject at school?
Context clues
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Fach' from context. If you are talking about school or university, it means a subject. If it is about a cupboard or a shelf, it means a compartment. In the context of work and expertise, it means a specialty.
EXAMPLE
In welchem Fach schreibst du morgen eine Klausur?
In which subject do you have a test tomorrow?
Typical verbs
In the context of school or university, 'Fach' is often combined with verbs like 'belegen' (to take/enroll in), 'wählen' (to choose), 'studieren' (to study), or 'unterrichten' (to teach).
EXAMPLE
Im nächsten Semester möchte ich ein neues Fach belegen.
Next semester, I would like to take a new subject.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'vom Fach sein' means that someone is an expert in a particular field. It is often used to express competence.
EXAMPLE
Frag am besten den Elektriker, der ist vom Fach.
It's best to ask the electrician; he's from the field.
Theater terminology
This meaning of 'Fach' is a technical term from the world of theater and opera. It describes a certain kind of role for which a performer is especially suited, e.g. 'das komische Fach' (comic role type).
EXAMPLE
Die Sopranistin wechselte vom lyrischen ins dramatische Fach.
The soprano switched from the lyric to the dramatic role type.
Compare with
Fach vs Bereich
area / field
Bereich and Fach can refer to a person’s professional or academic specialty. Fach usually means a specific, established discipline in which someone has been trained or is an expert. Bereich can also refer to a broader field of activity or a freely chosen thematic subdivision.
Fach
Ihr Fach ist die Elektrotechnik.
Her field is electrical engineering.
Bereich
Sie arbeitet im Bereich der erneuerbaren Energien.
She works in the field of renewable energy.
In real life
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