der Filter
filter
A device or porous material used to clean liquids or gases by retaining solid particles or unwanted substances.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss den Filter in der Kaffeemaschine wechseln.
I need to change the filter in the coffee machine.
der Filter
filter
der Filter, die Filter
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Meanings
der Filter
filter
A program or function in the digital world that sorts, blocks, or visually changes data or content according to certain criteria.
EXAMPLE
Der Spam-Filter sortiert unerwünschte E-Mails automatisch aus.
The spam filter automatically sorts out unwanted emails.
der Filter
filter
In a figurative sense, a selective perception or criterion that determines what is noticed or allowed through.
EXAMPLE
Er betrachtet die Welt durch den Filter seiner eigenen Vorurteile.
He views the world through the filter of his own prejudices.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Filter, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | masculine der |
|---|---|
| plural | die Filter |
| genitive | des Filters |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | der Filter | die Filter |
| accusative | den Filter | die Filter |
| dative | dem Filter | den Filtern |
| genitive | des Filters | der Filter |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'der Filter' (filter) is closely related to the verb 'filtern' (to filter). 'Filtern' means to pass a liquid or data through a filter in order to separate or remove something.
EXAMPLE
Diese Software filtert gefährliche Webseiten heraus.
This software filters out dangerous websites.
Typical compounds
In the technical sense, 'Filter' (filter) is often part of a compound noun that describes the purpose more precisely. Common examples are 'der Kaffeefilter' (coffee filter), 'der Luftfilter' (air filter), or 'der Wasserfilter' (water filter).
EXAMPLE
Der Luftfilter in meinem Auto muss gereinigt werden.
The air filter in my car needs to be cleaned.
Digital usage
In a digital context, 'Filter' (filter) is often used with verbs like 'anwenden' (to apply), 'einstellen' (to set), or 'aktivieren' (to activate). A very common combination is the 'Spam-Filter' (spam filter) for emails.
EXAMPLE
Für dieses Foto habe ich einen Schwarz-Weiß-Filter angewendet.
I applied a black-and-white filter to this photo.
Mein E-Mail-Programm hat einen sehr guten Spam-Filter.
My email program has a very good spam filter.
Sentence structure in figurative usage
In the figurative meaning, 'Filter' (filter) is almost always used with the preposition 'durch' (through). The structure is 'etwas durch einen Filter sehen/wahrnehmen/betrachten' (to see/perceive/view something through a filter).
EXAMPLE
Sie sieht die Welt durch den Filter ihrer optimistischen Persönlichkeit.
She sees the world through the filter of her optimistic personality.
Compare with
Filter vs Sperre
barrier / block
A digital filter checks content according to specific criteria and therefore lets some content through while sorting or blocking other content. A Sperre fundamentally prevents access to specific content or an access point. Filter is used for selection according to rules, while Sperre is used for complete blocking.
Filter
Der Filter blendet Kommentare mit bestimmten Schimpfwörtern automatisch aus.
The filter automatically hides comments containing certain swear words.
Sperre
Die Sperre verhindert den Zugriff auf diese Website vollständig.
The block completely prevents access to this website.
In real life
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