01
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
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Meanings
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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.
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 Suche
search
'die Suche' and 'der Filter' often appear together in apps, websites, or online shops, but they do not mean the same thing. With 'Suche', you try to find something specific, for example using a word or name. A 'Filter' narrows down the results, for example by price, size, color, or date. Learners may confuse the words because both help you get suitable results faster. In practical terms: the search finds something; the filter makes the list smaller and more precise.
Filter
Im Online-Shop habe ich den Filter auf Größe 40 und schwarze Schuhe gestellt.
In the online shop, I set the filter to size 40 and black shoes.
Suche
Die Suche nach einer günstigen Wohnung dauert schon seit mehreren Wochen.
The search for an affordable apartment has already been going on for several weeks.
In real life
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