01
die Fixierung
fastening
The fastening or attaching of something so that it can no longer move.
example
Die korrekte Fixierung des Kindersitzes im Auto ist lebenswichtig.
The correct fastening of the child seat in the car is vital.
die Fixierung
fixation
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Fixierung' (fixation/fastening) is derived directly from the verb 'fixieren' (to fasten, to determine). The ending '-ung' describes the process or result of this action.
EXAMPLE
Man muss den Schrank gut an der Wand fixieren, damit er nicht umfällt.
You have to fix the cabinet securely to the wall so that it doesn't fall over.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning of 'Fixierung' (fixation/fastening) from the context. If it is about technology and objects, fastening is meant. In a psychological context, it refers to an obsession; in medicine, to restraining patients or preserving samples.
EXAMPLE
Je nach Fachgebiet hat das Wort „Fixierung“ eine andere Bedeutung.
Depending on the field, the word 'Fixierung' has a different meaning.
Register: technical language
The meanings in the medical field (restraining patients) and in biology (preserving tissue) are mainly common in technical language. They are rarely used in everyday speech.
EXAMPLE
Im Laborprotokoll wird die Methode der Fixierung genau beschrieben.
The method of fixation is described precisely in the lab protocol.
Typical combinations
In the technical meaning of fastening, the word is often used in connection with safety, for example 'die Fixierung der Ladung' (securing the load) on a truck or 'die Fixierung eines Regals' (fastening a shelf) to the wall.
EXAMPLE
Die mangelhafte Fixierung der Bauteile führte zum Einsturz.
The inadequate fastening of the components led to the collapse.
Preposition with obsession
When 'Fixierung' (fixation) describes a psychological obsession, the preposition 'auf' with the accusative is almost always used. This structure is: 'Fixierung auf jemanden/etwas' (fixation on someone/something).
EXAMPLE
Ihre Fixierung auf den Erfolg macht sie unglücklich.
Her fixation on success makes her unhappy.
Compare with
Fixierung vs Konzentration
concentration
'die Konzentration' and 'die Fixierung' can both mean that attention is strongly directed toward one thing. 'Konzentration' is normally neutral or positive: you gather your thoughts and work attentively. 'Fixierung' is stronger in this meaning and often negative. It means that someone is too strongly or almost compulsively focused on a person, idea, or goal. Learners may confuse the words because both talk about strong focus. If the focus is healthy and useful, 'Konzentration' fits. If it seems excessive and is hardly let go of, 'Fixierung' fits.
Fixierung
Seine Fixierung auf den Erfolg macht ihn seit Wochen unruhig.
His fixation on success has been making him restless for weeks.
Konzentration
Mia verliert schnell die Konzentration, wenn neben ihr laut telefoniert wird.
Mia quickly loses concentration when someone is talking loudly on the phone next to her.
In real life
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