fields / realms
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fields
(elevated, often plural) A landscape or a particular area, often with a poetic or idyllic connotation.
Wir durchwanderten die lieblichen Gefilde des Maintals.
We wandered through the lovely fields of the Main Valley.
'Gefilde' is derived from 'das Feld' (the field). The prefix 'Ge-' here suggests a collective, extended area. Literally, then, it describes a landscape made up of fields.
Wir wanderten durch die grünen Gefilde der Toskana.
We hiked through the green fields of Tuscany.
The word 'Gefilde' (fields/realms) belongs to an elevated, poetic style of language. It is hardly used in everyday colloquial speech.
In seinen Gedichten beschreibt der Dichter oft himmlische Gefilde.
In his poems, the poet often describes heavenly realms.
When 'Gefilde' describes a landscape, it is very often used in the plural. 'Die Gefilde' (the fields) sounds more poetic and expansive than the rare singular form 'das Gefilde' (the field/realm).
Sie genossen die Ruhe in den ländlichen Gefilden.
They enjoyed the peace in the rural fields.
In its figurative meaning, 'Gefilde' is often combined with abstract areas. Typical phrases are 'in den Gefilden der Wissenschaft' (in the realms of science), 'der Kunst' (of art), or 'der Politik' (of politics).
Er bewegt sich sehr sicher in den Gefilden der klassischen Musik.
He moves very confidently in the realms of classical music.
area / field
'Bereich' and 'Gefilde' can both mean an area or a subject field. 'Bereich' is neutral and very common in everyday life, at school, and at work. 'Gefilde' sounds elevated, poetic, or somewhat old-fashioned. It often appears in the plural and is also used figuratively when someone talks about a field of expertise. The words can be confused because both refer to an area. In normal conversations, 'Bereich' is almost always more natural. 'Gefilde' fits better in special, beautiful, or deliberately elevated language.
Mit diesem Buch betritt sie die Gefilde der alten Sagen.
With this book, she enters the realms of ancient legends.
Milan interessiert sich besonders für den Bereich Ernährung.
Milan is especially interested in the field of nutrition.