das Gefilde
fields
(elevated, often plural) A landscape or a particular area, often with a poetic or idyllic connotation.
EXAMPLE
Wir durchwanderten die lieblichen Gefilde des Maintals.
We wandered through the lovely fields of the Main Valley.
das Gefilde
fields / realms
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Meanings
das Gefilde
realm
(figurative) A particular field of study, topic area, or area of activity.
EXAMPLE
In den Gefilden der theoretischen Physik kennt er sich bestens aus.
He knows his way around the realms of theoretical physics extremely well.
Usage tips
Word structure
'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.
EXAMPLE
Wir wanderten durch die grünen Gefilde der Toskana.
We hiked through the green fields of Tuscany.
Elevated style
The word 'Gefilde' (fields/realms) belongs to an elevated, poetic style of language. It is hardly used in everyday colloquial speech.
EXAMPLE
In seinen Gedichten beschreibt der Dichter oft himmlische Gefilde.
In his poems, the poet often describes heavenly realms.
Use in the plural
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).
EXAMPLE
Sie genossen die Ruhe in den ländlichen Gefilden.
They enjoyed the peace in the rural fields.
Typical collocations
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).
EXAMPLE
Er bewegt sich sehr sicher in den Gefilden der klassischen Musik.
He moves very confidently in the realms of classical music.
Compare with
Gefilde vs Bereich
area / field
Bereich and Gefilde can both refer to a field of study or activity. Bereich is the neutral choice for factual and everyday statements. Gefilde, by contrast, sounds elevated and figurative and is often used in the plural, for example when someone enters a new or unfamiliar field.
Gefilde
In seiner Festrede wagt er einen Blick in die Gefilde der künstlichen Intelligenz.
In his ceremonial speech, he ventures a look into the realms of artificial intelligence.
Bereich
Sie beginnt eine neue Tätigkeit im Bereich der künstlichen Intelligenz.
She is starting a new job in the field of artificial intelligence.
In real life
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