topic of conversation
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topic of conversation
The subject or content of a conversation.
Das bevorstehende Stadtfest war das wichtigste Gesprächsthema beim Abendessen.
The upcoming town festival was the main topic of conversation at dinner.
The word is a clear compound of 'Gespräch' (conversation) and 'Thema' (topic), connected by the linking s. So it literally means 'topic of a conversation'.
Politik ist bei Familientreffen oft ein schwieriges Gesprächsthema.
Politics is often a difficult topic of conversation at family gatherings.
Common verbs in connection with 'Gesprächsthema' (topic of conversation) are 'das Gesprächsthema wechseln' (to change the topic of conversation), 'ein Gesprächsthema finden' (to find a topic of conversation), or 'vom Gesprächsthema ablenken' (to distract from the topic of conversation).
Als die Stimmung unangenehm wurde, wechselte er schnell das Gesprächsthema.
When the mood became uncomfortable, he quickly changed the topic of conversation.
In the meaning 'to be the subject of talk', the fixed expression 'Gesprächsthema (Nummer eins) sein' (to be the number one topic of conversation) or 'zum Gesprächsthema werden' (to become a topic of conversation) is often used.
Der neue Chef war sofort Gesprächsthema in der ganzen Abteilung.
The new boss immediately became the talk of the whole department.
topic / theme
'das Thema' and 'das Gesprächsthema' can both refer to the content of a conversation. 'das Thema' is broader and also fits texts, films, courses, or events. 'das Gesprächsthema' is used mainly when people are talking to each other or when many people are talking about something. It can also mean that something is currently causing a lot of talk. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in conversations. When it really is about a conversation, 'Gesprächsthema' often sounds more natural.
Der neue Chef ist seit Tagen das wichtigste Gesprächsthema im Team.
The new boss has been the main topic of conversation in the team for days.
Das Thema des Artikels ist der Klimaschutz in großen Städten.
The topic of the article is climate protection in large cities.