01
das Gewebe
tissue
A group of cells in the body of living beings that have a similar structure and function.
example
Die Biopsie ergab, dass das Gewebe gutartig ist.
The biopsy showed that the tissue is benign.
das Gewebe
tissue / fabric / web
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Gewebe' (tissue/fabric/web) is derived from the verb 'weben' (to weave). This origin explains all of its meanings: weaving threads into fabric, the 'interweaving' of cells into body tissue, and the intertwining of lies into a complex 'Lügengewebe' (web of lies).
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte war ein komplexes Gewebe aus Halbwahrheiten.
The story was a complex web of half-truths.
Context clue
In a medical or biological context, 'Gewebe' always means body tissue. Look for words like 'Zelle' (cell), 'Organ' (organ), 'Probe' (sample), or compounds like 'Muskelgewebe' (muscle tissue) and 'Nervengewebe' (nerve tissue).
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt entnahm eine Probe vom geschädigten Gewebe.
The doctor took a sample from the damaged tissue.
Context clue
When the topic is clothing, curtains, or materials, 'Gewebe' means fabric or textile. Signal words here are 'Faden' (thread), 'Seide' (silk), 'Baumwolle' (cotton), or 'dicht' (dense/tightly woven) and 'fein' (fine).
EXAMPLE
Für ihr Kleid wählte sie ein feines, seidiges Gewebe.
For her dress, she chose a fine, silky fabric.
Typical collocations
The figurative meaning is often used with the preposition 'aus' (of/from) and an abstract plural noun. Typical combinations are 'ein Gewebe aus Lügen' (a web of lies), 'ein Gewebe aus Intrigen' (a web of intrigue), or 'ein Gewebe aus Beziehungen' (a web of relationships).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei deckte ein dichtes Gewebe aus Korruption auf.
The police uncovered a dense web of corruption.
Compare with
Gewebe vs Stoff
fabric / material
'der Stoff' and 'das Gewebe' can both mean textile material. 'Stoff' is the normal word when talking about material for clothing, curtains, or furniture. 'Gewebe' sounds more precise and emphasizes that the material is made from threads, for example by weaving, interlacing, or knitting. Learners may confuse the words because a Gewebe is often a Stoff. But 'Gewebe' also has another important meaning in biology: body tissue. In everyday situations involving sewing or shopping, 'Stoff' is usually more natural.
Gewebe
Dieses Gewebe ist sehr fest und eignet sich gut für eine Tasche.
This fabric is very sturdy and is well suited for a bag.
Stoff
Für das Sommerkleid kauft Emma einen leichten Stoff mit Blumen.
Emma buys a light floral fabric for the summer dress.
In real life
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