weight
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weight
The physical property that indicates how heavy a body is. It is usually measured in kilograms or grams.
Das Gewicht des Koffers darf 20 Kilogramm nicht überschreiten.
The weight of the suitcase must not exceed 20 kilograms.
'Das Gewicht' (weight) belongs to the word family of the verb 'wiegen' (to weigh). The weight is the result you determine when weighing something.
Kannst du bitte das Mehl für den Kuchen wiegen? Ich brauche das genaue Gewicht.
Can you please weigh the flour for the cake? I need the exact weight.
In connection with body weight, the verbs 'zunehmen' (to gain weight) and 'abnehmen' (to lose weight) are often used. The construction is 'an Gewicht zunehmen/verlieren' (to gain/lose weight).
Im Urlaub habe ich leider zwei Kilo an Gewicht zugenommen.
Unfortunately, I gained two kilos in weight during my vacation.
You can recognize the figurative meaning 'importance' by the fact that 'Gewicht' (weight) is combined with abstract adjectives such as 'groß' (great), 'politisch' (political), or 'moralisch' (moral). It is then not about kilograms, but about influence.
Die Meinung der Experten hat bei der Entscheidung großes Gewicht.
The experts' opinion carries great weight in the decision.
The fixed expression 'Gewicht legen auf' (to place importance on) always requires the accusative. You place importance on something (accusative).
Wir legen großen Wert auf Pünktlichkeit und Zuverlässigkeit.
We place great value on punctuality and reliability.
When 'Gewicht' (weight) means an object used for training, it is almost always used in the plural. The most common collocation is 'Gewichte heben' (to lift weights).
Mein Bruder geht dreimal pro Woche ins Fitnessstudio, um Gewichte zu heben.
My brother goes to the gym three times a week to lift weights.
meaning / importance
'die Bedeutung' and 'das Gewicht' can both express that something is important. 'Bedeutung' is the normal and more general word. 'Gewicht' is used figuratively in this sense and sounds a bit more vivid or serious. It fits especially well when an argument, a decision, or a fact carries a lot of weight. In everyday language, people often say 'Bedeutung', while 'Gewicht' sounds more natural in discussions about decisions, responsibility, or arguments.
Seine Erfahrung hat bei der Entscheidung großes Gewicht.
His experience carried great weight in the decision.
Die Bedeutung einer guten Planung zeigt sich oft erst am Reisetag.
The importance of good planning often only becomes clear on the day of travel.