new territory
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new territory
A subject area or field in which one has no experience yet and which is therefore unfamiliar. This figurative meaning is the most common use.
Für meine Großeltern ist das Internet immer noch absolutes Neuland.
For my grandparents, the internet is still completely new territory.
The word is made up of 'neu' (new) and 'Land' (land). So it literally describes a piece of land that is new. This basic idea is then also transferred to unfamiliar areas of knowledge or experience.
Die Erforschung des Tiefseegrabens ist für die Wissenschaftler echtes Neuland.
Exploring the deep-sea trench is real new territory for the scientists.
In the figurative meaning, 'Neuland' (new territory) is often used with the verb 'betreten' (to enter). Also very common is the phrasing that something 'ist (absolutes) Neuland für jemanden' (is completely new territory for someone).
Mit diesem Projekt betreten wir technologisches Neuland.
With this project, we are entering new technological territory.
The literal meaning of 'Neuland' (newly developed farmland or settlement area) is found almost only in historical or agricultural texts. In everyday life and modern contexts, the figurative meaning (an unfamiliar subject) is almost always intended.
Künstliche Intelligenz ist für viele Firmen noch Neuland.
Artificial intelligence is still new territory for many companies.
area / field
'der Bereich' and 'das Neuland' can both refer to a subject area. The difference lies in the perspective: 'Bereich' neutrally names a field or topic. 'Neuland' is used when this area is new and still unfamiliar to someone. So you can work in a 'Bereich' that you know well. 'Neuland', on the other hand, emphasizes that you still have little experience there. Learners may confuse the words because both talk about topics. If you only want to name the topic, use 'Bereich'. If you want to say that something is new to you, 'Neuland' fits.
Online-Unterricht war für viele Lehrer am Anfang echtes Neuland.
At first, online teaching was truly new territory for many teachers.
Für die Prüfung wiederholt Lena den Bereich Ernährung besonders gründlich.
For the exam, Lena reviews the topic of nutrition especially thoroughly.