01
das Objekt
object
A material object; a thing that one can see and touch.
example
Auf dem Tisch lag ein seltsames, metallisches Objekt.
There was a strange, metallic object lying on the table.
das Objekt
object
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'Objekt' (object) depends strongly on the context. In everyday language, it is a physical object; in real estate, a house or apartment; in grammar, a part of a sentence; and in computer science, a programming element.
EXAMPLE
Der Makler hat uns ein schönes Objekt am Stadtrand angeboten.
The agent offered us a beautiful property on the outskirts of town.
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In everyday speech, 'Objekt' (object) is often used for unclear, strange, or technical-looking items. It often sounds more formal or detached than 'Ding' (thing) or 'Sache' (thing/matter).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei untersucht ein unbekanntes Flugobjekt.
The police are investigating an unidentified flying object.
Typical collocations
In the real estate context, 'Objekt' (property) is often used with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'ein Objekt besichtigen' (to view a property), 'ein Objekt mieten' (to rent a property), or 'ein Objekt kaufen' (to buy a property).
EXAMPLE
Wir möchten das Objekt am Wochenende besichtigen.
We would like to view the property at the weekend.
Context: grammar
When 'Objekt' (object) is mentioned in a linguistic context, it is almost always about grammar. Signal words here are 'Satz' (sentence), 'Verb' (verb), 'Akkusativ' (accusative), 'Dativ' (dative), or 'Genitiv' (genitive).
EXAMPLE
Kannst du das Objekt in diesem Satz bestimmen?
Can you identify the object in this sentence?
Typical collocations
When a person or thing is the target of feelings, 'Objekt' (object) is often used in fixed expressions. Common ones are 'Objekt der Begierde' (object of desire), 'Objekt des Interesses' (object of interest), or 'Objekt der Forschung' (object of research).
EXAMPLE
Das neue Auto wurde schnell zum Objekt seiner Begierde.
The new car quickly became the object of his desire.
Context: computer science
In computer science, you can recognize this meaning by typical words from programming. These include 'Klasse' (class), 'Methode' (method), 'Instanz' (instance), or 'Variable' (variable).
EXAMPLE
Jedes Objekt in dieser Programmiersprache hat spezifische Eigenschaften.
Every object in this programming language has specific properties.
Compare with
Objekt vs Sache
thing / matter
'die Sache' and 'das Objekt' can both mean an object that you can see or touch. 'Sache' is the normal everyday word, especially when you do not want to or cannot say exactly what it is. 'Objekt' sounds more precise, factual, or technical. It is used, for example, in reports, in science, or when something is described neutrally. The words can be confused because both can point to a thing. In everyday language, 'Sache' usually sounds more natural; 'Objekt' fits better when you are speaking in a detached or technical way.
Objekt
Die Polizei fand im Garten ein unbekanntes Objekt.
The police found an unknown object in the garden.
Sache
Auf dem Tisch liegt eine kleine Sache, aber ich weiß nicht, wem sie gehört.
There is a small thing on the table, but I don't know who it belongs to.
In real life
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