die Sache
thing
An unspecified object or thing.
EXAMPLE
Was ist das für eine komische Sache auf dem Tisch?
What is that strange thing on the table?
die Sache
thing / matter
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Meanings
die Sache
matter / issue
A matter, topic, or problem that is dealt with or discussed.
EXAMPLE
Das ist eine komplizierte Sache, die wir klären müssen.
That is a complicated matter that we need to sort out.
die Sachen
things / belongings
Usually used in the plural for personal items or possessions.
EXAMPLE
Pack bitte deine Sachen, wir fahren gleich los.
Please pack your things; we're leaving soon.
zur Sache kommen
to get to the point
To stop talking around a topic and begin with the most important part.
EXAMPLE
Hör auf mit dem Smalltalk und komm endlich zur Sache!
Stop with the small talk and finally get to the point!
die Sache
case / matter
A case or subject of a legal or formal investigation.
EXAMPLE
In dieser Sache hat das Gericht noch kein Urteil gefällt.
In this matter, the court has not yet reached a verdict.
seine Sache gut machen
to do a good job
To carry out a task or activity competently and successfully.
EXAMPLE
Mach dir keine Sorgen, sie ist sehr zuverlässig und wird ihre Sache gut machen.
Don't worry, she is very reliable and will do a good job.
nicht jemandes Sache sein
not to be someone's thing
To express that something does not match one's interests, abilities, or responsibilities.
EXAMPLE
Gartenarbeit ist wirklich nicht meine Sache.
Gardening is really not my thing.
Usage tips
Singular vs. plural
The meaning of 'Sache' (thing/matter) often changes with number. In the singular ('die Sache'), it usually means a single object or a matter. In the plural ('die Sachen'), it very often refers to personal belongings or luggage.
EXAMPLE
Das ist eine private Sache, über die ich nicht sprechen möchte.
That is a private matter that I don't want to talk about.
Context clue
To distinguish between 'Gegenstand' (object) and 'Angelegenheit' (matter), pay attention to the context. If it is about a concrete, touchable object, it is a thing. If a problem or topic is being discussed, it is a matter.
EXAMPLE
Nimm diese klebrige Sache vom Sofa weg!
Take that sticky thing off the sofa!
Typical adjectives
When 'Sache' (matter) describes a matter or issue, it is often combined with adjectives that express an evaluation. Typical examples are: 'eine klare Sache' (a clear-cut matter), 'eine schwierige Sache' (a difficult matter), 'eine ernste Sache' (a serious matter), or 'eine tolle Sache' (a great thing).
EXAMPLE
Der Sieg der Mannschaft war am Ende eine klare Sache.
In the end, the team's victory was a clear-cut matter.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'zur Sache kommen' (to get to the point) is a fixed unit. It is used to ask someone to say the most important thing and stop digressing.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben nicht viel Zeit, also lasst uns direkt zur Sache kommen.
We don't have much time, so let's get straight to the point.
Legal context
The meaning 'Fall' (case) is found almost exclusively in legal or very formal contexts. Signal words here are 'Gericht' (court), 'Anwalt' (lawyer), 'Akte' (file), or 'Verfahren' (proceedings).
EXAMPLE
Der Anwalt prüft die Dokumente in dieser Sache sehr genau.
The lawyer is examining the documents in this matter very carefully.
Fixed expression
In the expression 'seine Sache gut machen' (to do a good job), the possessive pronoun is adapted to the person. So you also say 'ich mache meine Sache gut' (I do a good job) or 'ihr macht eure Sache gut' (you all do a good job).
EXAMPLE
Der neue Mitarbeiter ist sehr motiviert und macht seine Sache wirklich gut.
The new employee is very motivated and is really doing a good job.
Fixed expression
The phrase 'nicht jemandes Sache sein' (not to be someone's thing) is a fixed expression. The possessive pronoun ('meine', 'deine', 'seine', etc.) is adapted to the person you are talking about.
EXAMPLE
Ich helfe dir gern beim Kochen, aber Abwaschen ist nicht so meine Sache.
I'm happy to help you with cooking, but doing the dishes isn't really my thing.
Compare with
Sache vs Frage
question
Frage and Sache can both refer to a matter that still needs to be clarified. Frage highlights a specific open point for which an answer or decision is being sought; Sache refers to the matter more broadly. Frage is appropriate for a clearly formulated point requiring clarification, while Sache is more suitable for the topic as a whole.
Sache
Die Sache mit den Kosten müssen wir morgen in Ruhe besprechen.
We need to discuss the matter of the costs calmly tomorrow.
Frage
Die Frage, wer die Kosten übernimmt, müssen wir morgen klären.
We need to clarify the question of who will cover the costs tomorrow.
In real life
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