01
der Sack
sack
A large bag made of sturdy material such as cloth, jute, or plastic, used for transporting or storing things.
example
Die Kartoffeln werden in großen Säcken geliefert.
The potatoes are delivered in large sacks.
der Sack
sack / scrotum
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Careful: vulgar meanings
In addition to the neutral meaning 'Beutel' (bag), the word 'Sack' (sack) also has several very colloquial to vulgar meanings. Use it very carefully in formal situations to avoid misunderstandings.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte den Sack mit dem Altpapier in den Keller bringen?
Could you please take the sack with the waste paper down to the basement?
Fixed expression with dative
The idiom 'jemandem auf den Sack gehen' (to piss someone off) is very colloquial and means 'jemanden extrem nerven' (to annoy someone extremely). The person who is annoyed is always in the dative.
EXAMPLE
Seine ständige Besserwisserei geht mir gewaltig auf den Sack.
His constant know-it-all behavior really pisses me off.
Fixed idiom
The expression 'die Katze im Sack kaufen' (to buy a pig in a poke) is a fixed idiom. It means to acquire something without checking it and thereby take an unpredictable risk.
EXAMPLE
Informiere dich gut über das Unternehmen, bevor du investierst, damit du nicht die Katze im Sack kaufst.
Get good information about the company before you invest so that you don't buy a pig in a poke.
Separable verb
In the expression 'den Sack zumachen' (to seal the deal), 'zumachen' (to close) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'zu' goes at the end of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Mit diesem wichtigen Vertrag machte die Firma den Sack für dieses Quartal zu.
With this important contract, the company sealed the deal for this quarter.
Typical collocations
In its neutral meaning, 'Sack' (sack) is often combined with materials or contents. Typical compounds are 'Müllsack' (garbage bag), 'Kartoffelsack' (potato sack), or 'Schlafsack' (sleeping bag).
EXAMPLE
Für die Campingtour brauchen wir noch einen warmen Schlafsack.
We still need a warm sleeping bag for the camping trip.
Derogatory term
As a term for a person, e.g. 'alter Sack' (old bastard), the word is strongly derogatory and insulting. It should only be used in very informal contexts and with great caution.
EXAMPLE
Er ärgerte sich über den Fahrer vor ihm und murmelte: „Fahr doch, du alter Sack!"
He got annoyed at the driver in front of him and muttered, 'Move, you old bastard!'
Compare with
Sack vs Typ
guy / type
'der Typ' and 'der Sack' can both colloquially refer to a person, usually a man. 'Typ' is much more neutral. It can simply mean 'guy' or describe a person with certain traits. 'Sack' is much rougher and often derogatory. It shows that you find someone unpleasant, old, or unlikeable. Learners should be careful: 'Typ' can be normal in casual speech, while 'Sack' can quickly sound insulting.
Sack
Nach dem Streit nannte Paul den unfreundlichen Nachbarn einen alten Sack.
After the argument, Paul called the unfriendly neighbor an old bastard.
Typ
Der Typ an der Kasse war freundlich und hat mir geholfen.
The guy at the checkout was friendly and helped me.
In real life
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