01
der Sektor
sector
A specific subarea of a larger whole, especially in business, society, or geography.
example
Der Dienstleistungssektor ist in den letzten Jahrzehnten stark gewachsen.
The service sector has grown strongly in recent decades.
der Sektor
sector
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Correct preposition
'Sektor' (sector) is almost always used with the preposition 'in' and the dative to describe an area. You work 'im' Sektor (in the sector), or something grows 'in einem' Sektor (in a sector).
EXAMPLE
Er arbeitet seit zehn Jahren im öffentlichen Sektor.
He has worked in the public sector for ten years.
Typical collocations
In an economic context, 'Sektor' (sector) is often combined with adjectives such as 'privat' (private), 'öffentlich' (public), or 'finanziell' (financial). Compound words such as 'Dienstleistungssektor' (service sector) or 'Industriesektor' (industrial sector) are also very common.
EXAMPLE
Der private Sektor schafft viele Arbeitsplätze.
The private sector creates many jobs.
Context clue
You can recognize the geometric meaning from words such as 'Kreis' (circle), 'Radius' (radius), 'Fläche' (area), or 'berechnen' (to calculate). This use is limited to the specialist field of mathematics.
EXAMPLE
Der Schüler musste den Umfang des Kreissektors berechnen.
The student had to calculate the circumference of the circular sector.
Historical context
The meaning as an administrative area is often historical. It is used especially in connection with the division of cities after the Second World War, for example the American, British, French, or Soviet sector in Berlin.
EXAMPLE
Meine Großeltern lebten damals im französischen Sektor von Berlin.
My grandparents lived in the French sector of Berlin at that time.
Compare with
Sektor vs Bereich
area / field
'Bereich' and 'Sektor' can both mean a part of a larger whole. 'Bereich' is the more general word and fits in many situations: work, topics, responsibilities, or places. 'Sektor' sounds more specific and is often used in business, society, administration, or geography. It can also mean an assigned section that is controlled or administered. The words can be confused because both describe a part. In everyday language, 'Bereich' is usually more natural; 'Sektor' fits better in official, business, or technical contexts.
Sektor
Der öffentliche Sektor sucht zurzeit viele neue Mitarbeiter.
The public sector is currently looking for many new employees.
Bereich
Am Morgen helfe ich im Bereich Hausaufgabenbetreuung mit den Kindern.
In the morning, I help with the children in the homework supervision area.
In real life
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