01
das Set
set
A collection of several related objects that are sold or used as a unit.
example
Zum Geburtstag wünsche ich mir ein Set mit hochwertigen Pinseln.
For my birthday, I'd like a set of high-quality brushes.
das Set
set
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Meanings
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Usage tips
English loanword
'Set' is a word from English and is pronounced that way too. Context is crucial for understanding the specific meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die Band spielt heute Abend ein kurzes Set.
The band is playing a short set tonight.
Context clue
You can recognize the four main meanings from the context: shopping (objects), film/television (shooting location), sports (section of a game), or music (concert/DJ).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe mir ein neues Set an Kochmessern gekauft.
I bought myself a new set of kitchen knives.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'Zusammenstellung' (collection), 'Set' is often combined with its contents, e.g. 'Werkzeug-Set' (tool set), 'Schraubenzieher-Set' (screwdriver set), or 'Kosmetik-Set' (cosmetics set). You can also 'im Set kaufen' (buy something as a set).
EXAMPLE
Dieses LEGO-Set hat über tausend Teile.
This LEGO set has over a thousand pieces.
Correct preposition
When referring to the shooting location, the preposition 'am' (an dem) is almost always used. Typical phrases are 'am Set sein' (to be on set) or 'am Set arbeiten' (to work on set).
EXAMPLE
Die Stimmung am Set war trotz des langen Drehtages gut.
The mood on set was good despite the long day of filming.
Typical verbs
In a musical context, 'Set' is usually used with the verbs 'spielen' (to play, for a band) or 'auflegen' (to DJ, for a DJ).
EXAMPLE
Die Vorband hat nur ein kurzes Set gespielt.
The opening band only played a short set.
Compare with
Set vs Spiel
game / play
'das Spiel' and 'das Set' can occur together in sports, but they do not mean the same thing. 'das Spiel' is the whole activity or an entire contest, for example a soccer game or a tennis match. 'das Set' is only one section in certain sports such as tennis or volleyball. So you win a set within a game or match. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with rules and points. The important point is: not every game has sets, but a set is always only part of a larger game or match.
Set
Im zweiten Set spielt die Tennisspielerin viel ruhiger als vorher.
In the second set, the tennis player plays much more calmly than before.
Spiel
Simon sieht sich nach dem Unterricht das Spiel seiner Mannschaft an.
After class, Simon watches his team's game.
In real life
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