sphere
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sphere
An area of influence, activity, or interest; an intellectual or social environment.
Politische Entscheidungen gehören nicht in die private Sphäre des Einzelnen.
Political decisions do not belong in an individual's private sphere.
sphere
A particular social class or social milieu, often referring to upper-class circles.
Durch seine Heirat stieg er in die höchsten Sphären der Gesellschaft auf.
Through his marriage, he rose into the highest spheres of society.
sphere
In geometry or astronomy, a ball or a spherical celestial body. This meaning is more technical or outdated.
Die alten Astronomen glaubten, die Sterne seien an einer kristallenen Sphäre befestigt.
The ancient astronomers believed the stars were attached to a crystalline sphere.
'Sphäre' (sphere) is a word used in elevated language. You find it above all in written language, in academic texts, or in formal discussions.
In seiner Rede bewegte sich der Philosoph in rein theoretischen Sphären.
In his speech, the philosopher moved in purely theoretical spheres.
In the meaning 'sphere of influence,' 'Sphäre' (sphere) is very often used in the fixed combinations 'private Sphäre' (private sphere) and 'öffentliche Sphäre' (public sphere). These terms are important in discussions about society and law.
Das Briefgeheimnis schützt die private Sphäre.
The secrecy of correspondence protects the private sphere.
When referring to social classes, 'Sphäre' (sphere) is often used in the plural. Typical phrases are 'in höheren Sphären verkehren' (to move in higher spheres) or 'in andere Sphären aufsteigen' (to rise into other spheres).
Seit seiner Beförderung verkehrt er in den höchsten gesellschaftlichen Sphären.
Since his promotion, he has been moving in the highest social spheres.
The literal meaning 'Kugel' (sphere, ball) is rare today. It now appears almost only in technical contexts such as geometry or astronomy, or in poetic language.
In der Geometrie ist die Sphäre eine perfekt runde Oberfläche.
In geometry, the sphere is a perfectly round surface.
area / field
Bereich and Sphäre can both refer to a field of activity or interest. Bereich sounds neutral and matter-of-fact, whereas Sphäre sounds more elevated and figurative and places greater emphasis on the intellectual or social environment. Bereich is usually the better choice for everyday or professional statements.
Der Essay führt den Leser in die Sphäre der Politik.
The essay leads the reader into the sphere of politics.
Der Bericht untersucht den Bereich der Politik.
The report examines the field of politics.
