01
das Sujet
subject
The theme, subject matter, or content of an artistic, literary, or cinematic work.
example
Das Sujet des Romans ist die unerfüllte Liebe in Zeiten des Krieges.
The subject of the novel is unfulfilled love in times of war.
das Sujet
subject / motif
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register and origin
'Das Sujet' (subject/motif) is a loanword from French. It is used almost exclusively in specialized language, such as art and literary studies, film, or the advertising industry.
EXAMPLE
Der Kritiker lobte die originelle Wahl des Sujets für den Film.
The critic praised the original choice of subject for the film.
Typical collocations
In an artistic context, 'Sujet' is often combined with verbs such as 'wählen' (to choose), 'behandeln' (to deal with/treat), or 'darstellen' (to depict). It describes the central theme of a work.
EXAMPLE
Die Malerin wählte für ihr neues Bild ein historisches Sujet.
The painter chose a historical subject for her new painting.
Advertising context
In the advertising and photography industries, 'Sujet' refers to the concrete visual motif of an advertisement or campaign. Here, it is less about the abstract theme and more about the visual motif.
EXAMPLE
Die Agentur hat drei verschiedene Sujets für die Plakatkampagne entworfen.
The agency designed three different motifs for the poster campaign.
Compare with
Sujet vs Bild
picture / image
'das Bild' and 'das Sujet' can both have to do with the content of a representation. 'Bild' means the visible representation itself, for example a photo or a drawing. 'Sujet' refers more to the theme, subject matter, or motif of an artistic work. In advertising and photography, 'Sujet' can also mean the selected motif or image for a campaign. The word sounds more specialized than 'Bild'. Learners may confuse them because with both, you are looking at something visible. In practical terms: the picture hangs on the wall or exists as a file; the 'Sujet' is what that picture is about.
Sujet
Im Gespräch erklärt der Fotograf, warum er dieses Sujet für die Werbung gewählt hat.
During the conversation, the photographer explains why he chose this motif for the advertisement.
Bild
Am Montag zeigt die Fahrerin ihren Freunden ein Bild vom neuen Auto.
On Monday, the driver shows her friends a picture of the new car.
In real life
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