das Thema
topic
The subject or central content of a conversation, text, film, or event.
EXAMPLE
Das Thema der heutigen Konferenz ist die Digitalisierung der Arbeitswelt.
The topic of today's conference is the digitalization of the working world.
das Thema
topic / theme
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Meanings
vom Thema abkommen
to get off topic
An expression meaning that someone starts talking about something other than the original main topic.
EXAMPLE
Wir sollten nicht vom Thema abkommen, sonst werden wir nie fertig.
We shouldn't get off topic, otherwise we'll never finish.
das Thema
theme
In music, a central, recurring melody or musical idea that is developed in a piece.
EXAMPLE
Beethovens fünfte Symphonie beginnt mit einem sehr berühmten Thema.
Beethoven's Fifth Symphony begins with a very famous theme.
Usage tips
Typical prepositions
Certain prepositions are used with 'Thema' (topic/theme). You talk 'über' a topic (accusative), comment 'zu' a topic (dative), or stay 'beim' topic (dative).
EXAMPLE
Wir haben lange über dieses Thema diskutiert.
We discussed this topic for a long time.
Typical verbs
Common verbs combined with 'Thema' are 'ein Thema ansprechen' (to bring up a topic), 'ein Thema behandeln' (to deal with a topic), and 'das Thema wechseln' (to change the topic).
EXAMPLE
Er hat in der Besprechung ein wichtiges Thema angesprochen.
He brought up an important topic in the meeting.
Fixed expression
The expression 'vom Thema abkommen' (to get off topic) is a fixed idiom. The opposite, meaning to stay with the original subject of conversation, is expressed with 'beim Thema bleiben' (to stay on topic).
EXAMPLE
Entschuldigung, ich bin kurz vom Thema abgekommen.
Sorry, I briefly got off topic.
Music context clue
When 'Thema' is used in connection with music, composers, a symphony, or a melody, it always refers to the musical idea.
EXAMPLE
Der Komponist variiert das Hauptthema im gesamten Stück.
The composer varies the main theme throughout the entire piece.
Compare with
Thema vs Sache
thing / matter
Das Thema is the subject matter being discussed. Die Sache refers more to the entire matter that needs to be discussed, clarified, or dealt with. Use Thema for the content of a conversation; when dealing with a problem is the focus, Sache is more suitable.
Thema
Das Thema unseres Gesprächs ist die neue Aufgabenverteilung.
The topic of our conversation is the new division of responsibilities.
Sache
Wir müssen die Sache mit der neuen Aufgabenverteilung heute klären.
We need to sort out the matter of the new division of responsibilities today.
In real life
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