Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Kontext | masculine |
| Zusammenhang | masculine |
Both words refer to circumstances or settings. You can use the phrase im Gesprächszusammenhang to specifically refer to the context of a conversation. If you want to describe the process of providing context, you can use the noun Kontextualisierung.
Which one should you use?
While Kontext is often used for linguistic or situational settings, Zusammenhang is more common when referring to the logical connection or coherence between ideas or events.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because Kontext is a masculine noun, it takes the accusative form den Kontext when it is the direct object of a sentence. To say 'in context', the German language uses the dative preposition 'in' and the masculine article 'dem', resulting in the contraction im Kontext.
Did you know?
- In German, if something is 'out of context', you might say it is 'aus dem Zusammenhang gerissen', which literally means 'torn out of the connection'.
- The German word Kontext is borrowed from the Latin contextus, which originally described the act of weaving a fabric.
- Because Zusammenhang refers to a cohesive bond, it can be used to describe a physical connection, such as how different rooms in a building are linked.
Examples in context
- Ohne Kontext kein Text.No context, no text.This sentence illustrates the concept that text requires context.Tatoeba #10521072 by Yorwba, translation #1443606 by sadhen
- Das hängt vom Kontext ab.It depends on the context.This sentence shows how a situation depends on the context.Tatoeba #10207146 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1333 by CK
- Das wurde aus dem Kontext gerissen.That was taken out of context.This sentence is useful for describing something being taken out of the Kontext.Tatoeba #13069014 by Waldelfe, translation #2953320 by CK
- Der Historiker betrachtet das Ereignis im historischen Kontext.The historian considers the event in its historical context.
- Das Problem kann nur im Zusammenhang mit anderen Faktoren betrachtet werden.The problem can only be considered in connection with other factors.
- Um das richtig zu verstehen, musst du den Hintergrund kennen.To understand this properly, you need to know the context.
- Ihre Aussage muss im größeren Rahmen betrachtet werden.Her statement needs to be considered in a broader context.
- Die Textstellen müssen im Kontext betrachtet werden.The passages need to be considered in context.
- Das Thema ist relevant im Gesprächszusammenhang.The topic is relevant in the context of the conversation.
- Die politischen Entscheidungen müssen immer im historisch-kulturellen Kontext analysiert werden.Political decisions always need to be analyzed within their historical and cultural context.
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are discussing a book they are reading.
- JulianDer historische Kontext ist hier sehr wichtig.The historical context is very important here.
- HannahDa hast du absolut recht, Julian.You are absolutely right, Julian.
- JulianMan versteht die Handlung sonst nicht.Otherwise, one doesn't understand the plot.
- HannahDas stimmt, der Kontext hilft beim Lesen.That's true, the context helps with reading.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “context” translations and entries Kontext, Zusammenhang, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Kontext, Zusammenhang, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
