Set
/sɛt/masculine
The English word 'set' can be translated into German as Set when referring to a collection of objects.
The noun Set refers to a collection of various objects intended for a particular purpose, such as a set of tools. Note that when you want to use 'set' as a verb in a figurative sense, such as setting priorities, limits or goals, you should use the German verb setzen instead. For the sense of a heavenly body setting below the horizon, the German verb untergehen is used and the name of the Egyptian god is Seth.
Meaning: collection of various objects for a particular purpose, such as a set of tools (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Set is a noun meaning a collection, the related verb setzen is used for abstract actions like setting limits. For celestial bodies setting, use untergehen.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the noun Set is Sets.
How do you pronounce it?
/sɛt/
Did you know?
- The German verb setzen can be used to describe 'setting' a table, but it is often replaced by decken, which literally means 'to cover'.
- When a sun 'sets' (untergehen), the German word literally means 'to go under'.
- To 'set' a clock in German uses the verb stellen, which means 'to place' or 'to stand', rather than setzen.
Examples in context
- Ich muss Prioritäten setzen.I have to set priorities.Tatoeba #2515906 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #11894982 by sundown
- Sie wird ihm Grenzen setzen.She will set limits for him.Tatoeba #13042924 by Waldelfe, translation #12584589 by anzart
- Sie wird ihr Grenzen setzen.She will set limits for her.Tatoeba #13042925 by Waldelfe, translation #12584590 by anzart
- Die Festlegung der Regeln ist wichtig.The setting of rules is important.
- Die Einrichtung des Raumes dauerte den ganzen Tag.The setting up of the room took the entire day.
- Stell den Teller auf den Tisch.Set the plate on the table.
- Leg die Bücher auf das Regal.Set the books on the shelf.
- Stell den Koffer bitte neben die Tür.Please set the suitcase next to the door.
- Stell die Wecker, damit wir morgen nicht verschlafen.Set the alarm clocks so that we don't oversleep tomorrow.
- Die Regierung hat strenge Maßnahmen festgelegt.The government has set strict measures.
- Ich habe das Büro nach meinen Wünschen eingerichtet.I set up the office according to my preferences.
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Laura are in a workshop.
- JulianWo ist das Set mit den Schraubenziehern?Where is the set of screwdrivers?
- LauraEs liegt auf dem Arbeitstisch.It is lying on the workbench.
- JulianDanke, ich brauche dieses Set dringend.Thanks, I need this set urgently.
- LauraKein Problem, Julian.No problem, Julian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “set” translations and entries Set, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
