Ding
/dɪŋ/
The German word for "thing" is Ding.
Ding is typically used to refer to physical, tangible objects.
Which one should you use?
While Ding refers to a specific object, the indefinite pronoun etwas is used to mean "something" in a more general sense. Additionally, when referring to an abstract "thing" or a "matter", the word Sache is often more common than Ding.
How does it change in a sentence?
Ding is a neuter noun, so it takes the definite article das (e.g., das Ding). The plural form of the word is Dinge.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɪŋ/
Did you know?
- The English 'thing' and German Ding share a common ancestor that originally referred to a judicial assembly or a meeting. In Old Norse and Old English, the word described a legal gathering where people settled disputes.
- The German word Ding is used in the compound Dingfestmachen, which literally means 'to make a thing firm' but actually refers to catching a criminal or finalizing a deal.
- While Ding is the standard word for an object, Germans use the word Sache for 'things' when talking about their own personal belongings, such as 'picking up one's things'.
Examples in context
- Was ist das für ein Ding?What is that thing?This sentence is useful for asking what a specific object is using Ding.
- Das Ding liegt auf dem Tisch.The thing is lying on the table.
- Ich kann dieses Ding nicht bewegen.I cannot move this thing.
Example conversation
Felix and Laura are looking at a strange object in the living room.
- LauraWas ist das für ein Ding, Felix?What kind of thing is that, Felix?
- FelixIch weiß es auch nicht.I don't know either.
- LauraIst das ein neues Ding?Is that a new thing?
- FelixVielleicht hat es jemand vergessen.Maybe someone forgot it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Ding, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ding, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
