German word

Fach

Pronunciation

IPA/fax/

Meaning

  • neuter nounsubject

Example

Welche Fächer hast du heute?

Which subjects do you have today?

Illustration for Fach (subject)

More examples

Ich interessiere mich für ein Fach wie Psychologie.

I'm interested in a subject like psychology.

Core concept

A curriculum is divided into labeled sections, and each Fach is one section that can represent a school subject or university field.

Common phrases

  • ein Fach belegen

    take a subject

  • sich für ein Fach interessieren

    be interested in a subject

  • in einem Fach gut sein

    be good at a subject

Similar words

Schulfach: A subject taught as part of a school's timetable.
Kurs: A class or course held for a limited period with a group of learners.
Studienfach: A university field chosen as a major.
Fachrichtung: A specialized field pursued through study or work.

Definition in German

Das einzelne Thema oder der einzelne Lernbereich innerhalb eines Curriculums oder Studiengangs.

Word origin

Old High German fah and Middle High German vach referred to a compartment or partition before Fach also came to denote a distinct area of study or work.

Usage tips

  • Studienfach usually identifies a university field or major, while Fach alone often names a school subject in everyday educational contexts.

Other meanings

  • fieldnoun
  • majornoun

Opposites

  • Allgemeinbildunggeneral educationnoun

Related words

  • Fachrichtungfield of studynoun
  • fachlichspecializedadjective

Word lists with this word