German word

Thema

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈteːma/

Meaning

  • neuter nountopic

Example

Welche Themen interessieren dich gerade?

Which topics are you interested in right now?

Illustration for Thema (topic)

More examples

Bleiben wir beim Thema.

Let's stay on topic.

Core concept

A single label gathers the ideas being developed in a conversation, lecture, or text.

Common phrases

  • über ein Thema sprechen

    speak about a topic

  • ein Thema vorschlagen

    propose a topic

  • ein Thema auswählen

    select a topic

Similar words

Frage: An inquiry seeking an answer or explanation.
Interesse: A subject that draws personal attention or curiosity.
Diskussionspunkt: A particular issue raised during a discussion.
Sache: A broad term for a matter or situation.

Definition in German

Der zentrale Punkt oder das Sujet, über das in einer Diskussion, einem Vortrag oder Text gesprochen oder geschrieben wird

Word origin

Thema entered German through Latin from Greek thema, meaning something laid down, from the Greek verb tithenai, to place.

Usage tips

  • The noun is neuter, so the singular is das Thema, while its plural is the irregular form Themen.

Other meanings

  • subjectnoun
  • issuenoun
  • subject matternoun

Opposites

  • Nebensacheside issuenoun

Related words

  • Themenwechseltopic changenoun
  • Themenwahltopic selectionnoun
  • Themenbereichsubject areanoun

Word lists with this word