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A1 noun 10 min read

Das Feld

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Das Feld in 30 Seconds

Explanation Das Feld in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'das Feld' is a basic noun used to describe nature and simple activities. You will learn it as a word for an open area of land, often seen when driving through the countryside. At this stage, you should focus on its gender (neuter) and its plural form (die Felder). You will use it in simple sentences like 'Das Feld ist groß' or 'Dort ist ein Feld'. You might also see it in the context of sports, specifically soccer, though 'der Fußballplatz' is more common. The preposition 'auf' is introduced here, usually in the phrase 'auf dem Feld'. It is one of the foundational vocabulary words for describing the environment outside of the city.

At the A2 level, you begin to use 'das Feld' in more descriptive contexts. You might talk about what grows on a field (Weizen, Mais) or describe a walk through the fields ('ein Spaziergang über die Felder'). You will also encounter 'das Feld' in more practical, everyday situations, such as filling out forms. Words like 'Textfeld' (text field) or 'Name-Feld' might appear in lessons about digital literacy or administrative tasks. You will start to distinguish between 'auf dem Feld' (location) and 'auf das Feld' (direction), which is a key grammar point for this level. Your sentences will become longer: 'Der Bauer arbeitet jeden Tag auf seinem Feld.'

At the B1 level, the word 'das Feld' moves into more abstract and professional territories. You will learn about 'Berufsfelder' (professional fields) and 'Aufgabenfelder' (fields of responsibility). You will be expected to discuss your career and education using these terms. You might say, 'Ich möchte in einem anderen Berufsfeld arbeiten.' Additionally, you will encounter more compound nouns like 'Schlachtfeld' (battlefield) in historical contexts or 'Minenfeld' in news reports. Idiomatic expressions like 'das Feld räumen' (to give up/leave) might start to appear in reading materials. Your understanding of the word becomes more nuanced, recognizing it as a way to categorize areas of life.

At the B2 level, 'das Feld' is used in sophisticated discussions and specialized topics. You will encounter it in scientific texts, such as 'das Magnetfeld' (magnetic field) or 'das Gravitationsfeld' (gravitational field). In social sciences, you might read about 'Feldforschung' (field research) or 'soziale Felder'. You are expected to use the word figuratively in arguments, such as 'etwas ins Feld führen' (to bring something up as an argument). Your grasp of the word's versatility allows you to use it in academic writing to define the scope of a study. You will also understand more complex idioms like 'das Feld von hinten aufräumen' (to come from behind and win).

At the C1 level, 'das Feld' is a tool for precise and nuanced expression. You will use it to describe complex structures in philosophy, sociology, or linguistics. For example, you might discuss 'das semantische Feld' (semantic field) when analyzing vocabulary. Your use of the word in professional settings will be highly accurate, distinguishing between 'Fachbereich', 'Sektor', and 'Feld'. You will also encounter 'das Feld' in high-level literature, where it might be used metaphorically to represent openness, conflict, or potential. You can navigate technical discussions in physics or data science where 'Feld' has very specific, non-negotiable meanings.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over 'das Feld' and all its derivatives. You can use it in highly specialized academic discourse, such as 'Quantenfeldtheorie' (quantum field theory) or complex sociological theories (like Bourdieu's field theory). You understand the historical development of the word and its role in German idioms and proverbs. You can write persuasive essays using figurative language involving 'Feld' with the ease of a native speaker. Whether you are discussing the 'Spannungsfeld' (area of conflict/tension) between two political ideologies or the precise 'Eingabefelder' of a software architecture, your usage is flawless and contextually perfect.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Das Feld in 30 Seconds

Das Feld refers to physical land, sports pitches, and digital input boxes.
It is a neuter noun (das Feld) with the plural form 'die Felder'.
Commonly used with the preposition 'auf' (e.g., auf dem Feld).
It extends figuratively to professional areas and scientific force fields.

The German word das Feld is a versatile noun that primarily refers to an open area of land. In its most literal sense, it is used in agriculture to describe a piece of land where crops are grown or animals graze. However, its usage extends far beyond the farm. For a beginner at the A1 level, you will most likely encounter it when talking about nature, farming, or sports. As you progress, you will see it used in technical contexts like computer science (data fields) or academia (fields of study). Understanding this word requires looking at how it transitions from a physical space to a conceptual one. In everyday German life, you might see a sign pointing to a 'Wanderweg' that leads across a 'Feld', or you might be asked to fill out a 'Formularfeld' when registering for a service. The word carries a sense of defined space, whether that space is bounded by fences on a farm or by lines on a soccer pitch.

Agricultural Context: Refers to an 'Acker' or 'Anbaufläche'. Farmers work on the field to plant wheat, corn, or potatoes. Example: 'Der Bauer pflügt das Feld.'
Sports Context: Refers to the 'Spielfeld' or 'Platz'. In soccer, rugby, or American football, the action happens on the field. Example: 'Die Spieler laufen auf das Feld.'
Digital Context: Refers to an input area in a digital form or a database attribute. Example: 'Bitte füllen Sie alle Pflichtfelder aus.'

Der Weizen auf dem Feld ist fast reif für die Ernte.

Beyond these literal uses, 'das Feld' is used figuratively to describe a range of expertise or a specific area of interest. When someone asks, 'In welchem Feld arbeitest du?', they are asking about your professional domain or industry. This is similar to the English 'field' in 'field of expertise'. The word is also central to many idiomatic expressions in German, such as 'das Feld räumen' (to leave the field/give up) or 'ins Feld führen' (to bring up an argument). Its linguistic roots are deep, connecting to the Old High German 'fëld', which originally meant 'flat land'. This flatness is a key visual component of the word's meaning. Whether it is a flat piece of dirt for planting or a flat section of a computer screen for typing, the underlying concept remains a designated, flat area of space.

Das Spielfeld ist einhundert Meter lang.

In diesem Berufsfeld gibt es viele Möglichkeiten.

Ein starkes magnetisches Feld umgibt den Planeten.

Klicken Sie in das leere Textfeld.

Using das Feld correctly involves understanding its grammatical case and the prepositions that typically accompany it. Because it is a neuter noun, its articles change predictably: das Feld (Nominative/Accusative), dem Feld(e) (Dative), and des Feldes (Genitive). The most common preposition used with 'Feld' is auf. When you are describing a location, you use the Dative case: 'Die Kühe stehen auf dem Feld.' When you are describing movement toward the field, you use the Accusative case: 'Der Traktor fährt auf das Feld.' This distinction is crucial for sounding natural in German.

Location (Dative): Used when someone or something is already positioned on the field. Example: 'Wir spielen Fußball auf dem Feld.'
Direction (Accusative): Used when there is movement onto the field. Example: 'Die Mannschaften laufen auf das Feld.'
Abstract/Professional: Used with 'in' or 'aus'. Example: 'Sie kommt aus dem Feld der Psychologie.'

Nach dem Regen war das Feld sehr schlammig.

In more complex sentences, 'das Feld' often appears as part of a compound noun. German loves joining words together to create specific meanings. For instance, 'das Schlachtfeld' means battlefield, 'das Minenfeld' means minefield, and 'das Aufgabenfeld' means field of tasks or responsibilities. When using these compounds, the gender of the word is always determined by the last element, which in this case is always 'das Feld'. Therefore, all these compounds are neuter. You will also see it used in the plural form, 'die Felder', especially when describing the vast countryside. 'Die grünen Felder erstrecken sich bis zum Horizont' (The green fields stretch to the horizon). In technical writing, you might encounter 'Datenfelder' in a database context. Each 'Feld' contains a specific piece of information. Mastering these variations allows you to transition from simple descriptions of nature to complex professional discussions.

Das Berufsfeld der IT entwickelt sich schnell.

Er hat das Feld von hinten aufgerollt und das Rennen gewonnen.

You will encounter das Feld in a variety of real-world settings in Germany. If you are traveling through the countryside, particularly in states like Lower Saxony or Bavaria, you will see vast 'Felder' everywhere. Farmers will talk about their 'Feldarbeit' (field work). In a more urban setting, you will hear this word at any sporting event. The commentator on television will shout, 'Die Spieler betreten das Feld!' (The players are entering the field!). This usage is almost identical to the English 'pitch' or 'field'. Another very common place to hear this word is in an office or when dealing with bureaucracy. Germany is known for its love of forms (Formulare). Every box you have to fill out—name, address, date of birth—is called a 'Feld' or 'Eingabefeld'.

In Agriculture: Discussions about crop rotation, soil quality, and harvesting. 'Das Feld muss gedüngt werden.'
In Sports: Coaches giving instructions or fans discussing the game. 'Der Ball ist noch im Feld!'
In the Office: Digital interfaces, spreadsheets (Excel), and online forms. 'Löschen Sie den Inhalt in diesem Feld.'

Das Wellenfeld im Ozean kann sehr gefährlich sein.

In academic or scientific settings, 'das Feld' is ubiquitous. A professor might say, 'In meinem Forschungsfeld gibt es neue Entdeckungen.' (In my field of research, there are new discoveries.) Physicists use it to describe invisible forces, such as 'das Magnetfeld' (magnetic field) or 'das elektrische Feld' (electric field). Even in social contexts, you might hear 'das soziale Umfeld', referring to someone's social environment or circle of friends. The word is so deeply embedded in the language that it serves as a foundational building block for describing any area—physical, digital, or conceptual—that has boundaries and contains specific elements. Listen for it in news reports about agriculture, sports broadcasts, and professional seminars.

Wir müssen das Feld räumen, bevor es dunkel wird.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with das Feld is confusing it with other similar words like der Platz or der Acker. While 'Platz' can mean 'place' or 'square' (like Alexanderplatz), it is also used for 'sports field' (Sportplatz). However, you cannot use 'Feld' to mean a town square. Another mistake is the gender. Many learners mistakenly think it is masculine (*der Feld) because many landscape words like 'der Berg' or 'der Wald' are masculine. Remember: it is always das Feld. Using the wrong article will lead to incorrect case endings later in the sentence.

Feld vs. Platz: Use 'Feld' for agricultural land or the general concept of an area. Use 'Platz' for a specific, often paved or designated area like a parking lot (Parkplatz) or a town square (Marktplatz).
Feld vs. Acker: 'Acker' is more specific than 'Feld'. An 'Acker' is specifically soil that is being plowed and used for crops. 'Feld' is a more general term that could include pasture or unplowed land.
Preposition Errors: Don't say 'in dem Feld' when you mean you are standing on it. The correct preposition is 'auf'. 'In' is used for abstract fields (in diesem Forschungsfeld).

Falsch: Ich stehe in dem Feld. Richtig: Ich stehe auf dem Feld.

Another nuance is the plural form. While 'Felder' is the standard plural, some learners try to use 'Felden' in the dative plural. The correct dative plural is 'auf den Feldern'. Forgetting that extra 'n' at the end of the noun in the dative plural is a classic error. Finally, be careful with figurative language. In English, you might say 'out in the field' to mean doing practical work. In German, this is often 'im Außendienst' or 'vor Ort', though 'im Feld' is used in specific scientific contexts (Feldforschung). Avoid direct translations of English idioms unless you are sure they exist in German.

Das Datenfeld darf nicht leer bleiben.

German has several words that overlap with das Feld, and choosing the right one depends on the specific context. If you are talking about agriculture, der Acker is your primary alternative. It specifically implies soil that is worked by a plow. If the land is primarily grass for animals, die Wiese (meadow) or die Weide (pasture) are more accurate. In a sports context, der Platz or das Spielfeld are common. For professional or academic areas, der Bereich (area/sector) or das Fachgebiet (specialty) are often used instead of 'Feld'.

Acker: More technical for farming. It focuses on the soil and the act of cultivation. 'Der Acker ist bereit für die Saat.'
Wiese: A grassy field, usually not plowed. It is where you go for a picnic or where cows graze. 'Wir sitzen auf der Wiese.'
Bereich: A more abstract 'area' or 'realm'. 'Das ist nicht mein Bereich' (That is not my area/department).
Flur: In a geographical sense, it refers to the open fields of a community. Note: 'Flur' also means 'hallway' in a house, so context is key!

Das Fachgebiet der Linguistik ist sehr breit gefächert.

When comparing 'Feld' and 'Bereich', 'Feld' usually implies a more established, defined discipline, whereas 'Bereich' can be any informal section or department. In physics, 'Feld' is the only correct term for things like gravity or magnetism (Schwerefeld, Magnetfeld). In digital forms, 'Feld' is also the standard; you wouldn't call a text box a 'Bereich'. Understanding these subtle differences helps you choose the word that sounds most 'native' in any given situation. For example, while you could say 'Ich arbeite im Feld der Biologie', saying 'Ich arbeite im Bereich Biologie' sounds slightly more common in modern professional German. However, if you are conducting 'Feldforschung' (field research), you must stick with 'Feld'.

Die Kühe weiden auf der Weide hinter dem Feld.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'Feld' is related to the word 'flach' (flat). This highlights the visual nature of a field as a flat, open space.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /fɛlt/

US /fɛlt/

Stress is on the only syllable: FELD.

Rhymes With

Geld (money) Welt (world) Zelt (tent) hält (holds) stellt (places) bellt (barks) fällt (falls) hellt (brightens)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'd' as a soft 'd' like in 'bed'. In German, a final 'd' sounds like a 't'.
Lengthening the vowel 'e'. It must be short.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'Fels' (rock).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

The word is short and common, appearing early in all learning materials.

Writing 2/5

Remembering the neuter gender and the plural 'Felder' is the main challenge.

Speaking 1/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, similar to 'felt' in English.

Listening 1/5

Easily recognizable in context, especially in sports or nature descriptions.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

der Baum die Blume das Land grün groß

Learn Next

der Acker die Wiese der Bereich das Formular die Ernte

Advanced

die Quantenfeldtheorie das Spannungsfeld das Aufgabenfeld die Feldforschung

Grammar to Know

Neuter Nouns

Das Feld, das Haus, das Kind.

Two-Way Prepositions (Wechselpräpositionen)

Auf dem Feld (Dativ - location) vs. Auf das Feld (Akkusativ - direction).

Compound Nouns

Fußball + Feld = das Fußballfeld (Gender comes from the last word).

Plural Formation with -er

Das Feld -> die Felder (common for neuter nouns).

Dative Plural -n

Auf den Feldern (Add an -n to the plural noun in dative).

Examples by Level

Das Feld ist grün.

The field is green.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure. 'Das Feld' is the subject.

Dort ist ein großes Feld.

There is a large field.

Use of the indefinite article 'ein' for a neuter noun.

Wir gehen über das Feld.

We are walking across the field.

The preposition 'über' takes the accusative here for movement.

Der Bauer hat ein Feld.

The farmer has a field.

'Ein Feld' is the direct object (accusative).

Die Blumen auf dem Feld sind schön.

The flowers on the field are beautiful.

'Auf dem Feld' is dative because it describes a location.

Ist das Feld weit weg?

Is the field far away?

Question structure with the verb in the first position.

Ich sehe ein Pferd auf dem Feld.

I see a horse on the field.

Dative case after 'auf' for location.

Das Feld braucht Wasser.

The field needs water.

The noun 'Feld' as the subject needing an object.

Er arbeitet den ganzen Tag auf dem Feld.

He works on the field all day.

Dative case used for a stationary activity (working).

Bitte füllen Sie das Feld 'Name' aus.

Please fill out the 'Name' field.

Use of 'Feld' in a digital/administrative context.

Die Kinder spielen auf dem Fußballfeld.

The children are playing on the soccer field.

Compound noun: Fußball + Feld.

Im Sommer sind die Felder gelb.

In the summer, the fields are yellow.

Plural form 'die Felder'.

Der Traktor fährt auf das Feld.

The tractor is driving onto the field.

Accusative case 'das Feld' because of movement onto the area.

Das Feld liegt hinter unserem Haus.

The field is behind our house.

Preposition 'hinter' with dative for location.

Wir haben viele Felder in unserem Dorf.

We have many fields in our village.

Accusative plural 'viele Felder'.

Klicken Sie auf das nächste Feld.

Click on the next field.

Imperative form 'Klicken Sie'.

In welchem Berufsfeld sind Sie tätig?

In which professional field are you active?

'Berufsfeld' used to describe a career area.

Das ist ein weites Feld, darüber müssen wir länger sprechen.

That is a wide field (a complex topic), we need to talk about it longer.

Idiomatic use of 'ein weites Feld' for a complex topic.

Die Armee musste das Feld räumen.

The army had to leave the field (retreat).

Idiom 'das Feld räumen' meaning to retreat or give up.

Er hat viel Erfahrung in diesem Aufgabenfeld.

He has a lot of experience in this field of tasks.

Compound noun 'Aufgabenfeld'.

Die Forscher führen Experimente im Feld durch.

The researchers are conducting experiments in the field.

'Im Feld' refers to practical, outdoor research.

Dieses Feld im Formular ist ein Pflichtfeld.

This field in the form is a mandatory field.

Compound noun 'Pflichtfeld'.

Der Wind weht über die offenen Felder.

The wind blows across the open fields.

Dative plural 'den Feldern' after 'über' (if stationary) or accusative 'die Felder' (if crossing).

Das Unternehmen dominiert das Feld der Solarenergie.

The company dominates the field of solar energy.

Abstract use of 'Feld' for an industry sector.

Die Erde besitzt ein schützendes Magnetfeld.

The Earth possesses a protective magnetic field.

Scientific compound 'Magnetfeld'.

Sie konnte wichtige Argumente ins Feld führen.

She was able to bring important arguments into the field (to argue).

Idiom 'ins Feld führen' meaning to present arguments.

Das soziale Umfeld prägt den Charakter eines Menschen.

The social environment shapes a person's character.

Compound 'Umfeld' meaning environment/surroundings.

Wir müssen das Feld der Möglichkeiten genau prüfen.

We must carefully examine the field of possibilities.

Metaphorical use of 'Feld'.

Der Läufer hat das Feld von hinten aufgerollt.

The runner caught up from the back of the pack.

Idiom 'das Feld von hinten aufrollen'.

In der Physik gibt es verschiedene Arten von Kraftfeldern.

In physics, there are different types of force fields.

Plural compound 'Kraftfeldern' (Dative plural).

Das Projekt liegt noch im Feld der Spekulation.

The project is still in the field of speculation.

Abstract prepositional phrase 'im Feld der...'

Die Sensoren messen das elektrische Feld.

The sensors measure the electric field.

Adjective 'elektrisch' modifying 'Feld'.

Die Studie bewegt sich in einem interdisziplinären Feld.

The study operates in an interdisciplinary field.

Academic usage with an adjective.

Das Spannungsfeld zwischen Freiheit und Sicherheit ist groß.

The area of tension between freedom and security is large.

Compound 'Spannungsfeld' for conflicting concepts.

Er ist ein anerkannter Experte auf seinem Feld.

He is a recognized expert in his field.

'Auf seinem Feld' used for professional expertise.

Die Feldforschung lieferte überraschende Ergebnisse.

The field research provided surprising results.

Compound 'Feldforschung'.

Diese Entdeckung eröffnet ein völlig neues Forschungsfeld.

This discovery opens up a completely new field of research.

Compound 'Forschungsfeld'.

Das Wort 'Bank' gehört zu verschiedenen semantischen Feldern.

The word 'Bank' belongs to different semantic fields.

Linguistic term 'semantisches Feld'.

Man darf das Feld nicht den Populisten überlassen.

One must not leave the field (the public arena) to the populists.

Figurative use meaning 'public debate/arena'.

Die Gravitationswellen breiten sich im Feld aus.

The gravitational waves propagate in the field.

Advanced scientific context.

Die Bourdieusche Theorie analysiert das literarische Feld.

Bourdieu's theory analyzes the literary field.

Sociological application of 'Feld'.

In der Quantenfeldtheorie werden Teilchen als Anregungen von Feldern betrachtet.

In quantum field theory, particles are viewed as excitations of fields.

High-level physics terminology.

Das weite Feld der Metaphysik bleibt oft unergründlich.

The vast field of metaphysics often remains inscrutable.

Philosophical usage.

Die Komplexität des Berufsfeldes erfordert ständige Weiterbildung.

The complexity of the professional field requires constant further education.

Genitive case 'des Berufsfeldes'.

Er hat seine Konkurrenten aus dem Feld geschlagen.

He defeated his competitors decisively.

Idiom 'aus dem Feld schlagen'.

Das Sichtfeld des Mikroskops war extrem eingeschränkt.

The microscope's field of vision was extremely limited.

Technical compound 'Sichtfeld'.

Die politische Landschaft ist ein vermintes Feld.

The political landscape is a minefield (dangerous).

Metaphorical use of 'vermintes Feld'.

Das Wortfeld 'gehen' umfasst zahlreiche Synonyme.

The word field 'to go' encompasses numerous synonyms.

Linguistic compound 'Wortfeld'.

Common Collocations

ein weites Feld

auf dem Feld arbeiten

das Feld räumen

ein Pflichtfeld ausfüllen

ins Feld führen

das magnetische Feld

über die Felder laufen

das Berufsfeld wechseln

ein leeres Textfeld

das Feld von hinten aufräumen

Common Phrases

Auf freiem Feld

— In the open countryside, without shelter.

Wir standen plötzlich auf freiem Feld im Regen.

Feld und Flur

— The entire countryside/landscape.

Er wanderte durch Feld und Flur.

Im Feld

— Outdoors, doing practical work or in battle.

Die Soldaten waren drei Monate im Feld.

Ein bestelltes Feld

— A field that has been sown; figuratively, a situation that is prepared.

Er hinterließ seinem Nachfolger ein bestelltes Feld.

Das Feld beherrschen

— To dominate a particular area or market.

Diese Firma beherrscht das Feld der Mikrochips.

Ein weites Feld sein

— To be a broad or complex topic.

Das Thema Steuern ist ein weites Feld.

Vom Feld gehen

— To leave the sports pitch (usually after being substituted).

Der Starspieler ging enttäuscht vom Feld.

Ein Feld bestellen

— To cultivate or sow a field.

Im Frühling bestellen die Bauern das Feld.

Das Feld sondieren

— To scout the area or test the waters.

Wir müssen erst einmal das Feld sondieren.

Ein Feld abstecken

— To mark out an area; figuratively, to define boundaries.

Wir müssen unser Forschungsfeld genau abstecken.

Often Confused With

Das Feld vs der Platz

Used for city squares or specific spots. 'Feld' is for open land or conceptual areas.

Das Feld vs die Wiese

A meadow (grass). 'Feld' usually implies cultivation (crops) or a sports area.

Das Feld vs das Zelt

A tent. Sounds slightly similar but completely different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"Das Feld von hinten aufräumen"

— To start from a bad position and eventually overtake everyone.

Im letzten Viertel hat die Mannschaft das Feld von hinten aufgeräumt.

Casual/Sports

"Das Feld räumen"

— To give up one's position or admit defeat.

Nach dem Skandal musste der Minister das Feld räumen.

Formal/Journalistic

"Etwas ins Feld führen"

— To mention something as an argument or justification.

Gegen diesen Plan lassen sich viele Gründe ins Feld führen.

Formal

"Ein weites Feld sein"

— A quote from Fontane meaning a topic is too broad to discuss easily.

Ach, das ist ein weites Feld, lassen wir das lieber.

Literary/Educated

"Das Feld behaupten"

— To hold one's ground or stay successful.

Trotz der Konkurrenz konnte die Firma das Feld behaupten.

Business

"Jemandem das Feld überlassen"

— To let someone else take control or have the advantage.

Ich werde meinen Gegnern nicht kampflos das Feld überlassen.

General

"Aus dem Feld schlagen"

— To defeat or outdo someone completely.

Mit ihrem neuen Produkt haben sie alle Konkurrenten aus dem Feld geschlagen.

General

"Ein Feld beackern"

— To work intensely on a specific topic or area.

Er beackert das Feld der künstlichen Intelligenz schon seit Jahren.

Professional

"Querfeldein"

— Cross-country; taking a direct route across fields.

Wir sind querfeldein durch den Matsch gelaufen.

General

"Das Feld bereiten"

— To prepare the ground for something to happen.

Seine Forschung hat das Feld für neue Therapien bereitet.

Formal

Easily Confused

Das Feld vs Acker

Both refer to farming land.

An 'Acker' is specifically plowed land. 'Feld' is more general and can include sports or digital areas.

Der Bauer pflügt den Acker, aber das Fußballspiel ist auf dem Feld.

Das Feld vs Platz

Both can mean a sports area.

'Platz' is broader (space, seat, square). 'Feld' is specific to the playing surface itself.

Nimm auf deinem Platz Platz, die Spieler sind schon auf dem Feld.

Das Feld vs Bereich

Both mean 'area' figuratively.

'Bereich' is more abstract and common in business. 'Feld' implies a discipline or a defined physical zone.

Mein Bereich ist der Vertrieb, aber mein Forschungsfeld ist die Geschichte.

Das Feld vs Flur

Both can mean countryside.

'Flur' is poetic or administrative for land. It also means 'hallway' in a house.

Er läuft durch die Flur (hallway) nach draußen auf die Flur (fields).

Das Feld vs Ebene

Both imply flatness.

'Ebene' means a plain (geography) or a level (metaphorical). 'Feld' is a specific plot.

In der norddeutschen Ebene gibt es viele grüne Felder.

Sentence Patterns

Das [Nomen] ist [Adjektiv].

Das Feld ist groß.

Ich sehe [Artikel] [Nomen] auf dem Feld.

Ich sehe einen Traktor auf dem Feld.

Ich arbeite im [Berufsfeld].

Ich arbeite im Berufsfeld Marketing.

Man muss [Argument] ins Feld führen.

Man muss die Kosten ins Feld führen.

Es besteht ein Spannungsfeld zwischen [A] und [B].

Es besteht ein Spannungsfeld zwischen Theorie und Praxis.

Die [Theorie] befasst sich mit dem [Adjektiv] Feld.

Die Soziologie befasst sich mit dem sozialen Feld.

Dort sind viele [Plural].

Dort sind viele Felder.

Bitte füllen Sie das [Substantiv] aus.

Bitte füllen Sie das Textfeld aus.

Word Family

Nouns

Das Spielfeld

Das Berufsfeld

Das Magnetfeld

Das Textfeld

Die Feldarbeit

Der Feldweg

Die Feldmaus

Der Feldzug

Verbs

beackern

feldern (rare/technical)

ausfüllen (often used with fields)

Adjectives

feldgrau

feldmäßig

feldbedingt

Der Acker

Die Wiese

Die Flur

Die Ebene

Der Bereich

How to Use It

frequency

Very High. It is one of the top 1000 words in German.

Common Mistakes

Der Feld → Das Feld
Learners often assume landscape words are masculine. 'Feld' is neuter.
In dem Feld stehen → Auf dem Feld stehen
For physical surfaces, German uses 'auf' (on) rather than 'in' (in).
Die Felden → Die Felder
The plural ends in -er, not -en. The -n only appears in the dative case.
Feld for town square → Platz
A town square is a 'Platz'. 'Feld' is only for open land or conceptual fields.
Using 'Feld' for 'field of vision' without the prefix. → Sichtfeld
While 'Feld' can be general, 'Sichtfeld' is the specific term for field of vision.

Tips

Gender Memory

Associate 'Das Feld' with 'Das Land' (the land). Both are neuter and both refer to open spaces. This will help you remember the article 'das'.

Compound Power

Learn 'Feld' as a root word. Once you know it, words like Spielfeld, Berufsfeld, and Textfeld become instantly understandable. German is built on these blocks.

Preposition Choice

Remember: 'Auf' for physical, 'In' for abstract. You stand 'auf dem Feld' but you work 'in einem Forschungsfeld'. This distinction makes you sound more advanced.

Literary Flair

If you want to sound sophisticated, use 'Das ist ein weites Feld' when a topic gets too complicated. It shows you have knowledge of German literature.

Form Filling

When a website says 'Dieses Feld ist erforderlich', it means the field is mandatory. Look for the word 'Feld' whenever you are doing online admin in German.

Final Devoicing

Don't forget that the 'd' at the end of 'Feld' sounds like a 't'. Practice saying 'Felt' with a short 'e' to get the pronunciation right.

Plural Dative

Always add an 'n' in the dative plural: 'auf den Feldern'. It's one of the most common small mistakes learners make.

Feld vs. Acker

Use 'Acker' if you want to sound like a real farmer. It’s more specific to cultivated soil. Use 'Feld' for everything else.

Competition

Use 'das Feld von hinten aufräumen' to describe someone making a surprising comeback. It's a great phrase for sports or business contexts.

Force Fields

In science, 'Feld' is the standard word. Magnetfeld, Gravitationsfeld, Kraftfeld. It works just like the English 'field'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'felt' hat lying on a 'Feld'. Both sound the same, and the hat covers an area just like a field covers the ground.

Visual Association

Visualize a giant soccer ball sitting in the middle of a golden wheat field. This connects the agricultural and sports meanings.

Word Web

Bauernhof Traktor Fußball Formular Physik Ernte Natur Weizen

Challenge

Try to find three different 'Felder' today: one in nature, one on a computer or phone, and one in a professional context.

Word Origin

Derived from the Old High German 'fëld', which comes from the Proto-Germanic '*felthuz'. It is cognate with the English word 'field' and the Dutch 'veld'.

Original meaning: The original meaning was 'flat land' or 'open country', as opposed to forests or mountains.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Generally a neutral word, but terms like 'Schlachtfeld' (battlefield) or 'Minenfeld' carry heavy historical and emotional weight.

The German 'Feld' maps almost perfectly to the English 'field' in all three main senses: agriculture, sports, and professional/academic areas.

Theodor Fontane's novel 'Effi Briest' (Ein weites Feld). The term 'Feldgrau', the color of German military uniforms in the early 20th century. Bourdieu's 'Field Theory' (Feldtheorie) in sociology.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Agriculture

Das Feld pflügen
Das Feld bestellen
Die Ernte auf dem Feld
Ein fruchtbares Feld

Sports

Auf das Spielfeld laufen
Den Ball ins Feld spielen
Das Feld verlassen
Ein nasses Spielfeld

Digital/Forms

Ein Feld ausfüllen
Das Feld ist leer
Ein Pflichtfeld markieren
In das Textfeld klicken

Professional/Academic

In einem Berufsfeld arbeiten
Ein neues Forschungsfeld
Experte auf diesem Feld
Das Feld der Psychologie

Physics/Science

Ein magnetisches Feld
Das elektrische Feld messen
Ein Kraftfeld erzeugen
Im Gravitationsfeld

Conversation Starters

"Arbeitest du lieber im Büro oder draußen auf dem Feld?"

"Welches Berufsfeld findest du am interessantesten für die Zukunft?"

"Bist du schon einmal querfeldein durch die Natur gewandert?"

"Glaubst du, dass man das Feld der Politik den jungen Leuten überlassen sollte?"

"Wie viele Felder musst du normalerweise in einem deutschen Formular ausfüllen?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe ein Feld, das du in deiner Kindheit oft gesehen hast. Wie sah es aus?

In welchem Berufsfeld möchtest du in fünf Jahren arbeiten und warum?

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du 'das Feld von hinten aufgerollt' hast.

Warum ist es wichtig, alle Pflichtfelder in einem Dokument korrekt auszufüllen?

Stell dir vor, du bist ein Bauer. Wie sieht dein typischer Tag auf dem Feld aus?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'das Feld' is always neuter. This applies to all its compound forms like 'Spielfeld', 'Berufsfeld', and 'Magnetfeld'. Knowing this helps you apply the correct grammar consistently across many words.

A 'Feld' is usually land used for growing crops like wheat or corn, or a surface for sports. A 'Wiese' is a meadow, which is covered in grass and often used for grazing animals or relaxing. If you see a tractor, it's probably a Feld. If you see a picnic, it's probably a Wiese.

Use 'auf dem Feld' for physical locations (standing on a farm or sports pitch). Use 'im Feld' for abstract contexts, such as 'im Feld der Wissenschaft' (in the field of science) or 'im Feld' meaning 'in the military/battle'. However, 'im Bereich' is often a more natural alternative for professional areas.

You can say 'das Fußballfeld' or 'der Fußballplatz'. Both are correct and widely understood. 'Fußballplatz' is slightly more common when referring to the entire facility, while 'Fußballfeld' refers specifically to the grass area where the game is played.

This is a famous idiom meaning 'a broad/complex topic'. It's often used when someone wants to signal that a subject is too complicated to explain quickly or that it has many different aspects. It comes from the German novel 'Effi Briest' by Theodor Fontane.

Yes, it is used for 'data fields' or 'input boxes' in digital forms. For example, 'das Textfeld' (text field) or 'das Passwortfeld' (password field). If you are filling out an online form, each box you type in is a 'Feld'.

The plural is 'die Felder'. However, in the dative case, it becomes 'den Feldern'. You must add an 'n' in the dative plural. For example: 'Ich laufe auf den Feldern'.

'Feldforschung' translates to 'field research'. It refers to practical research conducted outside of a laboratory or library, such as an anthropologist living in a village or a biologist observing animals in the wild.

No. 'Das Feld' means field, while 'der Fels' means rock or cliff. They sound somewhat similar but have completely different genders and meanings. Be careful with the final consonants ('d' vs 's').

Yes, 'das Berufsfeld' refers to a professional field or industry. You can say 'Ich arbeite im Berufsfeld Erziehung' (I work in the field of education). It's a very common way to describe your career sector.