das  Fazit

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/faˈtsɪt/

✍️ What does "das Fazit" mean?

Das Fazit (noun, neuter) refers to the result, the conclusion, or the summary of a deliberation, investigation, discussion, or text. It draws a line under something and summarizes the most important points or the final outcome.

It originates from the Latin word facit, meaning "it makes" or "it results in". So, one essentially draws the sum from what came before.

There is only one article for this word: das Fazit. ⚠️ There are no other genders for Fazit.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Das Fazit

"Fazit" is a noun of neuter gender. It always takes the article "das".

📝 Example Sentences

1. Nominativ: Das Fazit der Studie war eindeutig. (The conclusion of the study was clear.)
2. Genitiv: Die Veröffentlichung des Fazits steht noch aus. (The publication of the conclusion is still pending.)
3. Dativ: Nach langer Diskussion kamen wir zu einem Fazit. (After a long discussion, we came to a conclusion.)
4. Akkusativ: Der Redner zog am Ende sein Fazit. (The speaker drew his conclusion at the end.)
5. Plural: Die Fazits / Fazite der verschiedenen Arbeitsgruppen wurden verglichen. (The conclusions of the different working groups were compared.)

💡 How to use "das Fazit"?

"Das Fazit" is often used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate a summary or conclusion:

• Reports & Analyses: A Fazit is often drawn at the end of scientific papers, business reports, or analyses.
• Discussions & Meetings: You summarize the results of a discussion: "Mein Fazit aus dieser Besprechung ist..." (My conclusion from this meeting is...)
• Presentations: Speakers use the Fazit to reiterate the core messages.
• Personal Reflection: Even in everyday life, one can draw a Fazit: "Mein Fazit des Tages: Ich brauche mehr Kaffee!" ☕ (My conclusion of the day: I need more coffee!)

Distinction from similar words:

• Zusammenfassung (Summary): Focuses on repeating the main points, without necessarily drawing an evaluative conclusion. The Fazit often includes an assessment or result.
• Schlussfolgerung (Conclusion): Very similar to Fazit, often used synonymously. Emphasizes the logical deduction from premises.
• Ergebnis (Result): Can refer to a concrete outcome (e.g., of a calculation or measurement), whereas Fazit tends to mean the final assessment or the core of a consideration.

Typical phrases are: "das Fazit ziehen" (to draw the conclusion), "zu einem Fazit kommen" (to reach a conclusion), "das Fazit lautet..." (the conclusion is...).

🧠 Memory Aids for "das Fazit"

Mnemonic for the article "das":

Think of "das Resultat" or "das Ergebnis" – both are neuter, just like das Fazit. It's the end result, the thing that remains. Think of the neutral 'S' sound in Resultat, Ergebnis, and Fazit might help associate it with das.

Mnemonic for the meaning:

"After all the facts hit (Fazit), what's the final score?" The word Fazit sounds a bit like "facts hit". Imagine gathering all the facts; when they 'hit' or come together, you get the conclusion or summary (das Fazit). Or remember the Latin facit = it makes, it results in. The Fazit results from what came before.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for "das Fazit"

⚠️ Caution, don't confuse with:

• Die Fassade: The facade of a building (sounds vaguely similar).
• Der Fauxpas: A social blunder (from French).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir das Fazit unserer heutigen Stunde nennen?"
Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Das Fazit ist: Es klingelt gleich!"

Teacher asks: "Who can tell me the conclusion (Fazit) of today's lesson?"
Little Fritz raises his hand: "The conclusion (Fazit) is: the bell is about to ring!"

📜 Poem about Fazit

Gedanken kreisten, lang und breit,
Argumente stritten weit.
Doch nun am Schluss, ganz ungeniert,
wird das Fazit präsentiert.

Was bleibt, was zählt, was ist der Kern?
Das sagt es uns, wir hören's gern.
Klar und knapp, auf den Punkt gebracht,
hat es das Ende uns gemacht.

Thoughts circled, long and wide,
Arguments battled side by side.
But now at the end, quite unashamed,
The Fazit (conclusion) is proclaimed.

What remains, what counts, what is the core?
It tells us this, we ask no more.
Clear and concise, straight to the chase,
It brought the ending to its place.

🧩 Little Riddle

Ich steh am Ende, nicht am Start,
bin das Ergebnis, wohlbewahrt.
Ich fasse kurz, was lang besprochen,
hab schon manchen Kopf zerbrochen.

Mal bin ich klar, mal schwer zu sehen,
doch ohne mich kann nichts vergehen.
Man zieht mich oft nach langer Zeit.

Sag, wer bin ich, sei bereit?

Lösung: Das Fazit

I stand at the end, not at the start,
I am the result, kept safe in heart.
I summarize what long was discussed,
Have puzzled many heads, I must.

Sometimes I'm clear, sometimes hard to view,
But nothing can conclude without you-know-who.
You often draw me after lengthy plight.

Tell me, who am I, with all your might?

Solution: Das Fazit (The conclusion/summary)

🌐 More Interesting Facts

Etymology (Word Origin):

The word "Fazit" comes directly from the Latin verb facere (to make, to do) in the 3rd person singular present indicative active: facit. This originally meant "he/she/it makes" or, in a commercial context, "it yields (a sum)". In calculations, "facit" often preceded the final result, the sum. This meaning as "result" or "sum" then transferred to the current figurative meaning of "conclusion" or "final judgment".

Everyday Usage:

The expression "kurz und gut, mein Fazit lautet..." (long story short, my conclusion is...) is a common phrase to introduce a final opinion or summary.