der
Datensatz
💾 What exactly is a 'Datensatz'?
Der Datensatz (masculine noun) refers to a self-contained, related collection of data treated as a single unit. Imagine a row in a spreadsheet – that's a typical Datensatz. Each Datensatz contains information about a specific object or event (e.g., Kundendaten - customer data, Messwerte - measurement values, Buchinformationen - book information).
- Meaning: A structured unit of data (e.g., an entry or record in a database).
- Context: Primarily used in Informatik (computer science), Statistik (statistics), Datenverarbeitung (data processing), and Forschung (research).
⚠️ Don't confuse it with Datei (a file, a collection of data on a storage medium) or Datenbank (a database, an organized collection of data often containing many Datensätze).
Article rules for der, die, and das
-tz → almost always masculine.
Grammar in Detail: Der Datensatz
The word 'Datensatz' is a masculine noun. It follows the strong declension pattern.
Declension Singular
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Datensatz |
| Accusative | den | Datensatz |
| Dative | dem | Datensatz(e) |
| Genitive | des | Datensatzes |
Declension Plural
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Datensätze |
| Accusative | die | Datensätze |
| Dative | den | Datensätzen |
| Genitive | der | Datensätze |
Example Sentences 📝
- Der Datensatz wurde erfolgreich gespeichert.
(The data record was saved successfully.) - Der Programmierer löschte versehentlich den Datensatz.
(The programmer accidentally deleted the data record.) - Wir fügen dem Datensatz neue Informationen hinzu.
(We add new information to the data record.) - Die Analyse des Datensatzes dauerte mehrere Stunden.
(The analysis of the data record took several hours.) - Die Datenbank enthält Millionen von Datensätzen.
(The database contains millions of data records.)
When to use 'Datensatz'? 🤔
The term Datensatz is a technical term primarily used in technical and scientific contexts:
- Informatik & Datenbanken (Computer Science & Databases): Refers to a row in a database table or an entry in a file (e.g., a Kundendatensatz - customer record, a Produktdatensatz - product record).
- Statistik & Forschung (Statistics & Research): Represents the collected information for one unit of observation (e.g., a participant's responses in a survey).
- Datenverarbeitung (Data Processing): A logical unit of data that is processed together.
In general conversation, people are more likely to talk about Daten (data), Informationen (information), or Einträge (entries). 'Datensatz' implies a certain structure and relationship among the data elements.
Example: "Für die Studie analysierten wir einen großen Datensatz mit anonymisierten Patientendaten." (For the study, we analyzed a large dataset with anonymized patient data.)
Remembering 'der Datensatz' 💡
Remembering the Article 'der':
Think: Der digital Satz (set/record) of data. The German word 'Satz' (like 'a sentence' or 'a set') is often masculine (der Satz). Or imagine a powerful computer (der Rechner) managing the records.
Remembering the Meaning:
A Datensatz is a 'Satz' (a unit, a collection, a record) full of 'Daten' (data). Just like a sentence (Satz) in language consists of words, a data record (Datensatz) consists of related data points.
Synonyms & Antonyms 🔄
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Eintrag: (Entry - especially in lists or forms)
- Aufzeichnung: (Record / Recording - more general for recorded information)
- Record: (Direct equivalent from English, common in IT)
- Datenpunkt(e): (Data point(s) - can be part of a Datensatz, sometimes used synonymously)
- Datenzeile: (Data row - specifically in tables)
Antonyms/Related Terms (Opposite or Different Level of Abstraction):
- Datenbank: (Database - a collection of many Datensätze)
- Datei: (File - a physical or logical collection of data, can contain many Datensätze)
- Datenfeld: (Data field - a single element within a Datensatz, e.g., 'Name' or 'Age')
- Leere Menge / Kein Eintrag: (Empty set / No entry - the absence of a Datensatz)
🚨 Caution: Although 'Eintrag' (entry) is often used synonymously, 'Datensatz' emphasizes the structured relationship of the data as part of a larger whole (like a database) more strongly.
A Little Data Joke 😄
Fragt ein Datensatz den anderen: "Bist du auch Single?"
Antwortet der andere: "Nein, ich bin Teil einer Relation!"
Translation:
One data record asks the other: "Are you single too?"
The other replies: "No, I'm part of a relation!" (A pun on 'relationship' and 'relation' in databases).
Data Rap 🎤
Yo, check den Flow, hier kommt der Record,
Der Datensatz, auf der Festplatte gespeichert, an Bord.
Zeile für Zeile, Info für Info,
Strukturiert und klar, das ist der Clou, yo!
In der Datenbank, da hat er seinen Platz,
Ein kleiner Teil vom großen Datenschatz.
Translation:
Yo, check the flow, here comes the record,
The Datensatz, saved on the hard drive, on board.
Line by line, info by info,
Structured and clear, that's the kicker, yo!
In the database, there it has its place,
A small part of the great data treasure.
Data Riddle 🤔
Ich bin eine Zeile, doch kein Gedicht.
Ich halte Daten, hab' Gewicht.
In Tabellen fühl ich mich zuhaus'.
Was bin ich wohl? Finde es heraus!
Translation:
I am a line, but not a poem.
I hold data, have weight/importance.
In tables, I feel at home.
What am I? Figure it out!
Solution: Der Datensatz (The data record)
Additional Info 🧐
Word Composition (Wortzusammensetzung):
The word 'Datensatz' is a compound noun, formed from:
- Daten (Plural of Datum, here meaning 'information' or 'data')
- Satz (here meaning 'set', 'collection', 'record')
The combination highlights the meaning: a related set/unit of information.
Summary: is it der, die or das Datensatz?
The correct form is der Datensatz. It is a masculine noun.