die  Fixierung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɪksiˈʁiːʁʊŋ/

🎯 What does "die Fixierung" mean?

The word die Fixierung is a feminine noun with several meanings depending on the context:

• Fastening/Anchoring: The act of securing or stabilizing something. Example: Die Fixierung des Regals an der Wand (The fastening of the shelf to the wall).
• Psychological Fixation: A strong, often obsessive focus or attachment to a person, object, idea, or developmental stage. Example: Eine orale Fixierung (An oral fixation).
• Setting/Determining: The binding determination of something, e.g., a price, date, or condition. Example: Die Fixierung des Wechselkurses (The setting of the exchange rate).
• Chemical/Biological Fixation: A process used to preserve biological samples (e.g., tissues) and maintain them in a state as close to life as possible. Example: Die Fixierung von Zellen für die Mikroskopie (The fixation of cells for microscopy).
• Medical Fixation: The immobilization of a body part (e.g., for fractures) or a person (e.g., to prevent harm to self or others). Example: Die Fixierung des Arms mittels Gipsverband (The fixation of the arm using a plaster cast) or die Fixierung eines Patienten im Bett (the restraint/fixation of a patient in bed).

🚨 Pay attention to the context to understand the correct meaning!

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Die Fixierung

"Fixierung" is a feminine noun. Therefore, the article is always die.

Example Sentences

1. (Technical) Die Fixierung der Schrauben muss überprüft werden.
   (The fastening of the screws must be checked.)
2. (Psychological) Seine Fixierung auf materielle Güter ist ungesund.
   (His fixation on material goods is unhealthy.)
3. (Administrative) Nach langen Verhandlungen kam es zur Fixierung des Preises.
   (After long negotiations, the price was set.)
4. (Medical) Der Arzt ordnete die Fixierung des gebrochenen Beines an.
   (The doctor ordered the fixation/immobilization of the broken leg.)
5. (Biological) Die korrekte Fixierung ist entscheidend für die Qualität des Präparats.
   (Correct fixation is crucial for the quality of the specimen.)

💬 How to Use "Fixierung"?

The use of die Fixierung heavily depends on the field or context of conversation:

• In a technical context, you talk about the Fixierung of components (similar to Befestigung, Verankerung - fastening, anchoring).
• In psychology, Fixierung describes a strong, often problematic focus (similar to Obsession, Zwangsvorstellung - obsession, compulsive idea).
• In an administrative or economic context, it refers to setting conditions (similar to Festlegung, Bestimmung - setting, determination).
• In medicine or biology, it relates to preservation or immobilization techniques (similar to Konservierung, Ruhigstellung, Immobilisierung - preservation, immobilization).

While Befestigung primarily describes the act or result of fastening, Fixierung can also refer to the process or a state (especially psychological). Festlegung is more specific to agreements or rules.

🧠 Mnemonics for Fixierung

Article Mnemonic: Nouns ending in -ung in German are almost always feminine (die). Think of the English word 'fixation', which also sounds somewhat 'long'. The German equivalent Fixierung follows this feminine pattern: die Fixierung.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine you need to firmly fix something – whether it's 'fixing' a picture to the wall (technical Fixierung), 'fixing' your thoughts on one thing (psychological Fixierung), or 'fixing' a date in your calendar (Festlegung/setting). The word itself sounds like making something 'fixed' and immovable.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Misleading Words

Der Fix (colloquial): This refers to a dose of hard drugs (especially heroin) that is injected. It has nothing to do with 'die Fixierung', although the word origin (to 'fix' something) is similar.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum starrt der Mann mit der Schrauben-Fixierung immer auf die Wand?
Er sucht den Halt im Leben!

Translation: Why does the man with the screw fixation always stare at the wall?
He's looking for support (Halt = support/grip/hold) in life!

📜 Poem about Fixierung

Die Fixierung, stark und fest,
Hält Gedanken oft im Nest.
Mal hält sie Schrauben, fest im Bau,
Mal den Blick, so starr und grau.
Sie legt den Preis, den Kurs, die Zeit,
Macht Proben haltbar, für die Ewigkeit.
Ein Wort, viel Sinn, je nach dem Ort,
Die Fixierung, ein mächtig Wort.

Translation:
The fixation, strong and tight,
Often holds thoughts in its nest.
Sometimes it holds screws, firm in construction,
Sometimes the gaze, so stark and gray.
It sets the price, the rate, the time,
Makes samples durable, for eternity.
One word, much meaning, depending on the place,
Fixation, a powerful word.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich mache fest, ich halte still,
Ob Geist, ob Glied, wie man es will.
Im Labor brauchst du mich rein,
Im Kopf kann ich Besessenheit sein.
Der Preis durch mich wird festgepinnt,
Wie werd' ich flott genannt, mein Kind?

Translation:
I make things fast, I hold them still,
Whether mind or limb, as you will.
In the lab, you need me pure and clean,
In the head, I can be obsession keen.
The price through me is firmly pinned,
How am I quickly named, my friend?

Solution: die Fixierung (fixation)

🧩 Other Information

Word Formation: The word "Fixierung" is derived from the verb fixieren (to fix). The suffix -ung is used to form nouns from verbs, often describing the process or result of the action.

Internationality: The concept of 'fixation' (German: die Fixierung) is internationally common in many fields (psychology, chemistry, technology).