die  Hauptsache

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhaʊptsaxə/

🎯 What does "die Hauptsache" mean?

Die Hauptsache (feminine) refers to the most important aspect, the main point, or the essential part of a matter. It expresses what has priority or what ultimately counts.

It's frequently used in the phrase "Hauptsache, ..." (roughly: *"the main thing is...,"* or *"as long as..."*), expressing that a certain condition or result is the most important thing, even if other circumstances aren't ideal. Example: "Das Auto hat Kratzer, aber Hauptsache, es fährt." (*"The car has scratches, but the main thing is that it drives."*)

It can also be used as a noun to name the central topic or concern: "Kommen wir zur Hauptsache." (*"Let's get to the main point."*)

⚠️ Don't confuse it with 'the thing itself' (*die Sache selbst*); *Hauptsache* emphasizes the importance or priority.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Focus: Die Hauptsache

Hauptsache is a feminine noun and is mostly used in the singular, often in the nominative or accusative case.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

The plural *"die Hauptsachen"* (*the main things*) is quite rare, as it usually refers to the one most important point. If used, it's declined as follows:

💡 Application Examples

1. Die Hauptsache ist, dass alle gesund sind.
   (The main thing is that everyone is healthy.)
2. Konzentrieren wir uns auf die Hauptsache.
   (Let's concentrate on the main thing.)
3. Wegen der Hauptsache sind wir hier.
   (We are here because of the main issue. - slightly more formal)
4. Hauptsache, du bist glücklich!
   (The main thing is that you're happy! / As long as you're happy!)
5. Er erklärte die Hauptsachen des Projekts.
   (He explained the main points of the project. - rare)

💬 How to use "die Hauptsache"?

Die Hauptsache is a very common word in everyday German conversation. Here are typical use cases:

• Setting priorities: To clarify what is most important at the moment. "Erst die Arbeit, dann das Vergnügen – das ist nicht immer die Hauptsache." (*"Work first, then pleasure – that's not always the main thing."*)
• Reassurance / Relativizing: In the phrase *"Hauptsache, ..."*, to tune out minor issues and focus on the essential, often after a small mishap or in suboptimal conditions. "Der Kuchen ist etwas angebrannt, aber Hauptsache, er schmeckt." (*"The cake is a bit burnt, but the main thing is that it tastes good."*)
• Focusing discussions: To return to the core point. "Lass uns Nebensächlichkeiten beiseitelassen und zur Hauptsache kommen." (*"Let's put trivialities aside and get to the main point."*)
• Expressing needs/wishes: To emphasize the central concern. "Mir ist egal, wohin wir fahren. Hauptsache, wir haben Urlaub." (*"I don't care where we go. The main thing is that we have a vacation."*)

Compared to "das Wichtigste" (*the most important thing*), *"die Hauptsache"* is often more colloquial and emotional, especially in the phrase *"Hauptsache, ..."*. "Das Wesentliche" (*the essential*) sounds more formal and philosophical.

🧠 Mnemonics for Hauptsache

Article Mnemonic: Think of *"die Sache"* (*the thing/affair*). *Sache* is feminine. The most important *Sache*, the *Haupt*-Sache, is therefore also feminine: die Hauptsache.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a *head* (*Haupt*) sitting on top of an important *thing* (*Sache*). The *head* marks the most important part of the *thing*. *Haupt* + *Sache* = *die Hauptsache*, the main thing.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Words:

• Die Ursache: The cause, the reason (sounds slightly similar, but different meaning).
• Die Sache: General term for thing, matter, affair.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Mathematiker beim Picknick nur Brot dabei?

Er sagt: "Hauptsache, wir haben eine Grundlage!"

(Why did the mathematician only bring bread to the picnic?
He says: "The main thing (*Hauptsache*) is that we have a basis/foundation (*Grundlage*)!" - It's a pun, as Grundlage means basis/foundation in math and also a base layer for food.)

✍️ Poem about the Main Thing

Die Welt dreht sich, mal laut, mal leise,
vieles scheint wichtig auf der Reise.
Doch fragst du mich, was wirklich zählt,
ist's nicht das Geld, nicht Ruhm, nicht Welt.

Die Hauptsache, tief im Herzen rein,
ist Menschlichkeit und Dasein.
Gesundheit, Liebe, Freundesband –
das ist der wahre, feste Stand.

(The world turns, sometimes loud, sometimes quiet,
many things seem important on the journey.
But if you ask me what truly counts,
it's not money, not fame, not the world.)

(The main thing, deep and pure in the heart,
is humanity and being.
Health, love, bonds of friendship –
that is the true, firm stand.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin das, worauf es ankommt,
\auch wenn ringsum alles schwankt.
Ich bin der Kern, das A und O,
man sagt oft: "..., nur so!"

Was bin ich?

(I am what matters most,
even when everything around is tossed.
I am the core, the A and O,
people often say: "..., just so!")

(What am I?)

Solution: die Hauptsache (the main thing)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition

Hauptsache is a compound noun (Kompositum):

• Haupt-: Means 'main-', 'central-', 'head-' (like in *Hauptstadt* - capital city, *Hauptgang* - main course).
• Sache: Means 'thing', 'matter', 'issue'.

Together, the meaning is: the main matter, the central point.

Cultural Aspect

The frequent use of *"Hauptsache, ..."* sometimes reflects a pragmatic or essential-focused attitude in German culture, where achieving the core goal is more important than perfect circumstances.