die
Nebensache
🧐 What Exactly is a Nebensache?
Die Nebensache is a German noun (feminine) that refers to a matter, detail, or aspect that is of minor importance compared to another, more important thing (die Hauptsache - the main thing). It's something that isn't the focus or doesn't have priority.
It's a compound word formed from 'neben' (next to, beside) and 'Sache' (thing, matter, affair).
The article is always die because the base word 'Sache' is feminine.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
📐 Grammar Under the Microscope: die Nebensache
The word 'Nebensache' is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Nebensache |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Nebensache |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Nebensache |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Nebensache |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Nebensachen |
| Genitive | der | Nebensachen |
| Dative | den | Nebensachen |
| Accusative | die | Nebensachen |
💡 Example Sentences
- Das Geld war für ihn nur eine Nebensache; die Erfahrung zählte mehr.
(For him, the money was just a side issue; the experience counted more.) - Konzentriere dich auf das Wichtige, Details sind erstmal Nebensache.
(Concentrate on what's important, details are a secondary matter for now.) - Bei dem Treffen wurden viele Nebensachen besprochen, aber nicht das Hauptproblem.
(Many side issues were discussed at the meeting, but not the main problem.) - Ob das Auto rot oder blau ist, ist doch reine Nebensache!
(Whether the car is red or blue is purely a minor detail!)
💬 How to Use 'Nebensache'?
The term 'Nebensache' is used to classify something as less important or irrelevant compared to something else.
- Typical Collocations: You often hear phrases like "etwas zur Nebensache erklären/machen" (to declare/make something a side issue) or "etwas wird zur Nebensache" (something becomes a side issue/loses importance).
- Context: The word appears in discussions about priorities, during planning, in personal conversations about values, or in reports where minor details need to be distinguished from the core messages.
- Contrast: The clear opposite is 'die Hauptsache' (the main thing). While die Hauptsache is the essential, most important part, die Nebensache is the accessory or non-essential element.
🧠 Mnemonics for Nebensache
Article Mnemonic: Remember 'die Sache' (the thing/matter). Every Sache is feminine, so the thing neben (next to) it is also feminine: die Nebensache.
Meaning Mnemonic: What stands 'neben' (next to/beside) the main 'Sache' (matter) isn't as important – just a Nebensache (side issue).
🔄 Similar and Different: Synonyms & Antonyms
Same Meaning (Synonyms)
- die Bagatelle: often used for a triviality, trifle.
- die Kleinigkeit: a small thing, something unimportant.
- die Randerscheinung: a marginal phenomenon, something peripheral.
- das Detail: Can be a Nebensache if unimportant, but not every detail is a Nebensache.
- die Lappalie: similar to Bagatelle, an insignificant matter.
Opposite Meaning (Antonyms)
- die Hauptsache: The main thing, the key point.
- die Priorität: A priority.
- das Wesentliche: The essential part.
- der Kernpunkt: The core issue, the central point.
⚠️ Caution: Words like 'Detail' can sometimes be important, so not every detail is automatically a Nebensache.
😂 A Little Joke
Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie Hobbys?"
Mitarbeiter: "Ja, ich sammle Witze über Chefs."
Chef: "Oh! Ähm... nun ja... hoffentlich ist das nur eine Nebensache?"
Mitarbeiter: "Nein, das ist meine Hauptsache nach Feierabend!"
Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Do you have any hobbies?"
Employee: "Yes, I collect jokes about bosses."
Boss: "Oh! Um... well... hopefully that's just a side issue?"
Employee: "No, that's my main activity after work!"
📜 A Poem about the Nebensache
Man hetzt und jagt, vergisst das Sein,
Was wichtig schien, ist plötzlich klein.
Der Stress, der Lärm, das laute Wort,
oft nur 'ne Nebensache, fort und fort.
Die Hauptsache, tief im Herzen klar,
ist Liebe, Glück, ganz wunderbar.
Der Rest? Ach, lass ihn ziehen,
als Nebensache, ungesehen.
Translation:
We rush and chase, forget our being,
What seemed important, now is fleeting.
The stress, the noise, the words so loud,
often just a side issue, in the crowd.
The main thing, clear within the heart,
is love, is joy, a work of art.
The rest? Ah, let it go its way,
a side issue, unseen today.
🧩 Little Riddle
Ich bin nicht wichtig, steh' am Rand,
hab' keinen Vorrang hier im Land.
Man schiebt mich gern beiseite,
bin oft nur Teil vom Streite.
Die Hauptsache, die geht stets vor,
ich klopfe leis' ans Seitentor.
Wie nennt man mich, sag an geschwind,
wenn Dinge nicht von Wichtigkeit sind?
(I'm not important, stand aside,
Have no priority, nowhere to hide.
I'm often pushed away with ease,
Just part of quarrels, if you please.
The main thing always takes the lead,
I gently knock, plant a small seed.
What am I called, please tell me fast,
When things aren't meant to truly last?)
Solution: die Nebensache (the side issue / minor matter)
🔍 Further Insights
Word Formation
The word 'Nebensache' is a Kompositum, a compound noun. It consists of:
- neben: preposition or adverb, meaning 'next to', 'beside', 'in addition to'.
- die Sache: noun, meaning 'thing', 'matter', 'affair', 'issue'.
Together, the meaning is: a thing/matter that stands 'neben' (beside) the main thing.
Cultural Context
In German culture, there is often an emphasis on efficiency and focusing on essentials. Therefore, distinguishing between the Hauptsache (main issue) and Nebensache (side issue) is relevant in many contexts (work, planning). Dismissing something as a 'Nebensache' can also be a way of putting things into perspective or setting priorities.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Nebensache?
The German word Nebensache is always feminine: die Nebensache. It refers to a matter or detail of lesser importance compared to the main issue (die Hauptsache).