Sach

Sach is a component used in the German language as a stem or prefix to form words related to matter, subject, or object. It is not normally used as an independent noun in everyday speech; instead, Sache means “thing” or “matter,” and the form Sach- attaches to nouns to indicate the area or content under discussion. The prefix appears in a wide range of formal or specialized terms.

Etymology and usage

The root is derived from older Germanic words for “thing” or “matter.” In modern German, the productive prefix Sach- combines with other bases to produce terms that refer to the subject matter, facts, or handling of a matter. This makes it common in administrative, legal, academic, and technical vocabulary.

Representative words

- die Sachlage: state of affairs or situation.

- die Sachkunde: subject knowledge or expertise in a field.

- der Sachbearbeiter: clerk or official who handles cases or matters.

- die Sachlichkeit: objectivity or factuality; a neutral, matter-of-fact tone.

- der Sachverhalt: facts of the matter or situation.

- sachdienlich: relevant or useful to the case at hand.

- sachlich: objective or factual in tone or style.

Notes

The use of Sach as a prefix helps create precise terms for discussing specific subjects or aspects of a matter. While related nouns like Sache exist, Sach- usually appears in compound formations that denote domain, content, or handling rather than as a stand-alone word.