zeug

Zeug is a German noun with several related meanings centered on objects and equipment. The core sense is a mass noun for “stuff” or “things,” used to refer to items in general or to a set of objects needed for a task. In everyday language it can refer to a wide range of tangible objects, as in phrases like Putzzeug (cleaning supplies) or Reisezeug (travel gear). In more formal writing, Zeug is often replaced by more precise terms such as Sachen, Gegenstände, Ausrüstung, or Gerätschaften, depending on the context.

In addition to its broad sense, Zeug appears in fixed expressions. The phrase das Zeug zum Profi means “to have what it takes to become a professional,” describing someone’s talent or suitability for a certain role.

Etymology and use: Zeug originates from Germanic roots related to tools and implements. Historically it denoted equipment or instruments and gradually broadened to refer to almost any tangible object or material. The word is neuter in German (das Zeug) and is typically used as a mass noun rather than in plural form.

Compounds: Zeug commonly forms compounds that denote objects or equipment, especially where the suffix conveys the notion of a thing or device. Notable examples include Werkzeug (tool), as well as various colloquial formations such as Putzzeug or Reisezeug to indicate related gear or supplies.

See also: Sachen, Gegenstände, Ausrüstung, Gerätschaften, Werkzeug. In spoken German, Zeug remains a casual term for “stuff,” and its exact sense depends on context and audience.